Why Your Upstairs Neighbor Sounds Louder in Winter (And How to Cope)

Factor 1: The 'Cabin Fever' Effect

The most obvious reason is lifestyle change. In the summer, kids play at the park, adults go for walks, and social lives happen on patios. In the winter, all that activity moves indoors.

The energy that used to be burned off outside is now being expended on the floor above your head. Indoor workouts, kids running down hallways, and holiday guests all contribute to a sharp increase in footsteps and dropped items.

Factor 2: Footwear Changes

In warmer months, people might walk around in soft sandals or bare feet. In winter, even indoors, people are more likely to wear:

• Hard-soled slippers: To keep warm.
• Boots: If they forget to take them off immediately at the door.
• Heavier shoes: Generally, winter footwear is clunkier and heavier than summer shoes, creating louder thuds with every step.

Factor 3: The Science of Winter Sound

Believe it or not, the building itself changes. Cold air is denser than warm air, which can slightly alter how sound waves travel, though this is more relevant outdoors. More significantly, humidity levels drop indoors in winter due to heating. Wood materials (like floor joists and subfloors) contract in dry air, potentially opening small gaps or making the structure slightly more rigid and prone to vibration transmission.

What Can You Do?

Since you can't control the weather or your neighbor's need to stay warm, focus on mitigation:

• The Rug Request: If you're friendly with your neighbor, this is the time to politely remind them about the building's rug rules. "Hey, with everyone inside more, the sound is really carrying. Do you guys have area rugs in the main rooms?"
• White Noise: Because winter nights are quieter outside (windows are closed, less street traffic), indoor noises seem louder by contrast. Running a fan or white noise machine raises the ambient floor, making the thuds less startling.
• Check the Lease: Most leases have an "80% floor covering" rule. If the noise is unbearable, you can ask your landlord to perform an inspection to ensure the upstairs unit is properly carpeted for the season.

The Takeaway

Winter noise is often a result of circumstance rather than malice. Recognizing that your neighbors are just trying to stay warm and active inside can help you approach the situation with more patience—and a more strategic plan for relief.