Why Autumn & Winter Are the Best Times to Get Tattooed

There’s never really a bad time to get a tattoo, but if you ask most artists, they’ll tell you autumn and winter are the sweet spot. The cooler months make healing easier, clothes are more forgiving, and you’re not battling the sun every time you step outside. Here’s why booking your next piece in the colder seasons just makes sense.

Healing Is Easier

Fresh tattoos and heat don’t mix. In summer, you’re dealing with sweat, UV rays, and higher chances of irritation - especially if you’re out and about. In autumn and winter, you’re naturally covered up more, which protects your tattoo from dirt and sunlight. Your skin also tends to stay drier and calmer, which means less risk of infection and better overall healing.

It’s also easier to keep things clean when you’re not sweating through your clothes every day. No sticky T-shirts, no risk of sunburn near a fresh tattoo. Just clean, cool healing - exactly what your skin needs.

Stay Out of the Sun (Without Even Trying)

Every artist says it: sunlight is the enemy of fresh tattoos. UV rays can fade ink fast, especially during the healing phase. In the colder months, you’re naturally spending more time indoors, and even when you do head out, you’re probably wearing long sleeves or layers. It’s the easiest way to protect your tattoo without having to think about it.

Come summer, your tattoo will already be healed and ready to show off - bright, crisp, and fully settled into your skin.

Comfort & Clothing

Loose, breathable layers are your best friend after getting tattooed. Luckily, that’s exactly how most people dress in autumn and winter anyway. Hoodies, jumpers, joggers - all soft and forgiving on healing skin. In summer, it’s much harder to avoid tight clothes or the temptation to show off a piece too soon, which can slow healing or cause irritation.

Cold weather just gives you the space (and excuse) to heal in peace.

Plan Ahead for Summer

Getting tattooed in winter also means you’re healed and ready when the warmer months roll around. No worrying about swimming, sun exposure, or missing beach days because your tattoo’s still healing. Instead, you’ll be fully healed and ready to enjoy summer with your new piece looking its best.

If you’ve been thinking about a larger project - like a sleeve or a blackout - starting in autumn or winter is ideal. It gives your artist more time for multiple sessions, and your skin more time to rest in between.

From all of us at Hand of Hope Tattoo, we’re here year-round - but if you’re thinking ahead, now’s a great time to book in. Your skin will thank you, your healing will be smoother, and by the time the sun’s back out, you’ll be showing off something new that looks exactly how it should.

📩 Ready to start your next tattoo? Drop us a message at hohtattoo@gmail.com - we’ll help you plan it out and get you booked in.