"When the 3 p.m. slump hits, some people reach for another cup of coffee or take a walk around the block. Me? I light a candle. Something about switching up the room’s scent just instantly perks me up. But on one such occasion recently, I reached into my candle stash only to realize that all of my options were decidedly not summer-appropriate. At some point last year, I must have burned through my last summer candles, leaving me with a lot of evergreen and spiced citrus scents that are just not the vibe when the sun is shining and the temperature outside is 80+ degrees.
In desperate need of a fresh supply of summer candles, I asked my fellow editors here at The Everygirl to weigh in with their summertime favorites, and they truly came through. Whether you want your home to smell like a citrus grove off the Almafi Coast or a breezy seaside retreat, these editor-favorite summer candles deliver. Add one (or several) of these to your cart and thank me later when your whole house smells like vacation.
The Best Summer Candles to Burn This Season
The first time I smelled this candle, I walked into Magnolia Press and knew I had to hunt down the source. I bought the largest size possible and immediately took it home to burn. When my husband came home from work that day, before even greeting me, he commented on how amazing our house smelled. You know it’s good when the husband notices. This is a candle for candle lovers: It’s a powerful statement scent that has a strong throw—within a few minutes of burning, I can smell it in every corner of my home. It’s a little pricier, but I love that even after I’ve blown it out, the fragrance lingers for hours so I know I’m getting my money’s worth. Just go ahead and spring for the giant size: you’re going to want it.
–Allyson, Editor-in-Chief
No matter what my travel plans are, I want my space to smell like I’m lounging by the beach. More specifically, like I’m lounging at a seaside luxury resort with a piña colada in my hand. This Maison Margiela candle transports me to my summer fantasy without the price of a plane ticket or hotel, and I’m absolutely obsessed.
–Lauren, Editorial Intern
This candle smells just like my childhood growing up by the beach. It gives that perfect sweet and salty blend of sea air with a touch of cashmere. It is the perfect way to make your space feel like you’ve just thrown open your windows by the sea.
–Ally, Chief of Sales
For me, the summer months are an excuse to make everything in my house smell like a bouquet of lavender with this gorgeous Ojai lavender scent from P.F. Candle Co. It’s the perfect way to feel cozy in the summer without too much heaviness or sweetness.
–Emma, Editorial and Podcast Assistant
If quiet luxury was a candle, it would smell like this. The scent makes it feel like you’re walking through Yolanda Hadid’s lemon orchard in Malibu. If that housewife reference is too specific for you, just know it smells rich, fresh, and clean without being too overpowering. It also has a great throw so even though it’s not incredibly large, you’ll smell it in way beyond the room it’s burning in.
–Allyson, Editor-in-Chief
If there’s one summer candle you buy this season, make sure it’s this one. I’m not one to lean towards lemon-y scents, but this candle smells as if you’re walking through a grove of lemon trees while a soft breeze is blowing. It’s subtle, yet still sweet, and even emits its fresh aroma when unlit.
–Bella, Associate Commerce Editor
Call me basic, but it’s popular for a reason. Every spring and summer, I add a Capri Blue Volcano candle back into my rotation, and it adds such a fresh touch to my apartment year after year. With notes of tropical fruits, sugared oranges, lemons, limes, and mountain greens, it’ll make your home smell like an Anthropologie store in little to no time at all.
–Ashley, Branded Content Managing Editor
I am typically a vanilla-year-round type of girl (like I know it’s 90 degrees outside, but I want my home to smell like Christmas, OK?), but on those gorgeous summer evenings when I want to DIY an Aperol spritz and sit on my balcony, this candle is my go-to. It’s citrus-esque, so it’s subtly refreshing (kind of like the cleanest, freshest laundry) but not at all an artificial creamsicle scent like you might find in Bath & Body Works lotions (no offense to Bath & Body Works because I love you, too). It’s overall floral, fresh, and reminds me of summer. Plus, the vessel is so chic I want to leave it out even when it’s not lit, and it can be repurposed as pretty summer decor.
–Josie, Wellness Editor and Podcast Host
This candle smells like all the best parts of your favorite summer adventures packed up in a perfect eight ounces. With notes of desert lavender and sage, this candle lights up the whole room in relaxing summer vibes. Oh, and did I mention it has a wood wick?
–Bella, Associate Commerce Editor
Call me basic, but I’ll never grow out of my love for a classic Bath & Body Works 3-wick candle. They’re always on sale, they last a long time, and the scent power is unmatched… what’s not to love?! During the summer, my absolute favorite is Champagne Toast. It’s fruity, light, and reminds me of sipping a spritzer by the pool.
–Jess, Commerce Editor for The Everymom
There’s nothing more summery to me than the smell of California eucalyptus, and this candle is my ultimate “treat myself” product. I place it next to my bed and light it up at night so my room smells like a spa.
–Cassie, Social Media Editor
No matter the season, I’m a sucker for a vanilla candle, but the addition of sea salt makes this one feel more summery (let me have this, OK!). The wooden wick on these makes them crackle so it’s safe to say it pulls its weight in the ambience department. Truly the perfect accompaniment for a cozy summer night with a slight breeze and a good book.
–Abi, Social Media Assistant
For my bougier moments, I can always rely on a Voluspa candle. While all of their scents are delightful, I’ve been especially loving Panjore Lychee for the summertime. It’s fruity, citrusy, refreshing, and light—which is exactly the vibe I want my home to give off in the summer months. I especially love burning this one in my kitchen.
–Jess, Commerce Editor for The Everymom
Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Jessica has been at The Everygirl since 2022, covering all things home, travel, food, hobbies, and more. She edits all lifestyle content, writes in-depth features, and curates the direction of the living section. Jessica’s true passion—and much of her expertise—lies in interior design and decorating. Before joining The Everygirl, she worked as the digital assistant home editor for Better Homes & Gardens.