Summer changes a few things: hair dries faster, scents seem more noticeable and candles can behave differently too. They may burn faster, smell less intense or develop droplets on the surface. Warm weather can affect wax, so a few small adjustments help you enjoy your candle.
1. Heat affects wax before you light it
High temperatures soften soy, coconut and paraffin wax. In very hot conditions, fragrance oil may appear on the surface, often called “sweating”. Your candle may burn faster or less evenly, and its fragrance may seem stronger or weaker.
Tip: Store candles in a cool, shaded place, ideally at room temperature around 18-22°C. Avoid direct sunlight, hot shelves and the inside of a car.
2. Watch out for draughts and wind
A summer evening on the balcony or in the garden is a lovely time for candlelight, but moving air affects the flame. It can flicker, smoke, melt wax unevenly or cause tunnelling, leaving wax around the sides.
Tip: Keep indoor candles away from draughts. Outdoors, a suitable lantern or glass candle holder can help shield the flame. Always follow the candle's instructions and keep it attended.
3. Wick length matters, especially in hot weather
In warm conditions, the top layer of wax melts more quickly. A long wick can produce an oversized flame, making the candle burn too quickly or leave soot on the container.
Tip: Trim the wick to approximately 5mm before lighting, unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise.
4. Summer can change how you experience fragrance
Heat can make fragrance evaporate faster. Open windows carry it away, while flowers, barbecues and perfumes may compete with it. A scent may therefore seem stronger at one moment and less noticeable at another.
Never leave a candle in a hot car
A car's interior can become extremely hot in summer. Wax may soften, lose its shape, melt or spill.
Store your candles somewhere cool, protect them from draughts and keep their wicks trimmed. Their fragrance may feel a little different in summer, but it can still be a lovely part of the season.