How To Create A Summer Night Routine

This is an 8-step summer night routine that will help you unwind, relax, and get ready for bed during those hot months.

woman in white camisole drinking from a white cup in saucer, with her head wrapped in a white towel

Most people I know love summer, but they agree that the longer days often throw their routine completely off balance.

They stay up too late, get stuck in endless scrolling, and then end up waking up feeling anything but refreshed.

If you relate at all, then here’s the solution that I give to anyone who complains about a lack of routine during summer — A simple summer night routine.

The reason is simple. You get your bedtime right, and everything that follows will be perfect too.

Even the secret to having an awesome summer morning routine lies in a good night schedule, one that will help you wind down, sleep well, and wake up feeling on top of the world.

Sounds good? Then read on!

In this post, I’ll share a dreamy summer night routine that will make you feel like pampered soul in a happy body.

If you’re ready to ditch the endless late-night doom-scrolling and create a routine that feels both relaxing and fun, here’s exactly how to do it:

8 Summer Night Routine Ideas For A Good Bedtime

1. Start With A Sunset Reset

One of the best things about summer? The sunsets.

Seriously, if you’re not making it a habit to pause and watch the sky change colors, you’re missing out.

The moment evening hits, you should step outside—on your balcony, in your backyard, or even just by an open window.

Let that warm summer breeze hit your skin and just breathe it all in.

Every evening, take a picture of the sunset and keep it in a folder called ‘summer sunset’. You can also grab some herbal tea while watching the sun (no coffee please).

This will be the the perfect way to mentally shift from the chaos of the day to a slow and peaceful evening.

2. Eat A Light Dinner

Eating a heavy meal too close to bedtime in the summer is not a great idea.

No one likes tossing and turning because they feel too full or bloated.

When it comes to your dinner, always go for something light and refreshing, like grilled veggies, a simple salad, or a smoothie bowl with fresh summer fruits.

If you love romanticizing summer like me, then feel free to light a scented candle, play some music, and use nice plates to serve yourself dinner.

You deserve to treat yourself the best, every season and every day of the year.

3. Take a Shower and Pamper Your Skin

Summer nights can be sticky, and there’s nothing worse than trying to sleep when you feel overheated.

That’s why you should end your day with a cool shower using a summer-scented body lotion.

Wash off the sweat, sunscreen, and city grime, and let the water bring your body temperature down before bed.

Follow it up with a lightweight and hydrating skincare routine (summer heat and clogged pores are a nightmare combo).

Use rose water as a toner and then apply a light moisturizer.

Homemade aloe vera gel is a chef’s kiss for skin during summer, and it’s the only thing I put on my face at night.

My skin feels so soft and smooth in the morning. I recommend it to anyone who wants the ultimate summer glow-up.

4. Ditch the Harsh Lights

You know how summer bonfires and fairy lights just feel right?

That’s because harsh overhead lights ruin the vibe during summer, and soft natural lighting makes everything look perfect.

Once the sun sets, switch to warm and dim lighting with the help of salt lamps, string lights, or a soft bedside lamp.

Your brain will get the memo that it’s time to unwind, and it’ll be way easier to fall asleep later.

5. Do a Summer Night Tradition

Healthy night routines are good and all, but nothing beats the joy of having a summer night tradition that’s all yours.

It can be anything that you can only do during summer and something that brings you real joy.

Here are some of my favorite ideas you can try:

Make a homemade iced tea or lemonade and sip it outside while enjoying the night air.
Light sparklers or citronella candles and just bask in the warm glow.
Listen to the sound of crickets or distant fireworks with a cozy outdoor setup.
Write down your favorite summer memories in a notebook.
Lay on a blanket and try to spot constellations.
Go on a spontaneous night drive with the windows down and your favorite summer playlist blasting.
Have an impromptu late-night picnic in your backyard.
Take a barefoot stroll on cool grass just to feel the summer earth beneath you.
Watch fireflies flicker around you if you’re lucky enough to have them nearby.
Make a summer wish on a falling star, a dandelion puff, or just in your heart.

You can stick to one ritual throughout the season, or keep trying something new every week. Your summer, your choice!

6. Make a Cool Setup For sleep

Summer nights can leave you feeling like you’re melting into your sheets, which is why it’s wise to take a few minutes to make a cool step every night before you lie down.

Make your bed and make sure the sheets are made of breathable cotton.

Turn on the fan to a speed that feels good without being disturbing, grab a chilled eye mask, and wear the lightest and comfiest PJs possible.

If you’re into scented candles (which you should be), light a summer-scented one for a few minutes until your room smells like a summer haven.

You can also put a room humidifier on your bedtime table and add a few drops of your fav essential oil to it. It will keep your skin and hair healthy and make you sleep like a baby.

The goal here is to creating a sleep environment that actually feels like summer—cool, airy, and peaceful.

7. Swap Out Your Phone for a Chill Activity

Look, we all know that scrolling in bed is a recipe for disaster.

The blue light messes with your sleep, and before you know it, it’s 1am, and you’re deep in a rabbit hole of travel vlogs or unnecessary online purchases.

Instead of turning to your screens, try something that actually helps you wind down.

Your morning self will thank you for this screen-free activity.

Here are some ideas you gotta try this summer:

Practice some gentle yoga and stretching.
Try your hand at sketching or watercolor painting.
Write a few lines of poetry.
Read a book on your porch.
Do a brain dump journaling session to clear your mind.
Play an instrument or listen to soft acoustic music.
Try an ASMR or guided meditation session.
Work on a vision board for your dream summer vacation
Indulge in a DIY beauty treatment like a coconut oil hair mask.
Light a summer-scented candle and just sit in stillness, soaking in the quiet.

Please note that this step of your summer night routine is different than the summer tradition.

That step will help you tap into your summer spirit, while this one is something you’ll do right before bed to wind down and prep your mind and body for sleep.

More ideas: 15 Summer Hobbies That Will Make The Season Count

8. Drift Off to Summer Dreamland

The best way to end your summer night routine? Lying in bed, feeling fresh, relaxed, and dreamy.

You should try to get yourself in bed by 11pm max so that you have plenty of time to fall asleep.

Needless to say, your screens should be nowhere around you by this point.

Spend these final few minutes of your night just letting yourself be or doing something intentional.

You can replay your favorite moments from the day in your mind, set a positive intention for the next day, or close your eyes and let the soft sounds of a summer night lull you to sleep.

Let yourself rest, recharge, and wake up ready to make the most of another beautiful summer day.

Summer Nights Are So Good!

I am not someone who would call herself a summer lover (please don’t sue me), but creating routines that revolve around cozy summer rituals makes me actually look forward to this season.

So, are you in?

If yes, then try this summer bedtime routine tonight, and let the summer night work its magic on you!

Enjoyed this post? Let me know what your favorite tip from this post was, and feel free to drop a fresh idea from your end as well.

How To Create A Summer Night Routine – 8 Relaxing Ideas