58 Songs About Summer to Get You Pumped for Warm Weather
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When we’re tired of the cold and longing for the sun, summer is the first thing on our mind. Swimsuits, floats and delicious appetizers are just a few things that make us look forward to warmer days—but let's face it, they wouldn't be as epic without a list of catchy songs about summer.
Perhaps you're in the mood for pop tunes that'll make you dance the night away at a rooftop bar. Or maybe you're just looking to beef up your summer playlist with new additions, from soothing jazz (like Louis Armstrong's “Summer Song”) to classics that take you straight back to your favorite decade (like ABBA's “Summer Night City.”) No matter your preference, we've compiled a comprehensive list of songs that'll have you feeling the warm-weather vibes year-round, from any location. Keep reading for 58 of the best songs about summer
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1. “Summertime” by Ella Fitzgerald
Release year: 1935
Genre: Jazz
It’s one of the most covered songs of all time (with over 25,000 recordings to be exact), so it’s no surprise the original jazz ballad from George Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess is the summer classic.
2. “Summertime Blues” by Eddie Cochran
Release year: 1958
Genre: Rock & Roll
Basically a teenager himself, gone-too-soon ‘50s rocker Cochran channels that adolescent angst of working all summer long.
3. “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini” by Bryan Hyland
Release year: 1960
Genre: Pop rock
The cheeky rock-pop song is all about a girl who’s feeling shy showing off her two-piece. While bikinis are everywhere today, the style was considered revealing and daring back in the day. But no matter what you’re wearing—a muumuu or a thong—this golden oldie is fun to bop around to.
4. “Summer Song” by Louis Armstrong
Release year: 1961
Genre: Jazz
Sing along to this ode to the season of sun with lyrics like, “Why must summer, ever end…” and, “Love, to me, is like a summer day,” as you pine for those long June through August days.
5. “Surfin’ Safari” by The Beach Boys
Release year: 1962
Genre: Surf Rock
It’s only right that the eponymous Beach Boys would make the song about the Cali water sport. In fact, they made a few more than one…
6. “(Love Is Like a) Heatwave” by Martha and the Vandellas
Release year: 1963
Genre: R&B/Soul
Ah, the feeling of the summer heat and love is combined in this '60s hit. With lyrics like, "It's like a heatwave, burning in my heart...," the scorching heat is not the only thing blossoming this season.
7. “Surfer Girl” by The Beach Boys
Release year: 1963
Genre: Pop Rock/Folk
Something else the Beach Boys are known for? Their amazing harmonies. In this case, they bring together their love for the surf with their skill for tight chords, and it has us rooting for the song’s couple to stay together forever…well, at least until fall.
8. “Surfin’ U.S.A.” by The Beach Boys
Release year: 1963
Genre: Pop Rock/Folk
We don’t even know how to surf, but this is iconic track has us reaching for a board to chase some waves. Hang ten, right?
9. “Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer” by Nat King Cole
Release year: 1963
Genre: Jazz/Funk
Grabbing a bite, catching a movie and spending time at the beach, Nat King Cole croons all about those nostalgic “lazy-hazy-crazy” summer moments.
10. “Surf City” by Jan & Dean
Release year: 1963
Genre: Surf Music
This city has it all: summer, surfing and girls. Play this song and fall into this dream where the fun never ends. (Don’t forget your surfboard.)
11. “A Summer Song” by Chad & Jeremy
Release year: 1964
Genre: Soft Rock/Folk
The English pop duo sure know a thing or two about lost summer love with lyrics like, “And when the rain, beats against my windowpane, I’ll think of summer days again, and dream of you.”
12. “Under the Boardwalk” by The Drifters
Release year: 1964
Genre: R&B/Soul
The best part about warm weather? A chance to hang out at the boardwalk. This soulful hit brings us right back to the our favorite seasonal vacay spots.
13. “California Girls” by The Beach Boys
Release year: 1965
Genre: Pop
Before Katy Perry, the “Kings of Surf Music” dedicated a whole song to West Coast girls. And hey, they’re not wrong.
14. “Summer in the City” by The Lovin’ Spoonful
Release year: 1966
Genre: Hard Rock
“All around, people looking half dead, walking on the sidewalk, hotter than a match head…” Someone sure knows about summers in New York City.
15. “Summer Wind” by Frank Sinatra
Release year: 1966
Genre: Traditional Pop
While Frank Sinatra sang hits like “New York, New York” and “Come Fly with Me,” he also made us wallow in heartbreak at this summer love song.
16. “Summer Rain” by Johnny Rivers
Release year: 1968
Genre: Pop, Blues, Folk
Johnny Rivers describes the moments he and his love danced all summer long. Talk about a romantic.
17. “Hot Fun in the Summertime” by Sly & The Family Stone
Release year: 1969
Genre: Psychedelic Soul
Between the harmonies and upbeat instrumental beats, this soulful track can revive any summer shindig.
18. “Summer Breeze” by Seals & Crofts
Release year: 1972
Genre: Soft Rock
Roll down the car windows, listen to this feel-good song and just take in that good ‘ole summer breeze.
19. “School’s Out” by Alice Cooper
Release year: 1972
Genre: Alternative/Indie
Remember when the last school bell finally rang? Add head-banging beats and rock legend Alice Cooper and you have a heavy-metal version of that exact feeling.
20. “Saturday in the Park” by Chicago
Release year: 1972
Genre: Rock
Inspired by the excitement of Central Park, the band Chicago paints a picture of people coming together to enjoy the weather at one of the most beloved and traversed public places in the city.
21. “Summer” by War
Release year: 1976
Genre: R&B/Soul
That first line captures it all: “Ridin’ ‘round town with all the windows down…” That ‘70s feeling is still very much alive in this R&B single.
22. “In the Sun” by Blondie
Release year: 1976
Genre: Rock
While we always have “Heart of Glass” and “Rapture” on repeat, this 1976 rock song is the perfect addition to a day at the beach.
23. “Rockaway Beach” By The Ramones
Release year: 1977
Genre: Alternative/Indie
This 1977 song is an ode to the largest public beach in Queens, and it might just convince you to book your next getaway to the sandy shore.
24. “You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night)” by Meat Loaf
Release year: 1977
Genre: Alternative/Indie, Pop, Hard Rock
If anyone can sing passionately about a summer fling, it’s Meatloaf. Take it from the singer, “There’s not another moment to waste!” and make the most out of the steamy season.
25. “Summer Nights” by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John
Release year: 1978
Genre: Rock
The duet between John Travolta and Oliva Newton-John will have you singing “tell me more, tell me more” as their characters relay the memories of those faithful months together (even if they have a different perspective on it).
26. “Sun Is Shining” by Bob Marley
Release year: 1978
Genre: Reggae
With lyrics like “Sun is shining, the weather is sweet...Make you wanna move your dancing feet now,” it brings us back to some of our favorite barbecues and chill summer days.
27. “Hot Stuff” by Donna Summer
Release year: 1979
Genre: Disco/Dance
While it's not really about summer, the funky melody and Donna's vocals are enough to hit the dance floor this season. (Plus, summer is literally her name. That has to count for something, right?)
28. “Summer Night City” by ABBA
Release year: 1979
Genre: Pop
This Swedish pop group has some of the most iconic songs in music history (Think: “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” to name a few). So it’s no surprise they have a summer hit to get you on your feet.
29. “Vacation” by The Go-Gos
Release year: 1981
Genre: Pop
Siri, play us a song to help get over someone. This ‘80s jam from the all-girl band The Go-Go’s embodies the struggle of moving on from a summer romance. With punk icon Belinda Carlisle on vocals, we give you permission to rock out.
30. “Cruel Summer” by Bananarama
Release year: 1983
Genre: Pop
Think crowded cities, burning hot pavement, and the sun beating down on your back, and you’ll get this funky track from another all-female girl group.
31. “Suddenly Last Summer” by The Motels
Release year: 1983
Genre: Rock
Could this be the ‘80iest song of all time? It might just be, and that’s why we love it.
32. “That Summer Feeling” by Jonathan Richman
Release year: 1983
Genre: Folk, Pop
Grab the marshmallows and get the ghost stories ready—this acoustic melody may be veer into the melancholy side, but it sure makes us feel like we’re around a campfire.
33. “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves
Release year: 1983
Genre: Pop Rock
Grab a dance partner and bust a move with this feel-good pop song. And don’t forget to sing out every time the chorus comes on.
34. “The Boys of Summer” by Don Henley
Release year: 1984
Genre: Pop Rock
Don Henley reflects on an old relationship and accepts the past for what is...a fond memory. (A fond memory that we’re adding to our playlist, stat.)
35. “Summer of ‘69” by Bryan Adams
Release year: 1985
Genre: Pop Rock
Certain summers stick out clearly in our minds, like the summer 1969 filled with romance and freedom. Oh, you don’t remember 1969? This song will jog your memory.
36. “Wipeout” by Fat Boys and The Beach Boys
Release year: 1987
Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap, Rock
The Fat Boys trio and the Beach Boys joined bizarro forces to produce this romp that rock lovers and early hip-hop aficionados can both agree earn a spot on the BBQ playlist.
37. “It Takes Two” by Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock
Release year: 1988
Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap
Whether you're hosting a BBQ or got invited to a summer shindig, chances are this '80s song is on the top of the party playlist.
38. “Endless Summer Nights” by Richard Marx
Release year: 1988
Genre: Pop, Rock
“We can have it all again, say that you’ll be with me when the sun brings your heart to mine.” Apparently, the lyrics were inspired by Marx taking his now-wife on a summer trip. We wonder where he took her…
39. “Summertime” by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
Release year: 1991
Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap
This epically ‘90s summer jam by a young Will Smith is mandatory to play at every block party, OK?
40. “Summer Girls” by LFO
Release year: 1999
Genre: Pop, Rap
From Home Alone to Abercrombie and Fitch, play LFO’s 1999 hit and make a fun game out of it by counting all the cultural references. Whoever loses has to karaoke to the song later.
41. “We’re Gonna Save the Summer” by The Pearlfishers
Release year: 1999
Genre: Pop
What would you do to save a summer love? From the looks of the Pearlfishers’ lyrics, they would do anything, “We’re gonna chase away all the dark clouds, we’re gonna save the summer, we’ll save the summer…”
42. “Island in the Sun” by Weezer
Release year: 2001
Genre: Alternative/Indie
Picture a sunny paradise as the indie rock track reminds you how fun summer can be. So, put on some shades, sway to the upbeat sounds and sing along to the “hip, hip” of the song.
43. “Hot in Herre” by Nelly
Release year: 2002
Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap
This 2002 hit explains the summer sun to a T. Seriously, we completely agree with Nelly on this one. Sometimes you just want to take your clothes off (especially if your AC is acting up).
44. “Summer Love” by Justin Timberlake
Release year: 2006
Genre: R&B, Pop
Grab your significant other—or crush—and dance along to this pop banger as the one and only J.T. brings you back to the wonders of 2006 and the thrill of falling in love.
45. “Toes” by Zac Brown Band
Release year: 2006
Genre: Country
A vacation sounds nice if a beach, a nice cold beer and warm weather are involved. Lead singer Zac Brown sings all about a trip to Mexico and we’re ready to book a flight.
46. “Constructive Summer” by The Hold Steady
Release year: 2008
Genre: Alternative/Indie
Grab a cold one from the cooler and shake it out to this track about taking the season by its horns.
47. “California Gurls” by Katy Perry feat. Snoop Dogg
Release year: 2010
Genre: Pop, Dance
One of the summer anthems of the 2000s, Perry devotes a song to the oh-so-unforgettable Cali girls. While you’re dancing to the pop beats, we’ll be booking our next vacay to the Golden State.
48. “Summertime Sadness” by Lana Del Ray
Release year: 2012
Genre: Alternative/Indie
Lana Del Ray is known for sad love ballads, and, shocker, “Summertime Sadness” is no different. It’ll take you on a rollercoaster of emotions, so we hope you’re strapped in for the ride.
49. “This Summer” by Superchunk
Release year: 2012
Genre: Folk, Indie Rock
Celebrate the joys of adventure with lyrics like “We’ve got a clear path down to the sea. We split the city at dark when roads are clear…” and let it inspire your next road trip. Badlands, anyone?
50. “Summer” By Calvin Harris
Release year: 2014
Genre: Electro House
Nothing screams summer festivals, friends and dancing until the sun goes down like this 2014 hit by DJ Calvin Harris. The second the beat drops we have no choice but to dance the night away.
51. “Cool for the Summer” by Demi Lovato
Release year: 2015
Genre: Pop Rock
The upbeat pop song is all about taking risks and making a move on your summer crush before the season is over. Hey, if Demi Lovato is telling you to go for your crush, it’s gotta be the right move.
52. “Summer Girl” by Haim
Release year: 2017
Genre: Indie Pop
The sister pop rock trio croons this cool, jazzy love song that sings sweetly of Los Angeles and the healing power of unconditional love.
53. “I Like It” by Cardi B feat. Bad Bunny and J Balvin
Release year: 2018
Genre: Hip Hop/Rap
In 2018, we started the summer strong with this Cardi B number. From sampling the '67 hit "I Like It Like That" to fusing hip-hop and salsa beats (and adding Bad Bunny and J Balvin to the track), we can't stop playing it every time the season comes around.
54. “Hot Girl Summer” By Megan Thee Stallion Feat. Nicki Minaj & Ty Dolla $ign
Release year: 2019
Genre: Hip Hop/Rap
The term “Hot Girl Summer” took over 2019 in more ways than one. This powerful female anthem is all about calling for to women live out their best lives in the season of the sun. So blast this summer smash at your next girls’ night.
55. “Watermelon Sugar” by Harry Styles (2019)
Release year: 2019
Genre: Pop
While many fans have mixed interpretations of the song’s meaning, you can’t deny the lyrics and guitar-horns sections are peak summer vibes.
56. "It’s Summer" by Gladys Knight & the Pips
Release year: 1969
Genre: R&B/Soul
"There's magic in the air, Winter's disappeared, It's summer!" Soul queen Gladys Knight totally captures how we all feel in the first days of summer.
57. “Summer Time” by Vybz Kartel
Release year: 2011
Genre: Reggae
If you're not planning a summer getaway to Jamaica, then this catchy reggae tune will definitely transport you there (for four minutes).
58. "Lovely Day" by Bill Withers
Release year: 1977
Genre: Adult Contemporary
Celebrating warmer weather is one thing, but why not take it up a notch by serenading your partner with this cozy classic?
