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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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.
The Best Summer Candle Scents
- Trudon Summer Haze Candle
- Nest Fragrances Sunlit Yuzu and Neroli 3-Wick Candle
- Carrière Frères Siracusa Lemon Candle
- Glasshouse Fragrances Perfect Palm Springs
- Byredo Summer Rain Candle
- Maison Francis Kurkdjian La Trouverie Scented Candle
- Flamingo Estate Adriatic Muscatel Sage Candle
- Lafco Paloma Melon
- Aerin L'Ansecoy Orange Blossom Candle
- Apotheke x The Peach Truck Classic Candle
- Voluspa Wildflowers Classic Candle
- The White Company Sea Salt Signature Candle
- Anecdote Candles Pool Party
- Aromatique White Amaryllis and Rosemary Cube Glass Candle
- Carrière Frères Waterlily
- Diptyque Paris Geranium Rosa Candle
- Nette Pearl Dust Scented Candle
- Jo Malone London Grapefruit Scented Candle
- Trudon De Oro Candle
- Skandinavisk Regn Scented Candle
- Le Labo Petit Grain 21 Classic Candle
- Aerangis No. 50 Soiree Noire
- Otherland Melonspell Candle
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.