7 of the Hottest Summer Nail Colours to Wear This Season

Of all four seasons, summer is prime time to lean into the daring colourful manicures you’d otherwise second guess. Inspired by the radiant nature of the season, the trendiest summer nail colours of 2024 are coming in hot, pulling from a playful palette of marine blue and tropical lime, as well as juicy red, vibrant orange and energetic yellow.

Ahead, we’ve narrowed down the top seven colours to paint your nails this summer, plus where to shop the nail polishes.

Aquamarine blue

Mermaid nails were majorly in last summer, and with their aquatic feel and oceanic blue tones, we don’t think they could ever be “out.” Marine hues continue to trend this year — but there’s more to them than simply being blue.

The coolest aquatic polishes to paint your nails in 2024 are mixed with iridescent flecks, giving off a satin chrome-style finish. It’s as if they mimic the “sun glitter” effect you’ll see when looking out at the sea on a sunny day. And what better way to welcome summer than with fingertips that remind you of a beach vacation?

Straight from Essie’s Nail Art Studio Special Effects range, this “Mystic Marine” shade can be layered over any polish you like, or worn on its own for a true aquamarine mani.

For a sheer blue set with a nautical vibe, opt for Londontown’s “Whipped Blueberry” shaded Lakur.

Lemon lime

Margarita manicure, anyone? If you gravitate towards forest green polishes during the fall and winter months, lime green nails are summer’s answer to that darker, moody hue.

A solid pick for a vacation set no matter your destination, lemon-lime tips at this time of year are always a good idea. And, they’ll pop on every skin tone, from the fairest skin to the most melanin-rich complexions.

OPI’s “Summer Monday-Fridays” nail lacquer is a lime-coloured dream. Not quite neon but not quite pastel, it’s the perfect middle-ground shade.

Formulated to leave nails looking brighter, stronger and healthier, Butter London’s “Garden Party” polish works overtime while you wear it.

Fruit punch red

It is our firm belief that there is, in fact, a shade of red polish out there for every season and occasion imaginable. For summer 2024, fruit punch red fingertips are the move.

Much brighter than a true red or a deep scarlet, the warmer months call for something with a near-orange undertone that borders on neon. Talk about bringing the heat.

As far as flaming red polishes go, Chanel’s “147 Incendiare” Le Vernis Nail Colour is pure fuego. Thanks to the high concentration of pigment in its formula, you’ll only need one coat to be wowed by this shade.

Pressed for time? Go for press-ons! We love Quickies’ red-hot, 24-piece “Fire Sign” set with their classic squoval shape.

Tangerine tips

Orange you glad tangerine talons are trending? We sure are. Vivid and fun, this playful hue captures the carefree essence of the season.

But, if you’re weary about going full send on a set of out-there orange nails, ease into this tropical shade with a jelly polish for more of a sheer look. Or, try a neutral nail with orange accents.

One word to describe Essie’s Nail Art Studio Jelly Gloss in “Apricot Jelly”? Juicy!

Cobalt blue

In the mood for something cool? Move over blueberry milk nails of yesteryear, cobalt is the blue hue we’re currently coveting. This refreshing shade pairs swimmingly with a summery cocktail, and looks good on everyone — everywhere.

From the beach to the pool, this polish is wearable all summer long.

With pigment that packs a punch, Londontown’s Enhanced Colour Lakur in the shade “No Name Found” is perfect for this trend.

For your next manicure, make a splash with BKind’s “Skinny Dip” polish.

All about apricot

A summery step up from your usual neutrals, apricot-coloured manicures are a safe bet for those who don’t experiment much with colour. Somewhere between coral and peach, this subdued shade still feels like summer without going overboard.

And, there’s always room to liven things up with a more saturated apricot that reads more intense — or to pare it back with a lighter polish, if you’d like.

Sally Hansen’s Miracle Gel polishes give you that salon-quality look without the need for a UV lamp, and this “Peach Please” shade is just the colour you’ll need to pull off this trend.

Pick up Quo Beauty’s “Mimosa” Flash Dry Polish for a manicure that’ll be dry within 60 seconds per nail—because you can’t spend all summer waiting for your nails to dry!

Butter yellow

In 2024, butter yellow is shaping up to be the shade that transcends all seasons, but we think it’ll look especially flattering during the warmer months when your nails catch the light.

Arguably the ultimate summer colour, yellow always radiates positive vibes, and pastel iterations of this cheery hue bring even more sunshine. What’s not to like?

Quick-drying, smooth, and streak free? Revlon’s Ultra HD Snap “Makin’ The Most” ticks all our boxes.