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16 Best Summer Fragrances and Perfumes for Men
Summer is about long days and nights, and with the best summer fragrances and perfumes for men at your disposal, you’ll be staying sharp and smelling fine the whole time. Before deciding on which to pickup please be advised, that men’s fragrances mix with the body’s natural oils to achieve their intended scent, so don’t count on these products to mask your sweaty odours because they might do the exact opposite.
Check out more of our fragrance favourites:
Best Smelling Fragrances and Colognes For Men
Best Woody Perfumes and Colognes for Men
Best Winter Fragrances and Perfumes for Men
How Man of Many Chose this List of Summer Fragrances
When it comes to our list of the best summer perfumes and colognes for men, it goes without saying, that expertise is key. While Man of Many has had the chance to test every fragrance on this list (often thanks to our friends in the industry), they’ve also turned to the wider public for their overall ratings. Man of Many’s lists takes into account three major perspectives to determine the overall rating. In addition to their own opinions, they take into account reviews via perfume forum Fragrantica and the Australian retailers Myer and Chemist Warehouse. They then collate the information together and measure the best men’s colognes via overall scent profile, reader ratings and commercial availability.
Image: Dior Homme Sport by Christian Dior | Dior
1. Dior Homme Sport by Christian Dior
Dior Homme Sport is one of the best summer fragrances for men right now thanks to its floral and citrus aromas. We love how the sweet, refreshing smells somehow manage to transport us straight to a beach on a warm summer’s day. The apex of aromatic refreshment, Dior Homme Sport is described as the intersection between “urban, sophistication and sexy nonchalance” and it is long-lasting, which also makes it perfect for summer.
Launched: 2017
Notes: Grapefruit, Blood orange, Italian citron, Pink Pepper Extract, Vetiver
Price: from $110 AUD
Buy it here (Dior) Buy it here (Myer) Buy it here (Chemist Warehouse)
Image: Light Blue Forever by Dolce & Gabbana | Dolce & Gabbana
2. Light Blue Forever by Dolce & Gabbana
Dolce & Gabbana have outdone themselves with this light, scented spray. The fresh scents of zesty grapefruit and Italian bergamot are balanced with violet leaf, patchouli, white musk, and java vetiver which keep things discernibly masculine. This versatility makes it one of the best summer perfumes for men, which can also cool you down in hot summer weather. A scented spray of Caribbean breeze, spray this men’s perfume and immediately get transported to a remote tropical island on a wave of citrus fragrance.
Launched: 2007
Top notes: Grapefruit zest, Italian bergamot.
Heart: Violet leaf, ozonic notes.
Base: Patchouli, white musk, Java vetiver.
Price: from $117 AUD
Buy it here (Myer) Buy it here (David Jones)
Image: Le Beau by Jean Paul Gaultier | Jean Paul Gaultier
3. Le Beau by Jean Paul Gaultier
We can’t get enough of this deliciously summery fragrance. Not only do we love the cheeky bottle, but we love how Jean-Paul Gaultier Le Bleu is so iconic that it suits almost every occasion and taste, so much so we bet that nearly every fragrance-wearing man has purchased it at least once in his life. The predictably muscular scent retains a clean edge thanks to big notes of vanilla, neroli, and mint, making it an all-rounder we don’t see falling off the ranks anytime soon.
Launched: 2019
Top notes: Bergamot
Heart: Coconut
Base: Tonka Bean
Price: from $102 AUD
Buy it here (Jean Paul Gaultier) Buy it here (Myer) Buy it here (Chemist Warehouse)
Image: Aqva Homme by Bvlgari | Bvlgari
4. Aqva Homme by Bvlgari
Perhaps the best summer cologne for men who prefer something bold and energetic, Aqva Homme is a sure winner. The fragrance exudes a timeless masculine fragrance with notes of Sicilian mandarin and neroli flower. The aquatic, Mediterranean-inspired creation puts a new spin on aqua colognes, an exotic summer fragrance for men you’d expect to find on a private beach bar on a Greek Island. Need we say more?
Launched: 2005
Olfactive family: Aromatic, Aquatic, Woody
Olfactive pyramid: Mandarin, Posidonia, Mineral Amber
Price: from $149 AUD
Buy it here (Bvlgari) Buy it here (Catch) Buy it here (Chemist Warehouse)
Image: Moonlight in Heaven by Kilian | Kilian
5. Moonlight in Heaven by Kilian
So fresh and summery, this unique fragrance could transform any ordinary day into a tropical dream. Moonlight in Heaven by Kilian is a leading example of a successful unisex perfume, with dual citrus notes of lemon and mango complemented by lightly spicy tonka beans, resulting in neither a female nor male dominating scent. If this isn’t enough to have you bowing down in its glory, the heavenly aroma means both you and your partner will feel lighter and carefree upon the first whiff, making it one of the best summer fragrances for men or women, a win-win.
Launched: 2016
Notes: Grapefruit, mango, roasted tonka beans
Price: from $240 AUD
Image: Blu Mediterraneo Mandorlo di Sicilia by Acqua di Parma | Acqua di Parma
6. Blu Mediterraneo Mandorlo di Sicilia by Acqua di Parma
Fancy a trip to Sicily? Or, is feeling like you’re there all you need? Look no further than Acqua Di Parma Blue Mediterraneo Mandorlo. The popular and highly acclaimed is the closest thing to the smell of Sicily in full blossom you can get. We love its subtle floral waves of Frangipani flower, white jasmine and orange blossom blend with creamy, sweet notes of almond and vanilla. The quintessence of summer luxury, it is not only one of the best summer fragrances for men but, one of the best for any season.
Launched: 1999
Top notes: Bergamot, Frangipani, orange blossom, green almond, star anise.
Heart: White peach, coffee grains, white jasmine.
Base: Bourbon vanilla, light musk, cedar, warm sandalwood.
Price: from $160 AUD
Buy it here (Catch) Buy it here (Myer) Buy it here (Selfridges)
Image: L.12.12 Lui by Lacoste | Lacoste
7. L.12.12 Lui by Lacoste
No one knows how to do luxury better than Lacoste, and it’s no different when it comes to their fragrance. Before we even get to the scent, we just love the design of the bottle — with the visual nods to polo wear and the blindingly sunny design. Once you open the bottle, you will feel blown away by a fruity, citrus fragrance with cypress undertones that exude nothing but those positive, summertime vibes. No fragrance for men puts summer in a bottle quite like this one from Lacoste.
Launched: 2015
Top notes: Grapefruit
Heart: Golden Delicious apple
Base: Cypress
Price: from $56 AUD
Image: Spicebomb by Viktok & Rolf | Viktok & Rolf
8. Spicebomb by Viktor & Rolf
For those who like things spicy, Spicebomb is one of the best summer perfumes for men you can get your hands on. Viktor & Rolf’s have seriously outshone themselves with this subtle, summery blend. Bursting with warm notes of leather and tobacco with cool notes like grapefruit and pink pepper, we love how bold and exotic it is. Not only is the fragrance a statement unlike anything else, but the grenade-style bottle is also a statement in itself, and makes for the perfect ornament in any room.
Launched: 2012
Top notes: Pink Pepper, elemi, Bergamot and Grapefruit
Heart: Cinnamon, Saffron and Paprika
Base: Tobacco, Leather and Vetiver
Price: from $88 AUD
Buy it here (Viktok & Rolf) Buy it here (Myer) Buy it here (Chemist Warehouse)
Image: Dior Homme by Christian Dior | Dior
9. Dior Homme by Christian Dior
The king of masculine, summer scents, Dior Homme by Christain Dior is about as summery as it gets. We love the sweet and spicy notes that make this cologne what it is, layered with a citrus fragrance and warm notes of amber and cedar. We also love how it is long-lasting, meaning you can wear it no matter how hot and feel confident you will be smelling delicious all day long. A versatile male summer cologne that is as relevant today as it will be in 100 years from now.
Launched: 2014
Top notes: Coriander, Grapefruit and Calabrian bergamot
Heart: Tuscan Iris
Base: Virginian Cedar and Amber
Price: from $160 AUD
Buy it here (Dior) Buy it here (Myer) Buy it here (Chemist Warehouse)
Image: Voyage by Nautica | Nautica
10. Voyage by Nautica
Voyage by Nautica is the best cologne for men if you like to keep things subtle. Emulating the soft notes of a cool, ocean breeze, Nautica Voyage captures that seaside essence by way of a refreshing, long-lasting apple and lotus accord. Running underneath are notes of wood and musk that offer that additional masculine touch. We’d expect nothing less from the iconic marine lifestyle brand, and it’s safe to say, it’s a valuable addition to any man’s collection of fragrances.
Launched: 2006
Top notes: Apple and Green Leaves
Heart: Lotus and Mimosa
Base: Musk, Cedar, Oakmoss and Amber
Price: from $24.99 AUD
Buy it here (Amazon) Buy it here (Catch) Buy it here (Chemist Warehouse)
Image: Artisan Blu by John Varvatos | John Varvatos
11. Artisan Blu by John Varvatos
Artisan Blu from John Varvatos is one of the best summer fragrances for men who love all things citrus. Bursting with summery notes of geranium, orange blossom, bergamot, and melon, it sure has a kick to it, and that’s why we love it. the base notes balance it out so that it’s not overpowering, with notes of pistachio, tamarisk and patchouli which keep it clean and masculine. Plus, the bottle looks like something you’d find at the bottom of the ocean with a note stuffed inside, yet another reason to add it tot he collection!
Launched: 2016
Top notes: Basil, Bergamot, Chayote, Lavender and Bitter Orange
Heart: Palmarosa, Geranium, Orange Blossom, Iris and Clary Sage
Base: Pine, Cedar, Pistachio, Tamarisk and Patchouli
Price: from $79 AUD
Buy it here (Amazon) Buy it here (Chemist Warehouse)
Image: The Scent Intense by Hugo Boss | Hugo Boss
12. The Scent Intense by Hugo Boss
Hugo Boss is a formidable force in the world of men’s fashion, fragrances and all things luxury, leading the way when it comes to bold statements. So, it comes as no surprise that their leading fragrance follows suit, a strong, spicy cologne that is as intense as it is extrodinmary, as the name implies. The Scent Intense is an amplified version of Hugo Boss’ The Scent from 2015, and is just as powerful and masculine as the previous. We love it thanks to the way it pairs spicy top notes of ginger and cardamom with a fruity heart – featuring Maninka, revered for its aphrodisiac properties – and leather base to get its message across. This one goes big and plays hard (just like you), as the best summer fragrances for men should!
Launched: 2017
Top notes: Cardamom and Ginger
Heart: Maninka and Lavender
Base: Leather, Vanilla and Wood
Price: from $60 AUD
Buy it here (eBay) Buy it here (Myer) Buy it here (Amazon)
Image: Invictus Victory by Paco Rabanne | Paco Rabanne
13. Invictus Victory by Paco Rabanne
Definitely more focused on the more masculine scents in the world of men’s summer fragrances, Invictus Victory is simple, clean and refreshing. With a woody amber profile, amid vanilla and citric lemon, this summer cologne for men is designed to keep you smelling and feeling fresh, even on the hottest summer days, without any extra fuss.
Launched: 2016
Top notes: Citric lemon
Heart: Wood
Base: Vanilla
Price: from $110 AUD
Buy it here (Paco Rabanne) Buy it here (Myer) Buy it here (David Jones)
Image: Aqua di Gio Profumo by Giorgio Armani | Giorgio Armani
14. Aqua di Gio Profumo by Giorgio Armani
With a fierce reputation for bold, luxurious statements, the only and only Aqua di Gio Profumo aligns with everything else the cult brand Giorgio Armani does. The fragrance has been revamped from the original 1996 version, now with less citrus and more complexity thanks to notes of rosemary and sage. Born from volcanic rock and deep ocean waters, Giorgio Armani Aqua di Geo Profumo is one of the best marine-inspired men’s summer cologne.
Launched: 2015
Top notes: Sea Notes and Bergamot
Heart: Rosemary, Sage and Geranium
Base: Incense and Patchouli
Price: from $100 AUD
Buy it here (Giorgio Armani) Buy it here (Myer) Buy it here (Chemist Warehouse)
Image: Eternity Now by Calvin Klein | Calvin Klein
15. Eternity Now by Calvin Klein
We rate Eternity Now by Calvin Klein as one of the best summer fragrance for men with a more versatile palette. We love it because it seamlessly marries coconut water, vanilla, ginger, star fruit, and cedar to provide an intensely invigorating aroma. The end result is an unbeatabley refreshing cologne, and we’d expect nothing less from the iconic brand. Loved by novices and connoisseurs alike, it’s an essential fragrance for the warmer months.
Launched: 2015
Top notes: Coconut Nectar, Star Anise and Ginger
Heart: Carambola (Star Fruit), Cedar and Patchouli
Base: Vanilla, Tonka Bean and Moroccan Cedar
Price: from $39.99 AUD
Buy it here (Calvin Klein) Buy it here (Myer) Buy it here (Chemist Warehouse)
Image: L’Homme Ultime by YSL | YSL
16. L’Homme Ultime by YSL
What could be better than a scent that is guaranteed to seduce? L’Homme Ultime by YSL is one of the best summer perfumes for men to do just that. The fragrance is rife with a warm mix of wood and citrus, combining fresh sage and aromatic wood notes, exuding a spicy aroma but remaining gentle and sensual in its delivery. We love the way it provides a distinctively masculine summer cologne men will want to wear in any season.
Launched: 2016
Top notes: Ginger, Grapefruit, Cardamom and Bergamot
Heart: Rose, Sage, Geranium and Apple
Base: Cedar, Vetiver and Cashmere Wood
Price: from $149 AUD
Buy it here (YSL Beauty) Buy it here (Myer) Buy it here (David Jones)
General FAQ
What are the best men's fragrances for summer?
Some of the best men's summer fragrances are Nautica Voyage, Lacoste Eau de Lacoste, and D&G Light Blue by Dolce and Gabbana.
What is a summer fragrance?
In the heat of summer, fragrance can evaporate quickly and we are often more hot and sticky so it is good to use a fresh and intense scent like sandalwood, vanilla, lemon, or coconut.
You’ll also like:
Best Smelling Fragrances and Colognes For Men
Best Luxury Colognes and Fragrances for Men
Best Classic Colognes and Fragrances for Men
Jacob Osborn
Jacob Osborn is an accomplished author and journalist with over 10 years of experience in the media industry. He holds a Bachelor's degree in English and Communication Arts from the University of Wisconsin--Madison and co-authored a Young Adult novel through Simon & Schuster. Now based in Portland, Oregon, Jacob specialises in entertainment, technology and alcohol reporting. You might find him crate-digging at the nearest record store or sampling whisky at the nearest bar. He daydreams of travelling around the world, but for now, the world will have to come to him by way of lifestyle products, gear, gadgetry, and entertainment. Let's call it a happy compromise while he saves up for the next big trip.
