SEX FILES: Sun’s out, buns out: Why is everyone fantasizing about outdoor sex?

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In 1968, the Beatles famously asked, “Why don’t we do it in the road?” Paul McCartney wrote the song after observing two monkeys shamelessly getting it on in the middle of a road in India. More than 50 years later, it seems the urge to get freaky in public hasn’t cooled off – in fact, it’s heating up. 

According to a new survey by Flure, the first “explorationship” app, public sex remains the most common fantasy, with 50% of adults admitting they crave the risky thrill of getting it on without getting caught. This summer, as temperatures rise, so do the search trends: Flure reports that Google searches for “is public sex legal” have surged by 249%, as people look to turn up the heat and potentially take their sex life into the great outdoors.  

However, consider a few things before you take your pants off (unlike the Beatles fantasy, someone could be watching).  

First, the sexual spike in springtime has biological roots. “Because of increased vitamin D production from the sunshine and increased physical activity from the higher temperatures, people will produce more of the endorphin serotonin, which can put someone in the mood for many fun activities including sex,” says Suzannah Weiss, resident sexologist forFleshy and author of Eve’s Blessing: Uncovering the Lost Pleasure Behind Female Pain. Longer days can also make you feel more energized and in the mood for sex.  

When it comes to the fantasy of public sex, Weiss says the fear of getting caught triggers adrenaline. “The whole body experiences an excitation response, and blood flow increases, including to the genitals,” she says.  

Carol Queen, Good Vibes staff sexologist and author of the book Exhibitionism for the Shy, agrees. “Winter is not kind to exhibitionists!” she jokes. We’re going out more and wearing fewer clothes; the desire to be seen – or almost seen – ramps up. As Queen shares, “For some, flouting taboos is extremely exciting, and this IS taboo for so many,” explains Queen.  

Still, there are ethical and legal concerns. “It is generally illegal in the U.S. and Canada to expose your genitals in public, though specific penalties vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction,” says Weiss. Instead, Weiss says, “If it turns you on to be watched having sex, I would recommend attending a sex club, swingers’ party, clothing-optional resort, or other private setting where sex in front of others is permitted.”  

Queen echoes that sentiment. “You can’t get consent from a whole parkful of people enjoying a sunny day. Was it Queen Victoria who quipped about doing it in the street and frightening the horses? Don’t frighten the horses — it’s unethical and keeps public play illegal!” 

It’s also worth noting that just because nudity is allowed, for example, at a nude beach, doesn’t mean public sex acts are. “If you haven’t chosen an acceptable place for this, a citation could result —sometimes even a sex offender registry. It’s worth doing some homework!” says Queen.  

Fortunately, there are creative ways to explore exhibitionism without breaking any laws. Anna Richards, founder and producer ofFrolicme.com, suggests semi-private scenarios, like a parked car or playing with a remote-controlled vibrator. She adds, “You can have sex by a window in your own home, as you’re unlikely to get reported to the police just for this, especially if you live in a high-up place where there won’t be many onlookers.”  

No floor-to-ceiling windows? No problem. “You can rent an Airbnb that has a private deck with an outdoor jacuzzi and enjoy some sexy times there, with the wind blowing on both your bodies and the possibility of the neighbours hearing what a good time you are having,” suggests Richards.  

Recording videos of yourself to share with your partner can also be a fun way to scratch the exhibitionism itch. Richards says, “One fun thing to do is to create an OnlyFans just for your partner, though it’s possible others could find it and subscribe. That may also be part of the thrill for you.”  

Lastly, don’t discount role-play. Queen says acting out a scenario with your partner in private is a great way to test the waters (“Don’t look now, but I think those people over there can see us!”) 

Ultimately, no one wants to get caught with their pants down – literally or figuratively. Engaging in sexy role play allows you to get on the same page and decide what you want from the experience before going public.