What's a Hygge Summer?

David Newton

Jun 5, 2025

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Hygge Summer: Our Top 5 Essentials

Outdoor Cosy Spaces: Create inviting patios with lanterns, cushions, and blankets.
Nature Connection: Enjoy picnics, beach walks, and garden gatherings.
Simple Pleasures: Savour homemade lemonade, fresh fruit, and barbecues.
Slow Living: Unplug, read, and relax in the sun.
Togetherness: Host intimate dinners, bonfires, and sunset watching.

Hygge with its focus on cosiness, contentment, and enjoying life’s simple pleasures—is often associated with winter. Think roaring fires, chunky blankets, and steaming mugs of hot chocolate. But hygge isn’t just for cold weather. Summer offers plenty of opportunities to embrace the hygge lifestyle, from lazy outdoor evenings to fresh seasonal treats.

Here’s how to hygge in the heat and embrace the season’s warmth, light, and beauty.

1. Create an Outdoor Retreat

One of the simplest ways to enjoy this hygge season is by creating a cosy outdoor space where you can relax and unwind.

Comfortable Seating: Set up a nook on your patio, balcony, or garden with soft cushions, throw blankets (for cooler evenings), and a sturdy yet stylish chair or hammock.
Mood Lighting: Use fairy lights, lanterns, or candles to add a magical ambiance after the sun sets. Solar-powered string lights are eco-friendly and perfect for summer nights.
Natural Touches: Add potted plants, wildflowers, or a bowl of fresh fruit to bring nature’s beauty to your outdoor retreat.

2. Al Fresco Dining

Hygge celebrates the joy of food and connection, and summer is the perfect time to enjoy meals outdoors.

Picnics: Pack a basket with fresh bread, cheeses, seasonal fruits, and homemade lemonade. Lay out a cozy blanket in the park or your garden, and experience the simplicity of eating under the open sky.
Garden Gatherings: Host a casual BBQ or an intimate dinner party outdoors. Decorate with simple touches like a tablecloth, fresh flowers, and candles for a relaxed, hygge-inspired vibe.
Seasonal Treats: Incorporate summer flavours like strawberries, peaches, and mint into your meals. A homemade dessert, like a berry tart or elderflower ice cream, can add a sweet touch to your hygge moments.

3. Slow Down and listen to Nature

Summer is a time to reconnect with the natural world. Hygge encourages mindfulness and finding joy in life’s simple pleasures, and nature offers endless opportunities to do just that.

Take Evening Walks: As the day cools, stroll through your neighbourhood, a park, or the countryside. Pay attention to the sights, sounds, and smells around you—the golden glow of sunset, the rustle of leaves, and the fragrance of blooming flowers.
Go Barefoot: Feel the earth beneath your feet by walking barefoot on the grass or sand. It’s a simple, grounding practice that connects you to the moment.
Grow Something: Gardening, whether it’s planting flowers, herbs, or vegetables, is a deeply hygge activity. Watching your plants flourish is both calming and rewarding.

4. Practice Self-Care with a Summer Twist

Self-care is a core component of hygge, and in summer, it’s all about embracing lightness and rejuvenation.

Morning Rituals: Start your day with a peaceful ritual, like sipping coffee or tea on your balcony, journaling, or stretching in the morning sun.
Cool Comforts: Treat yourself to refreshing moments, like making your own iced tea or taking a dip in a local pool or lake.
Unplugged Time: Disconnect from screens and spend time reading, crafting, or simply relaxing in the shade with a cool drink.

5. Gather with Loved Ones

Hygge thrives on connection, and summer is the perfect season to enjoy time with family and friends.

Campfires and Storytelling: Gather around a fire pit or bonfire in the evening. Share stories, toast marshmallows, and enjoy the warmth and camaraderie.
Outdoor Games: Play simple games like badminton, croquet, or cards. The focus isn’t on winning but on having fun and making memories.
Movie Nights Under the Stars: Set up an outdoor projector and watch a film with blankets and snacks. It’s a cosy way to end a summer day.

6. Celebrate Seasonal Beauty

Summer is filled with sensory delights, and hygge is all about appreciating them fully.

Fresh Flowers: Display bouquets of wildflowers, sunflowers, or lavender in your home. Their colors and scents will brighten your space and mood.
Summer Scents: Use candles or essential oils with light, summery fragrances like citrus, mint, or coconut to create a refreshing atmosphere.
Natural Textures: Swap heavy winter blankets for lightweight linen throws, and use wicker or rattan touches to bring a breezy feel to your decor.

7. Enjoy Quiet Moments of Reflection

Summer hygge isn’t just about socialising; it’s also about slowing down and enjoying peaceful moments.

Sunset Watching: Take a few moments each evening to watch the sunset. Bring a blanket, a drink, and just sit quietly, soaking in the beauty.
Journaling: Reflect on what makes you happy about summer. Write down things you’re grateful for, or sketch the nature around you.
Meditation: Sit outside, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Let the warmth of the sun or the cool breeze anchor you in the present.

Final Thoughts

Hygge isn’t limited to winter—it’s a year-round philosophy that celebrates joy, connection, and the beauty of the everyday. In summer, hygge takes on a lighter, breezier feel, embracing outdoor living, fresh flavors, and moments of mindfulness.

By slowing down and savouring the season’s simple pleasures, you can bring the essence of hygge into your summer and create memories that warm your heart all year long.

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