65 Songs About Summer to Get You Pumped for Warm Weather

When I think about summer, al fresco dinner parties are the first thing that come to mind. Also, stylish swimsuits, pool floats and even delicious summer appetizers. But let's face it, the BBQ gathering wouldn't be as epic without a catchy playlist featuring 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 mellow out to some soothing jazz (like Louis Armstrong's “Summer Song”), family songs, or other classics that take you straight back to the '70s (like ABBA's “Summer Night City”). No matter your preference, I compiled a comprehensive list of songs that'll have you feeling the warm-weather vibes. Here are the 65 best songs about summer.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Release year: 1962
• Genre: Surf Rock

It’s only right that the Beach Boys would make a song about this popular water sport. In fact, they made a few quite a few songs about summer that you should probably check out.

• 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.

• 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 I'm just here rooting for the summer song’s couple to stay together forever…well, at least until fall.

• Release year: 1963
• Genre: Pop Rock/Folk

I don’t even know how to surf, but this is iconic track has me inspired to reach out for a board to chase some gnarly waves. Hang ten, right?

• 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.

• Release year: 1963
• Genre: Surf Music

This city has it all: summer, surfing and girls. One of the summer songs that will have you falling into this dream where the fun never ends. (Don’t forget your surfboard.)

• 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.”

• 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.

• Release year: 1965
• Genre: Pop

Are you surprised that the Beach Boys repertoire is chock full of summer songs? Well, before Katy Perry, the “Kings of Surf Music” dedicated a whole song to West Coast girls.

• 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.

• 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 with this summer love song.

• Release year: 1968
• Genre: Pop, Blues, Folk

Johnny Rivers describes the moments he and his love danced all summer long. Talk about a romantic.

• Release year: 1969
• Genre: Psychedelic Soul

Between the harmonies and upbeat instrumental beats, this soulful track can revive any summer shindig.

• 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 to feel about the first days of summer.

• Release year: 1969
• Genre: Folk Pop

There are plenty of popular Beatles songs out there, but "Here Comes The Sun" is on the top of the list. It's time to leave the dreary winter behind and sing along to "Sun, sun, sun, here it comes..."

• Release year: 1972
• Genre: Soft Rock

Roll down the car windows, listen to this feel-good song and just take in that chill summer breeze.

• 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.

• 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.

• Release year: 1976
• Genre: R&B/Soul

Need a soulful summer song for your playlist? This 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.

• Release year: 1976
• Genre: Rock

While I'll always have “Heart of Glass” and “Rapture” on repeat, this 1976 rock song is the perfect addition to a day at the beach.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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?

• Release year: 1978
• Genre: Rock

Here's to one of the best movie soundtracks and top summer songs to ever exist. The iconic duet between John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John will have you singing “tell me more, tell me more” as their characters relay their memories of the months they spent together.

• 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 back memories of barbecues and chill summer days.

• Release year: 1979
• Genre: Disco/Dance

While it's not really about summer, the funky melody and Donna's vocals are enough to make you want to hit the dance floor this season. (Plus, Summer is literally her name. That has to count for something, right?)

• 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.

• Release year: 1981
• Genre: Pop

Siri, play a song about summer that helps us 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, I give you permission to rock out.

• 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.

• 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.

• Release year: 1983
• Genre: Folk, Pop

Grab the marshmallows and get the ghost stories ready. This acoustic melody may be a tad on the melancholy side, but it's also sort of cozy, like being around a campfire.

• 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.

• 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 I'm adding to my playlist, stat.)

• Release year: 1985
• Genre: Pop Rock

Certain summers stick out clearly in our minds, like the summer of 1969 filled with romance and freedom. Oh, you don’t remember 1969? This song will jog your memory.

• 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.

• Release year: 1988
• Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap

Whether you're hosting a block party or got invited to a summer shindig, chances are this '80s party song is on the playlist.

• 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…

• 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?

• Release year: 1999
• Genre: Pop, Rap

From Home Alone to Abercrombie and Fitch, LFO’s 1999 hit is filled with cultural references from the decade. Make a game of counting them with friends and whoever loses has to sing one of the fun karaoke songs later.

• 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…”

• Release year: 2001
• Genre: Alternative/Indie

Picture a sunny paradise and put on some shades, as you sway to the upbeat sounds and sing along to the “hip, hip” that echoes throughout this indie rock track.

• Release year: 2002
• Genre: Pop

This summer song is so early aughts and I'm still singing along to its iconic chorus today. Plus, the music video features more elements of the season: surfing, fireside gatherings and all around beachy vibes.

• Release year: 2002
• Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap

This 2002 hit explains the sizzle of the season so well. Seriously, I agree with Nelly on this one. Sometimes you just want to take your clothes off (especially if your AC is acting up).

• 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.

• Release year: 2006
• Genre: Country

A summer vacation sounds especially nice if a cold beer and warm weather are involved. Whenever lead singer Zac Brown sings about both during a trip he once took to Mexico, I'm ready to book a flight to an all-inclusive resort in Cabo.

• 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.

• Release year: 2010
• Genre: Pop, Dance

One of the summer anthems of the 2000s, Perry devotes this song to all Cali girls. While you’re dancing to the pop beats, I'll be booking my next vacay to the Golden State.

• 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).

• 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 I hope you’re strapped in for the ride.

• Release year: 2012
• Genre: Country

If you're looking to dedicate a summer song to your significant other, this country hit is definitely a flirty way to get someone's attention. (And the remix with Nelly is just as good.)

• 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?

• 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 I have no choice but to dance the night away.

• 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.

• 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.

• Release year: 2018
• Genre: Hip Hop/Rap

This Cardi B number was the bop of 2018. 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), I can't stop playing it every time the season comes around.

• Release: 2018
• Genre: R&B

This Grammy-nominated hit has the perfect recipe for a great summer song—the mellow beats, the impressive vocals from Childish Gambino and seasonal hints. But leave it to the "This Is America" artist to also shine a light on a pressing issue like climate change in his lyrics, making the song even more meaningful.

• Release year: 2019
• Genre: Hip Hop/Rap

When this song came out in 2019, the term “Hot Girl Summer” took over in more ways than one. This powerful female anthem calls women to live their best lives during the sunny season. So blast this summer smash at your next girls’ night.

• Release year: 2019
• Genre: Pop

While many fans have mixed interpretations of the song’s meaning, you can’t deny that the lyrics and guitar-horn sections give off peak summer vibes.

• Release: 2019
• Genre: Synth-Pop

Not to be mistaken for the Bananarama's song with the same name (see: #33), Taylor Swift pours her heart out on this pop hit about a whirlwind romance. As she shared during iHeartRadio session, "This song is one that I wrote about the feeling of a summer romance, and often times a summer romance can be layered with all these feelings of pining away and sometimes even secrecy." We've all been there Tay.

• Release: 2022
• Genre: Reggaeton

While the entire Un Verano Sin Ti album is essentially one giant ode to summer, the single "Moscow Mule" is the pinnacle. I'm a huge Bad Bunny fan, but don't worry if you can't sing along in Spanish (or understand what he's saying). You can still vibe out and grab the signature summer cocktail while you're at it.

• Release: 2024
• Genre: Disco/Synth-Pop

I don't know what Sabrina Carpenter put in this catchy song, but I've been singing it nonstop since its release in April 2024. The pop hit is fun and playful—and a great addition for your next pool party playlist. With lyrics like "My 'give a f***s' are on vacation" to "I'm working late 'cause I'm a singer," I'm crowning this the song of summer.