Burning Candles in Summer What You Need to Know for a Safe and Even Burn
Summer feels made for warm evenings, fresh scents, and little rituals that help you unwind. Even when the days are hot, candles still have a place in your home. They bring calm to busy weeks, decorate a table without fuss, and fill a room with the comfort of Australian native scents. You just need to know how to work with the warmer weather so your candles stay safe and look their best.
Why candles behave differently in summer
Heat changes how wax behaves. Natural waxes soften faster and can create a deeper melt pool. That often means a stronger scent but also a more delicate candle. Our olive and soy wax blend is designed to be more resilient in warm conditions and gives a slower steadier burn. You may still notice slightly softer surfaces on very hot days and that is completely normal, especially in an Australian summer.
When the air is warm before you even light the wick, the wax needs a little extra care. A softer surface, stronger scent throw, and a faster melt pool are all signs that the candle is reacting to the temperature around it, not just the flame.
Tips for burning candles safely in warm weather
A few simple habits will keep your candles burning safely and evenly during the hotter months.
Try a clever summer candle trick
If you want to get the absolute most out of your candle, there is a smart little trick I learned from a customer at Handmade Canberra: Place your candle beside a sun filled window. The warmth of the sun acts like a gentle candle warmer and helps release fragrance even when the wick is not lit for long. It is an easy way to enjoy scent on very hot days when you do not feel like having a flame going for hours.
Trim your wick to 5 mm before every burn
A short wick keeps the flame steady, helps prevent soot, and stops the candle from overheating. Long wicks can cause a large uneven flame, which is the last thing you want in summer.
Do not burn your candle right down to the base
Leave a small amount of wax at the bottom of the jar. This helps protect the glass from getting too hot and reduces the risk of cracking.
Keep candles out of direct sunlight while burning
Direct sun will heat the jar and wax quickly and can cause the surface to sweat. Sweating is just natural oils coming to the surface, but it can make the candle look less perfect. A shaded spot is always better.
Use a cool stable surface
Always place candles on a heat safe surface such as a coaster or tray. This protects your furniture and keeps the jar steady, which is especially important if the wax is softer than usual in summer.
Limit each burn to about four hours
Long burns can make the jar very hot and shorten the life of your candle. Shorter, more regular burns help maintain an even wax pool and a consistent scent throw.
How to store candles through the hotter months
Good storage can make a huge difference to how your candles look and perform by the time you are ready to burn them.
Choose cool dry spots
Store your candles in a cupboard or wardrobe where the temperature stays fairly steady. Avoid spots that heat up in the afternoon when the sun hits a wall or window.
Avoid windowsills and cars
Windowsills are pretty, but they get hot fast. A car can reach extreme temperatures even on a mild day. Do not use a candle to scent your car. It will melt, sweat, and may warp or crack the jar.
Keep candles in their boxes when possible
Boxes add an extra layer of protection from light, dust, and heat. Our large candles are boxed for exactly this reason, so they reach you and stay with you in the best possible condition through all seasons.
Why quality ingredients matter in summer
Better ingredients cope better with heat. An olive and soy wax blend has a smooth finish and a stable burn that performs well in Australian conditions. All cotton wicks create a cleaner flame and help the wax melt evenly instead of tunnelling or overheating.
Our fragrance oils are made in Australia and are created with our climate in mind. That means scents that still feel fresh and present in warm air, without overpowering the room. When every part of the candle is chosen with care, you get a safer cleaner burn and a more beautiful experience in summer.
Enjoy slow summer moments with confidence
Candles can absolutely be part of your summer home. With a little care you can enjoy long relaxed evenings scented with the botanicals you love, from eucalyptus and wattle to kakadu plum and lemon myrtle. Work with the heat rather than against it, treat your candles kindly, and they will reward you with hours of gentle light and beautiful scent.
If you are ready to add a new favourite to your summer routine, explore our range of Australian made candles at Clare Makes candles.