My doc says that while many arthritis sufferers prefer the heat, there are those who just do better in the winter, especially the RA sufferers. Some speculate that all the allergens of summer can rev up the immune responses and flare up RA symptoms, so don't be confused if August ragweed season is also your stiffest month. Whatever the time of year, I found that determined movement everyday really helped. Maybe it was just 15 minutes on the treadmill, or once around the block on the old bike; it just helps.