Usually when the sponsored person is a male the process takes longer than a female person. (I am not sure if there is a research or statistics in this matter This is my personal opinion)
Also if there is a compulsary military service in the sponsored person's country this affects the waiting time for background check reasons. The other factors also important such as the type of the relationship, time of the relationship, previous visa refusals, other family members refusals, age difference between partners, lack of evidences, additional proofs and documents requests, etc.
Every application is unique. Please be patient, I hope every February applicant will get an answer from their visa offices before X-mas. I wish everyone good luck on their process..