How To Choose The Right Warm Weather Scent

In the words of the poet Nelly, it’s getting hot in here, or, well, out there. Are you thinking about what scents you’re wearing? Well ya should be. It’s Time to swap out heavier scents for something a little more seasonally appropriate. Think of it like changing out your wardrobe—you wouldn’t wear a flannel to a beach barbecue, so why rock a scent that screams “log cabin” when you’re chilling poolside? Warm weather calls for fresh, light, and breezy fragrances that won’t weigh you down. Here are a few protips to keep you smelling cool and fresh when the temps are anything but.

1. Keep It Light

Let’s start with the obvious: in the heat, less is more. Heavy scents with fragrances of musk, wood, leather and spice might make you feel like a rugged mountain man in the winter, but they’ll turn cloying and oppressive faster than a car with broken AC in July. For warm weather, stick with lighter notes like citrus, water/aquatic, and greens. These airy fragrances don’t just smell refreshing and energizing—they’re less likely to overwhelm when the temps are hot.

2. Citrus Is Your Best Friend

Nothing says summer like a crisp, zesty citrus scent. Lemon, bergamot, lime, and grapefruit are the olfactory equivalent of an ice-cold drink on a sweltering day. They don’t have to be sweet either, just think energizing, clean, and universally appealing. Whether you’re heading to a rooftop party or just moving through a regular work day, a citrus-forward cologne will keep you smelling like you’ve got your life together—even if you’re sweating buckets.

Bonus: Citrus scents tend to pair well with aquatic and herbal notes, so don’t be afraid to layer for a little extra complexity.

3. Go Ahead, Dive In

Water or aquatic scents as they’re known, are warm-weather staple for a reason. These fragrances mimic the freshness of ocean air and crisp mountain waterfalls, giving off a clean, breezy vibe that’s perfect for warm weather. Think of aquatic notes as the cologne equivalent of a dip in the pool—instant refreshment. Whether you’re stuck in the office or chilling on a boat, an aquatic cologne will help you channel vacation mode wherever you are.

4. Go Green and Herbal

Summer is prime time to explore green and herbal fragrances. Notes like mint, basil, sage, and vetiver bring a fresh, earthy edge to your scent game. They’re crisp and cooling, like a shady patch of grass on a scorching day. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile, pairing well with everything from citrus to aquatic scents and can even lighten up a woodsier scent making it much more warm-weather friendly.

5. Don’t Overdo It

Here’s a golden rule for warm weather scents: less is more. The air is heavy when it’s hot and heat amplifies fragrances, so a little goes a long way. No one wants to be the guy who smells like he showered in cologne. Stick to one or two spritzes on pulse points like your wrists or neck, and you’ll be good to go. If you need a midday refresh, opt for a light body spray or a quick splash of your cologne—but keep it minimal.

How to Make Your Summer Scent Last

Now that you’ve picked your warm-weather scent, let’s make it stick around:

• Moisturize First: Dry skin won’t hold fragrance as well, so make sure you stay moist.
• Target Pulse Points: Wrists, neck, and even your chest are great spots to apply cologne. These areas generate heat, which helps diffuse the scent throughout the day.
• Layer Strategically: Use complementary body washes or deodorants to build a subtle fragrance base.
• Store It Smart: Keep your cologne in a cool, dark place. Extreme heat can break down the fragrance, turning your crisp scent into something… less pleasant.

Warm Weather Scent Picks

Not sure where to start? Here are a few of our go-to warm weather Squatch scents.

Top Squatch Cool Fresh Aloe Bundle

Body Bundle Fresh Falls

Rainforest Rapids Bricc & Deodorant

Clean & Fresh Summer Citrus Bundle

Coconut Castaway Deodorant

The Bottom Line

Warm weather scents are all about keeping it fresh, clean, and effortlessly cool. Whether you’re into zesty citrus, ocean-inspired aquatics, or crisp herbal notes, the key is finding a fragrance that suits your vibe without overpowering the room. So lighten up, spray smart, and get ready to smell as cool as you look this summer.