While the national capital is somewhat short on snow, moose and steam rooms, the territory is decidedly Nordic when it comes to seasonal affective disorder.

And signs of mass winter depression are no more apparent than in the empty seats and tables of restaurants around the city during the cold months.

Dining out, it seems, plays second fiddle to heaters, pyjamas and extra doonas.

Bars and pubs also see significantly reduced trade, especially mid-week, and it must be said a glass of red by the home fire can be hard to beat.

Just as winter is the enemy of pinched-faced restaurateurs looking to pay the fruit and veg bill, spring and summer are redemption.

The transformation from a sluggish and sleepy town into a vibrant, buzzing cosmopolitan can be pinpointed almost to an exact event when the clocks spin forward, Canberra spins into action.

And there will be an extra month of fun in the sun this year, with daylight savings beginning today. New legislation, passed in July, brings Canberra into line with Tasmania, Victoria and NSW. Previously the ACT wound clocks forward on the last Sunday in October and back again on the last Sunday in March. Under the new arrangement daylight savings will end on the first Sunday in April next year.

Canberra is well placed to take full advantage of the extra sunlight hours, with a broad range of restaurants and bars offering that most delightful of dining options al fresco.

Northside, southside, lakeside. There is something for everyone, and we have compiled a tour of the best outdoor venues to while away the long days and perhaps, longer nights.

It is hard to beat the shores of Lake Burley Griffin for outdoor dining on a sunny day and Waters Edge, in Barton, is particularly picturesque. Newly purchased by James Mussillon of Courgette, Sabayon and previously Aubergine, Waters Edge is set in the square of Commonwealth Place on the main axis of Walter Burley Griffin's master design. Sweeping views of Lake Burley Griffin and panoramic scenes from Old Parliament House to the Australian War Memorial jostle for supremacy alongside an impressive European and Modern-Australian menu. Equally lovely and smart surrounds are to be found on the terrace of the National Museum of Australia, at Axis Restaurant. A stylish and contemporary space with intimate views across the Lake, the grill-style food is innovative and complemented by an intelligent use of seasonal produce. Parlour Wine Room, located in the Diamant Hotel complex, New Acton, is a hot contender for the title of the place to be this summer, with a tapas menu and wine list made for afternoon sojourns. The CBD has undergone a massive facelift over the past two years and the nearly completed construction will see this new dining hub placed perfectly for the big reveal. In one short strip, along Bunda Street, diners and revellers are spoilt for choice with Cream Cafe and Bar, old favourite Sammy's Kitchen, trendy noodle house Wagamama and coffee and pastry masters Babar. Each have cleverly designed and generous outdoor areas and the only problem apparent in this newly minted and eating and drinking mecca could be finding a table. Long-time members of the quality and affordable Canberra dining scene, Tosolini's, on London Circuit, is another hot spot for al fresco eating. Open all day and late into the evening Italian food was meant to be eaten like this.

And then there is Gus's Cafe where it all started.

More than 30 years ago, the outdoor cafe lifestyle was nowhere to be seen in Canberra. And it probably would have taken a lot longer to arrive had it not been for Gus Petersilka, who introduced the novel initiative to Canberra. Today, Gus's Cafe, on Bunda Street, is a landmark. It has been in Civic almost as long as Civic itself, opening in 1969 and was the first outdoor pavement cafe in Canberra. Established by Petersilka, who arrived in Canberra in 1962 after migrating to Australia from Austria in 1951, the beloved Gus had difficulties with introducing this new style of dining to Canberra because of politicians who opposed outdoor cafes. He persevered and the city remains in his debt.

The southside hamlets of Kingston and Manuka boast an almost embarrassment of riches of bars, cafes and restaurants, all geared to offer outdoor experiences.

Pangaea Restaurant and Bar, Verve, Bellucis and recently opened Zefferelli's straddle each side of Franklin Street, while in the middle sits Minque Bar and Nightclub an ideal location to soak up the sun and kick off the weekend. Slightly off street level in Manuka Plaza, Modern Turkish restaurant Mecca Bah has extended with a cute cabana style bar which is open late into the evening and often has live music.

Smart and stylish Artespresso, in Kingston, has individual balcony's and does a bustling brunch and lunch trade on the weekends, as well as a la carte during the week and at nights. Artespresso was recently awarded top marks in the ACT by foodie mag Gourmet Traveller. And if an ale or a cold wine is your preference Green Square, Kingston, is the place to head. Neighbouring beer gardens of The Holy Grail, The Durham and Filthy McFaddens combine for a festive village atmosphere.

In Pialligo, PodFood, owned by long-time Canberra chef Andrew Haskins, has an almost cult following. It is easy to see why. Open for breakfast and lunch Wednesday to Sunday, it is a unique setting among the established gardens at Pialligo Plant farm. A quaint 1930s cottage-turned restaurant and terraced gardens reflect the fresh and innovative ethos of the food found on the menu. Pockets of al fresco delights can be found right across the region. Suburban shopping centres have seen a renaissance of late, transforming uninspired concrete sprawls into mini-social hubs. The O'Connor, Ainslie, Campbell and Yarralumla shops are prime examples, blending cafes, restaurant, pubs and bars unobtrusively with the residential surrounds.

The trick to getting the best out of the al fresco lifestyle is no harder than taking a seat and watching the world go by.

A month extra of daylight savings is undoubtedly a good thing. But will it be enough?

Spin the clocks forward and go out and see.