How To Find The Joy Of Hygge In Summertime.

When you hear the word Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) I am guessing you either think one of two things. Hygge, isn’t that all blankets and hot chocolate around the fire in winter? Or what on earth is Hygge? Is that a typo? Hygge is the beautiful Danish word that describes of a feeling or comfort, contentment and connection.

But hygge isn’t just reserved for the cold seasons. It’s a lifestyle rooted in finding joy, comfort, and coziness in everyday moments, no matter the time of year. Summer, with its long sunlit days, gentle breezes, and opportunities for outdoor play, offers a unique chance to embrace hygge in a fresh, breezy way.

Hygge In Summer Ideas

Picture yourself savoring a homemade popsicle in the garden, having a sunset picnic, or simply basking in the golden hour glow with a good book (my personal favourite). These small, intentional acts of slowing down and savoring life are the essence of summer hygge.

In this week’s post I explore how to bring more warmth and slowness into your summer days, whether through outdoor adventures, soul-nourishing activities, or simple pleasures that make life feel a little sweeter. If you’re looking for inspiration, to turn your summer into a season of contentment and mindful living, you’re in the right place.

Life is a whirlwind. That’s one thing we can all agree on. That’s why I believe in grabbing every chance to slow down and enjoy the simple, contented moments with your family, friends and just by yourself.

Here are my top 31 summer hygge ideas that will help you embrace the beauty of slow, cozy living during the sunniest season of the year.

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Hygge In Summer Ideas

Summer Home Hygge

1. Create a Cozy Outdoor Space: Add string lights, cushions, and a small table for reading or sipping coffee.
2. Swap Heavy Textiles for Airy Fabrics: Trade in thick blankets for linen throws, cotton sheets, and sheer curtains that let in natural light while keeping things breezy.
3. Decorate with Nature: Bring the outdoors inside with fresh-cut flowers, seashells, dried pressed flowers, or driftwood.
4. Set Up an Indoor-Outdoor Living Space: Blend indoor and outdoor living by keeping doors and windows open, adding a hammock or daybed near the patio, and creating a seamless transition between spaces.
5. Bring the Beach Vibes Home: Fill a tray with sand and candles for a beachy centerpiece, display coastal artwork, or add light blue and sandy beige tones to your decor.
6. DIY Craft Night: Try tie-dye, painting pots for plants, or making summer wreaths.
7. Enjoy Candles: Candles are not just for winter. Opt for lightly scented candles with citrus, lavender, or coconut notes to create a cozy yet refreshing evening ambiance.
8. DIY a Summer Reading Nook: Set up a quiet spot with a floor cushion, a basket of your favorite books, and soft lighting to encourage mindful, slow evenings.
9. Morning Coffee in the garden: Start your day with peace, sipping coffee outside. Better still, combine it with morning journaling. This is the only way I start my summer days and the best form of mini self-care for mothers.
10. Refresh Your Home’s Scent: Use essential oils with citrus, mint, and rosemary or hang dried flowers to make your home smell fresh and inviting.
11. Host a Hygge Brunch: Serve pastries, fresh fruit, and chilled drinks in a relaxed setting, or if you are a parent, just push the Lego out of the way and carry on with your brunch.
12. 10. Create an enticing Dining Spot: String up fairy lights, add a simple tablecloth, and enjoy slow, candlelit dinners inside with fresh, seasonal foods and light music.

Summer Outdoor Hygge

13. Picnic Under the Trees: Pack a blanket, your favorite snacks, and a book to enjoy a contented hour in nature.
14. Outdoor Games Night: Set up a table with board games, snacks and drinks and enjoy the ultimate in family togetherness.
15. Evening Walks: Take leisurely walks at sunset or along the beach, enjoying the golden hour glow.
16. Star Gazing: Spend a quiet evening lying on the grass, identifying constellations.
17. Gardening: Tend to flowers or grow fresh herbs and vegetables. It is rewarding and therapeutic.
18. Group exercise: Join a family walking club or your local running or biking group to get outside for my favourite therapy, exercise and a talk.

Summer Food Hygge

19. Make Homemade Ice Popsicles: Experiment with fresh fruit and yogurt for refreshing treats.
20. Summer BBQ: Get your friends and family together for a casual outdoor feast of all your favourite (but not to complex) foods. I love these recipes from Two Peas And Their Pod for some summer food inspiration.
21. Ice Cream Tasting: Go to a new ice-cream parlour and delight in all kids favourite summer treat or try the ultimate Hygge activity and make your own ice cream (I have never done this so please let me know if it’s as hard as I imagine!)
22. Lemonade Station: Create a DIY lemonade bar with fruits, herbs, and syrups to spice up your drinks.
23. Bake Seasonal Desserts: Try peach cobbler, berry tarts, or zucchini bread, or an Eton Mess.

Slow Living Hygge Activities

26. Read a Summer Novel: Find a book that transports you to another world, perfect for a quick dose of self-care in the afternoon. I love anything Jenny Colgan, absolute Hygge reading.
27. Practice Outdoor Yoga or Meditation: Find a shady spot and rebalance your energy and nourish your body outdoors.
28. Unplug for the Day: Go tech-free and spend time journaling, sketching, enjoying a hobby or simply daydreaming.
29. Bike Rides: Explore local trails or quiet streets, feeling the summer breeze.
30. Growing herbs and plants: Growing food and slow, simple living go together. But setting up a summer veggie garden is daunting. I have no time to look after an entire bed of veggies and fruits, but I grow herbs, potted berry plants and simple salad leaves through summer. There is no better form of contentment that tending your plants and making a yummy summer salad with the results.
31. Listen to Nature Sounds: Take time to simply sit and listen-waves, birds, leaves in the trees. A Hygge refresh for your brain. My favourite 5 minute mindful activity.

What’s your summer Hygge vibe?

Hygge in summer is not too different from winter. The core principles of time together, contentment and simple pleasures are the same, whether it’s cold and raining or gloriously warm and dry. Living in central England, I can never really be sure of a warm, dry summer, but I can be sure to sprinkle a little more Hygge magic to my summer days.

Happy summer Hygge.

Amanda x