Why You’re Horny on Halloween, According to a Psychologist

Admit it: there’s something undeniably horny about Halloween. Whether you’re flaunting a sexy couples’ Halloween costume with your partner or getting an adrenaline rush from a haunted-house jump scare, there’s always a titillating allure in the air come Oct. 31.

But why do people feel the sudden urge to make out with anyone they run into at a corn maze? And why does wearing a costume make you feel so effortlessly hot? The answer may have everything to do with all the components that make Halloween, well, Halloween.

“Halloween can pique sexual interest for a few reasons,” clinical psychologist Lisa Lawless, PhD, says. Costumes are a big part of it, as they can “show off our sexual side” as well as “create a sense of anonymity,” Dr. Lawless explains.

There’s also “heightened emotions from fear-inducing experiences,” which can make your heart (and other regions) throb and pulse in the best of ways. Plus, there’s a general celebratory atmosphere that makes adults want to give “trick or treat” a whole new NSFW meaning.

All that to say, you’re not alone if Halloween makes you feel some type of way. Ahead, Dr. Lawless explains more about why people are so horny during this festive time.

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Lisa Lawless, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and CEO of Holistic Wisdom.

Why Are People So Horny on Halloween?

There are a few different reasons why Halloween makes people crave sex. The most obvious answer? The costumes.

Besides the fact that Halloween costumes can look sexier than your everyday attire because they can show off a lot of skin or be extra tight, “costumes allow people to adopt different personas, providing a sense of freedom from societal expectations and allowing them to be less self-conscious,” Dr. Lawless says.

Whether you go for a Barbie Halloween costume or a more classic costume idea like a devil, you take on a completely new identity for the night, and this kind of anonymity can also “create a sexually charged feeling that lowers inhibitions and increases confidence,” according to Dr. Lawless.

Let’s also not ignore the fact that dressing up in costume is pretty much the same thing as role-playing. Because when you’re in costume — whether role-playing during sex, or simply during Halloween — “it allows you to tap into new types of sex that your ‘real life’ self wouldn’t think about or feel comfortable asking for,” sex educator Searah Deysach previously told PS. In other words, you may feel more confident exploring a new kink, fetish, or sex position when it’s your alter ego in costume initiating it, not your “normal” self.

“When in costume, it allows you to tap into new types of sex that your ‘real life’ self wouldn’t think about or feel comfortable asking for.”

Another reason you might be horny: being scared is an aphrodisiac. “Thrill-inducing experiences, such as haunted houses or scary movies, can increase one’s heart rate and give an adrenaline rush. These physiological responses are similar to sexual arousal and can give people the sense that they are sexually excited, even if they are just scared,” Dr. Lawless says.

Cozy up with your partner or crush during the next thrill-seeking activity you do on Halloween, and you’ll see why this is a legitimate psychological response.

Last but not least, the “holiday” part of Halloween makes people excited and want to celebrate by indulging in candy, booze, and, of course, sex. As Dr. Lawless explains, “Because Halloween promotes a playful atmosphere where social rules may feel less restrictive, it can make things feel more exciting and encourage sexual expression.”

Indeed, Halloween is typically a night where you can be whoever you want and act however you want (within reason, of course). And one common way many people like to celebrate when they feel happy and confident? Sex.

In the end, whether it’s Halloween’s costumes, thrill, or liberating atmosphere, there’s no denying how horny it is. But always remember that no matter the occasion, consent and communication are essential for all types of sex — whether you’re in costume or not.

Taylor Andrews (she/her) is the balance editor at PS, specializing in topics relating to sex, relationships, dating, sexual health, mental health, travel, and more. With seven years of editorial experience, Taylor has a strong background in content creation and storytelling. Prior to joining PS in 2021, she worked at Cosmopolitan.