The Best Scented Candles for Summer
Updated: May 26, 2022
Whether you prefer fresh florals, subtle scents or something in between, these are the best scented candles to burn all summer long.
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Homesick Beach Cottage
Salty ocean air and a quaint, homey cottage are the inspiration for this dreamy candle, featuring alluring notes of bergamot, sandalwood, sea air, amber and musk. It starts light and breezy and turns warmer and darker as it burns, just like the perfect summer day.
Why it made our list: This candle is bound to bring up fond memories of family vacations and weekend getaways in years past—and create the backdrop for creating new memories, too.
Agraria Golden Cassis Candle
For a more subtle, natural scent, this soy candle is an excellent choice. It has a warm, earthy scent that never overpowers your senses—plus, its holder is a gorgeous addition to any room all on its own.
Why it made our list: The candle’s jar is so pretty! You’ll want to give it another life as a flower vase, makeup brush holder or desk organizer.
Paddywax Matcha Tea + Bergamot
Begone, overwhelming, unsophisticated candles. This grown-up scent is unexpected and elegant, combining bergamot and pear with gardenia, cactus flower, matcha tea and bamboo for a creamy, clean burn.
Why it made our list: Paddywax candles combine unique fragrances to create something truly magical.
Bath & Body Works Endless Weekend
The summer never has to end with this fresh, soft scent. It brings a sweet mandarin, magnolia and coconut water aura that lingers without overpowering or crossing the line into oversweetness.
Why it made our list: The ombre sunset colors on this candle container perfectly evoke a carefree weekend vibe—and look pretty on a bookshelf or side table.
DW Home Grapefruit + Pomegranate
Invigorate your senses with this bright, fruity scented candle. Its zesty grapefruit, orange and pomelo-infused scent is loved by Taste of Home editors. Assistant editor Katie Bandurski says this one smells AMAZING!
Why it made our list: For only $17, this giant double wick candle gives you around 64 hours of burn time.
Scripted Fragrance Pet Collection Glass Candle
You can celebrate your furry friend with a candle that translates its unique traits and personality into an irresistible fragrance. With 36 breeds to choose from (including corgis, plus one for cats,) it’s easy to find your pet’s likeness. And don’t worry—none smell like wet dog.
Why it made our list: Each scented candle is available in two sizes, so you can try the smaller one before deciding whether you love it enough to upgrade to the larger size.
Boy Smells Slow Burn
Despite this cult-y candle company’s name, each of its scents are complex and unique and smell nothing like, well, boys. This candle was designed by country music star Kacey Musgraves with a dark, vibrant blend of incense, amber and tonka bean.
Why it made our list: Not only is this candle an irresistible burn, but we love its conceptual nature: It was designed to be burned while listening to Musgraves’ album “Golden Hour,” to engage multiple senses at once.
Homesick American Summer
Surround yourself with backyard barbecues and days spent at the pool with this summer-scented candle. It features notes of lemon, watermelon, peach and lime for a bright, juicy scent perfect for burning during the daytime.
Why it made our list: This candle is unapologetically fruity for a straightforward scent that you can feel confident about ordering without having previously smelled it.
Byredo Tree House
If you ever built a tree house as a kid (or dreamed of building one) you’ll instantly recognize this scent. It blends woody notes like cedar, bamboo and sandalwood with hay, spice and leather for an aroma that’s full of adventure.
Why it made our list: If you love the scent but don’t want to burn another candle, you can buy it in a room spray, too.
Bath & Body Works Tropical Island Bliss
Even if you can’t take a beach getaway, you can still fill your home with a tropical scent thanks to this candle. It’s made with a blend of pineapple, mango puree and toasted coconut shavings to transport you to a beachy state of mind, stat.
Why it made our list: This is a three-wick candle so it’ll burn evenly.
Lulu Candles Fresh Linen
Like the smell of air-dried laundry on a breezy summer day, this crisp, clear candle is instantly comforting. It’s a gentle and unobtrusive scent, so it’s suitable even for those with sensitive noses. Burn it in the bathroom, living room or laundry room for an instant refresh.
Why it made our list: This candle has one of the longest burn times out there, so you’ll get the most burn for a budget-friendly price.
Witchy Wicks Midnight Margaritas
Nothing says summer quite like a fresh-made margarita complete with a salted rim. This soy wax candle is the next best thing, blending lime with vanilla and sweet orange for a balanced, slightly unexpected scent that’s just like the real thing.
Why it made our list: All candles from Witchy Wicks are hand-poured and made to order, with plenty of fragrance to fill your room.
Diptyque Freesia Candle
Luxury lovers will appreciate this high-end candle, which manages to jar the exact scent of a bright, delicious bouquet of freesias, offset with a touch of pepper for added complexity. It’s a powerful floral scent for brightening up even the dreariest days.
Why it made our list: Diptyque candles make an excellent gift (or a self-care treat, we won’t tell) for their luxe scents and iconic jars.
