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Background: The identification of differences in seasonality and chronotype may provide useful information regarding unipolar mania as a distinct entity. Therefore, the present study was planned to compare seasonality and chronotype in patients with unipolar mania and bipolar disorder. Method: A cross-sectional study included 60 euthymic outpatients, 30 affected by bipolar affective disorder (both manic and depressive episode) and 30 affected by unipolar mania (2 or more manic episodes). Seasonality and chronotype were evaluated by using the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ) and the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) scales. We used t and chi-square tests to compare groups. Results: Patients with bipolar disorder reported significantly higher seasonality as well as significantly higher problems associated with seasonal changes. The chronotype in majority of patients in both the groups was 'moderate morning', followed by 'intermediate'. Conclusion: Lower seasonality in unipolar mania supports its validity as a distinct entity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]