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Kissing worldwide: What's the average age for the first kiss?

Are you older or younger than the average teen to first kiss? Find out in this article!

Author picture of James Mendoza
Dating Expert James Mendoza June 6, 2023 • 7 minutes read
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Kissing is a timeless expression of love, desire, and affection that has captivated hearts throughout history. From the gentle brush of lips to the fiery embrace of passion, it is an art form that transcends words.

But hold on, when does the average person take that thrilling leap into the world of kissing? In this article, we’ll unravel the mysteries surrounding the timing of that magical first kiss.

What’s the average age for the first kiss?

What's the average age for the first kiss?

Kissing someone for the first time can be nerve-wracking, but it’s also exciting! You want to ensure you do it right and that the other person enjoys it. So, what’s the average age for the first kiss?

There’s no definitive answer to this question. It depends on a variety of factors, including your culture and where you live. But in general, though, most people kiss for the first time when they’re teenagers.

Kissing around the world

Kissing customs vary from country to country. In some places, it’s common for people of all ages to kiss on the cheek as a sign of respect or friendship. But in other countries, such as India, first kisses usually only occur between married couples.

So it’s no wonder that in countries where kisses on the cheek are more common, the average age for first kisses is lower than in countries where a first kiss is more intimate. Let’s go through different regions of the world to see what the average age for a first kiss is.

1. The average age for the first kiss in the United States

1. The average age for the first kiss in the United States

Teenagers in the United States typically kiss for the first time at around age 15. But this number varies widely depending on your gender and where you live.

Girls in the South typically kiss earlier than boys in the North. And rural teens often kiss later than their suburban and city counterparts.

2. The average age for the first kiss in the United Kingdom

The average age for a first kiss in the United Kingdom is 16. This number is consistent across genders and regions of the country.

But it’s worth noting that U.K. teens are becoming more daring regarding kissing. A 2017 study found that nearly half of British teenagers had kissed someone they weren’t attracted to, just to see what it was like. So the average age for a first kiss is likely to keep getting lower!

3. The average kiss age for the first kiss in France

3. The average kiss age for the first kiss in France

In France, the average age for a first kiss is between 13 and 14. Again, this varies depending on your gender and region of the country. But it’s generally younger than in the U.S. or the U.K.

One reason for this may be that France has a strong kissing culture. It’s considered to be a very intimate gesture.

4. The average age for the first kiss in Germany

German teenagers typically kiss for the first time at around 16 years old. This aligns with the average age for the first kiss in most of Europe.

But it’s worth noting that there is a lot of variation when it comes to kissing in Germany. Some people may kiss much earlier or later than 16.

5. The average age for the first kiss in Japan

5. The average age for the first kiss in Japan

In Japan, the average age for a first kiss is between 18 and 19. This is significantly later than in other parts of the world.

One reason for this may be that kissing is seen as a very serious act in Japan. It’s often saved for after you’ve been in a relationship for a while. And Japanese people are also known to be a bit shy and cautious when it comes to intimacy.

Japanese women also typically kiss later than men. The average age for a first kiss is 20 for women, compared to 17 for men.

6. The average age for the first kiss in India

In India, the average age for a first kiss is around 22. This is a lot later than in other parts of the world.

This might be due to the fact that kissing is seen as a highly significant act in India. It’s often saved for after you’ve been in a relationship for a long time and when you’re ready to take things to the next level.

7. The average age for the first kiss in Thailand

In Thailand, the average age for a first kiss is 11 years old. This may be because Thai culture puts a lot of emphasis on physical contact. For example, people in Thailand often greet each other with a hug or a kiss on the cheek.

So it’s not surprising that Thai children start kissing at a young age. In fact, many of them have had their first kiss before they even reach middle school!

8. The average age for the first kiss in Russia

8. The average age for the first kiss in Russia

In Russia, the average age for a teenager’s first kiss is 16 years old. This is in line with the mean age for a teen’s first kiss across much of Europe.

But Russian men typically kiss much earlier than Russian women. The average age for a Russian man’s first kiss is 14, while the average age for a Russian woman’s first kiss is 17.

9. The average age for the first kiss in Scandinavia

In Scandinavia, the average age for a first kiss is about 17 years old. This varies depending on your gender and country, but it’s generally later than in other parts of the world.

One reason for this may be that Scandinavian culture is quite conservative when it comes to intimacy. Kissing isn’t seen as a casual act like it is in some other parts of the world. It’s considered to be a very intimate gesture that should only be shared with someone you’re serious about.

10. The average age for the first kiss in Australia

10. The average age for the first kiss in Australia

Australians typically kiss for the first time at around 18 years old. This is in line with the global average. But Australian women kiss later than Australian men. The average age for an Australian woman’s first kiss is 19, while the average age for an Australian man’s first kiss is 17.

This may be because Australian culture is quite liberal when it comes to sex and intimacy. Kissing isn’t seen as a big deal, and people are free to experiment and explore.

11. The average kiss age for the first kiss in South America

In South America, there is a lot of variation when it comes to the average age for a first kiss. Some countries, like Chile, have an average age of around 17 years old. Others, like Brazil, have an average age of around 20 years old. One thing that all South American countries have in common is that the average age for a woman’s first kiss is older than the average age for a man’s first kiss. The average age for a woman’s first kiss is typically around 21, while the average age for a man’s first kiss is around 18.

The meaning of a first kiss

The meaning of a first kiss

A first kiss can mean different things to different people. For some, it is a way to show that they’re attracted to the other person. But for others, it may be a sign of deeper feelings.

If you’re thinking about kissing someone for the first time, it’s important to think about what the kiss means to you and whether you’re ready for it. If you’re not sure, it’s best to wait until you are.

Kissing is a very personal act, and it’s important to make sure that both you and your partner are ready for it. If you’re not sure, talk to your partner about it and see what they think.

So, what’s the average age for the first kiss? It depends on your culture and where you live. But in general, most people kiss for the first time when they’re teenagers. Before you start thinking about kissing, make sure to check out our date ideas for teenagers to get into the right mood!


Kissing for dummies: A comprehensive list of books you should read

To be a great kisser, you need to know what you're doing. That's why we've put together this list of books that can help you perfect its art. With these titles, you'll learn how to make any kiss unforgettable.

  1. The Art of Kissing
  2. Kissing: The Best Tips, Techniques and Advice
  3. Kissing: A Field Guide
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Dating Expert

James Mendoza

James Mendoza is a freelance writer who specializes in writing about relationships, marriage, and living happily as a single. After getting through two divorces and being cheated …

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