The Scented Candles That Capture the Essence of Summer

It’s time to light up a summery votive to usher in the sunniest time of year.

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collection of candles

If you ask a group of people to describe the scent of summer, you're going to get different replies. Some might say salty air or the ocean breeze, while others may associate the season with blooming flowers or fresh-cut herbs, or perhaps zesty citrus and lush greenery. Fragrance is personal, but no matter what bouquet you prefer, a luxurious scented candle is a perfect way to bring that summery feeling into your home.

A summer scented candle instantly transforms the atmosphere; it’s an easy and effortless way to update your home for the season. You can also opt for different scented candles depending on your mood; you might want a more uplifting, sunny scent during the daytime, and then light up a soft woodsy or amber-focused bougie for a dinner party or cozy evening at home—there's more to summer nights than citronella, after all.

There’s an elegant summer scent out there for every perfume preference, whether you’re into floral, fruity, woodsy, herbal, citrus or anything in between. Below, see the best scents to light up this season—you're sure to find your new favorite candle here.

Trudon Summer Haze Candle

Part of Trudon's Lost in a Moment collection, this very appropriately-dubbed candle is a limited edition confection from perfumer Alexandra Carlin. It appeals to the gourmand lovers and fruity connoisseurs, starting with base notes of tonka bean, musk and patchouli (those gourmand hints), followed by geranium, rose absolute, lily of the valley and, finally, a macaroon red fruit accord. The bright pink vessel is just the cherry on top.

$140, shop now

Trudon. Trudon

Nest Fragrances Sunlit Yuzu and Neroli 3-Wick Candle

Nest's citrus-centered candle highlights notes of sunlit yuzi, mandarin and neroli blossom—light it up and you'll immediately be transported to a warm summer day.

$78, SHOP NOW

Nest Fragrances. Nest

Carrière Frères Siracusa Lemon Candle

More complex than the classic lemon scent, this Siracusa Lemon candle is even more fragrant, with a fresh, tangy bouquet that's perfect to light up on a hot summer evening.

$69, shop now

Carrière Frères. Carrière Frères

Glasshouse Fragrances Perfect Palm Springs

Get into the summery mindset with this dreamy glass jar candle, inspired by the desert heat of Palm Springs. The two-wick candle exudes an aroma of bergamot, mint and anise, plus white tea, fig and lily of the valley, with base notes of woods and musk.

$55, SHOP NOW

Glasshouse Fragrances. Glasshouse Fragrances

Byredo Summer Rain Candle

Just the name of this luxury candle is enough to get it on our summer wish list, but the combination of scents is even more enticing—basil, spearmint, ginger, sandalwood and tonka beans. We can already feel the summer drizzle.

$95, SHOP NOW

Byredo. Byredo

Maison Francis Kurkdjian La Trouverie Scented Candle

This luxe candle is inspired by perfumer Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s childhood in the French countryside, which comes through thanks to the warm and nostalgic amalgam of lavender, thyme and rosemary.

$95, SHOP NOW

Maison Francis Kurkdjian. Maison Francis Kurkdjian.

Flamingo Estate Adriatic Muscatel Sage Candle

Usher in the new season in the most fitting way—sage is believed to be cleansing, so bring on the fresh starts with this candle that brings to mind the feeling of a fresh sea breeze.

$60, SHOP NOW

Flamingo Estate Adriatic Muscatel Sage Candle Flamingo Estate

Lafco Paloma Melon

Lafco's essential oil-based fragrance is fresh and fruity for summer. Bright yet complex, it features a combination of rosemary, casaba melon, cantaloupe and lime.

$75, SHOP NOW

Lafco. Lafco.

Aerin L'Ansecoy Orange Blossom Candle

There's something about orange blossom that's so elegant and refreshing. Inspired by the laid-back feel of the Caribbean island of Mustique, this Aerin candle is centered around the orange blossom, accented by a touch of cedar and citrus.

$125, SHOP NOW

Aerin. Aerin

Apotheke x The Peach Truck Classic Candle

Get in the mood for peach season with this delectable candle, which is inspired by all things summer fruit. Made with a soy wax blend and essential fragrance oils, it gives off an aroma of peaches, bergamot, jasmine, cedarwood and amber.

$46, SHOP NOW

Apotheke. Apotheke

Voluspa Wildflowers Classic Candle

Voluspa's hand-poured candle will fill your home with the aroma of a bouquet of wildflowers, golden poppy and herbs, complemented by a touch of citrus and blue agave. It's like walking through a field of blooming wildflowers, but without any allergies.

$38, SHOP NOW

Voluspa. Voluspa.

The White Company Sea Salt Signature Candle

If you've been dreaming of beach days since the darkest parts of winter, make sure you can always feel like you're frolicking by the ocean with this sea salt votive, with additional hints of oakmoss and cedarwood.

$42, SHOP NOW

The White Company. The White Company.

Anecdote Candles Pool Party

Just read the label to get an idea of what this candle smells like—a summer pool party, of course. Mandarin, coconut and lemon create a sunny brightness, while the apple blossom and freesia balance it out, as well as an almost gourmand-like vanilla orchid.

$26, shop now

Anecdote Candles. Anecdote Candles

Aromatique White Amaryllis and Rosemary Cube Glass Candle

For a citrusy, almost spicy summer vibe, try this candle, which features notes of lemon, rosemary and ginger with more unexpected hints of oak moss and cardamom.

$30, SHOP NOW

Aromatique. Aromatique.

Carrière Frères Waterlily

Carrière Frères’s special candle collection with the Paris National Museum of Natural History is perfect for summer. This waterlily candle is both floral and fruity, and it comes in a gorgeous vessel that adds a pop of color to your home decor atmosphere.

$85, SHOP NOW

Carrière Frères. Carrière Frères.

Diptyque Paris Geranium Rosa Candle

You simply can’t go wrong with anything from Diptyque, and why the signature Baies is nice and all, why not wade your toes into something new for the season? This summer, try out the French fragrance house’s rose geranium candle—it could easily become your new favorite scent for the season.

$76, SHOP NOW

Diptyque. Diptyque.

Nette Pearl Dust Scented Candle

Nette’s hand-poured, coconut and soy wax candle embodies the best parts of the height of summer; it will perfume the room with a mixture of white musk, amber and orris.

$82, SHOP NOW

Nette. Nette.

Jo Malone London Grapefruit Scented Candle

For a fresh, bright and downright zesty summertime candle scent, try Jo Malone's classic grapefruit bougie. Crafted in the British countryside, this fragrance is simple yet enticing, for a modern, natural and fruity aroma.

$82, SHOP NOW

Jo Malone London. Jo Malone

Trudon De Oro Candle

Trudon’s limited edition De Oro votive is all about the Mediterranean, because even if you can't spend your summer jet-setting, at least you can make your home smell like vacation—and you don't even need to pull out your passport. The Oro candle is focused on all things bergamot and orange blossom, even down to the sunny orange-yellow color.

$140, SHOP NOW

Trudon. Trudon

Skandinavisk Regn Scented Candle

For a more unexpected scent than the usual fruity florals this heady season, try this candle that’s inspired by those quick summer storms—think damp grass and peonies.

$49, SHOP NOW

Skandinavisk. Skandinavisk.

Le Labo Petit Grain 21 Classic Candle

Put away the Santal and expand your horizons with Le Labo's other scents, like Petit Grain 21. Hand-poured with potent fragrance oils, it's an intoxicating scent of bergamot, orange blossom and delicate white florals.

$87, SHOP NOW

Le Labo. Le Labo

Aerangis No. 50 Soiree Noire

Aerangis’ votive is a unique mixture of a wood and floral scent along with musk, for those that prefer a headier bouquet, even in the warm months. The cashmere wood and musk are offset by cassis and lemon, for a bright yet warm aroma.

$78, SHOP NOW

Aerangis. Aerangis.

Otherland Melonspell Candle

Those that can’t get enough of fruity medleys won’t be able to resist this juicy watermelon, cucumber dew and palo santo-focused coconut and soy candle, which also has a 50-hour burn time.

$20, SHOP NOW

Otherland. Otherland.

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