Does the cold have a smell? The reason behind that distinct scent explained

Ever ventured out early on a chilly morning and felt like the air just smelled different?

It’s not just your imagination, but it doesn’t quite mean that cold has its own distinct scent either.

The explanation can be found in science.

Scents travel in the air through molecules that come from the ground, plants, food, or even from the city itself. As the temperature drops, these molecules move more slowly and evaporate less–which means there are less of them in your nose. That’s why familiar aromas seem weaker or even disappear.

Your body’s reaction to the cold also plays a role. Cold, dry air causes the blood vessels inside your nose to constrict and the respiratory passages to lose moisture. This diminishes your sense of smell and alters how you perceive scents.

The environment adds yet another layer. On cold nights, there’s less activity from plants and soil, reduced humidity and fewer particles in the air. All these factors contribute to air that feels cleaner, fresher and lacking more pronounced smells.

So while the cold doesn’t have a “smell” of its own, it does impact how you experience the world. It’s a blend of physics, biology and perception that explains why those cold mornings feel different even before the sun comes up.

This story was translated from Spanish with the help of a generative artificial intelligence tool. An NBC digital editor reviewed the translation.