Looking for the best summer nails? I’ve got you! This post shows you 45+ summer nail ideas you can recreate with ease (or bring to your nail tech).
Is it even summer if your nails aren’t giving main character energy? 🌞 Whether you’re hitting the beach, heading to a backyard BBQ, or just want your hands to look cute holding an iced coffee, summer nails are a must.
The best part? You don’t have to be a pro to pull these off. Some designs are totally DIY-able at home with the right tools, while others might be better for your next appointment with a nail tech.
Either way, I’ve rounded up 45+ summer nail designs that are trendy, playful, and totally worth recreating.
Let’s get into it! 💅
45 Best Summer Nails for 2025
1. Bright French Tips
Swap classic white tips for neon pink, tangerine, or lime green. French but make it fun.
2. Pastel Ombré Nails
Soft blends of lilac, baby blue, sunshine yellow and baby pink are basically the nail version of a sunset.
These give some color to your nails but in a barely-there way.
3. Sunset Gradient Nails
Think orange, pink, and yellow melting together like a dreamy summer evening.
4. White With Daisy Chain Accent Nails
Clean white nails, with tiny white daisy chains on a nude base? Chef’s kiss.
Perfect for festivals and picnics.
5. Beachy Wave Designs
Swirly blue-and-white nails look like mini ocean waves on your fingertips.
Go for clear/translucent 3D sculpting to mimic the look of shells and waves for added dimension.
6. Nails with Fruit For Summer
Go fun and fruity for your Summer nails. I’m obsessed with these pink and yellow nails with 3D sculpted slices of lemon and berries – they capture summer vibes perfectly.
Plus, who says your nails don’t deserve a cute fruit moment?
7. Summery Chrome Colors
Lilac chrome, hot pink, or electric blue finishes are SO 2025.
8. Colorful Minimalist Dots
Love summer minimalist nail designs? Give these subtle nails a try!
Start with a bare base and paint a tiny colorful dot on each nail = easy, modern, and super chic.
9. Y2K Butterfly Nails for Summer
I absolutely love butterly stickers on nails because they can take on different vibes depending on the color palette you choose.
You can go with nude and brown shades for a modern and elegant butterfly vibe, or do a Y2K moment with pastel sparkly butterfly accent nails (for when you don’t want a butterfly on every nail).
Either way, they’re the perfect ultra-feminine summer nails.
10. Psychedelic French Tips
Who says your French tips have to be boring? Bright, blobby psychedelic colors swirling at the tips give major personality.
It’s playful, it’s bold, and it’s the perfect way to jump into summer nail trends without committing to full neon.
Plus, these trippy designs are perfect for festival season!
Related: 30 Classy Summer Nail Design Ideas To Try for 2025
Quick Tip:
Bright colors pop even more if you use a white base coat first. Instant vibrancy hack! 🔥
More Trendy Summer Nail Ideas:
11. Bright Checkerboard Prints (So Gen Z-Approved)
Bright checkerboard designs are fun, bold, and totally trending—perfect for showing off your playful side this summer.
12. Mykonos Nail Art
Bring the breezy, sun-soaked vibe of Mykonos to your summer nails.
Think neutral bases, accent french tips, deep Aegean blue accents, and playful details like evil eye symbols, tile designs, or tiny waves.
It’s the perfect way to channel vacation energy, even if you’re just chilling at home.
13. Watercolor Nails (Soft, Dreamy Blends)
Blended pastel shades look like a watercolor painting on your nails—gentle, artsy, and gorgeous.
14. Coconut Milk Nails
Transparent white nails are the ultimate beach babe look—simple, chic, and perfect with a summer tan.
These have a ‘hazy’ sheen that resemble the look of coconut milk, where they got their nod from.
15. Butter Yellow French Tip Nails
Butter yellow is the breakout color of Summer 2025. Soft, sunny, and a little unexpected, butter yellow French tips are officially taking over mani trends everywhere.
Trendy girls everywhere are switching up bold brights for this subtle shade that’s basically sunshine for your fingertips.
Yellow pairs so well with a tan too! (Real or faux)
16. Neon Swirl Nails
Want to bring the party to your fingertips? Neon pink and yellow swirls are serving major Miami energy—bold, electric, and made for summer nights.
The irregular, freeform designs keep it playful and fun, like a mini vacation on your nails.
Perfect for beach parties, rooftop cocktails, or anytime you’re feeling a little extra.
17. Fruity Blush Nails
Think of Fruity Blush Nails as the slightly bolder, summer-ready sister to classic blush nails.
Instead of the soft pinks we usually see, these shades pull inspiration from juicy papayas, ripe guavas, and sun-warmed peaches.
They’re still subtle enough to feel effortless, but with a vibrant twist that’s perfect for warm-weather days.
A fresh way to add a little summer color without going full neon.
18. Mermaid Nails
Ariel called and said, “OMG your nails are iconic!” just kidding, that was me. Because I simply can’t handle how beautiful these are.
Soft sparkly finishes mimic the shimmer of mermaid tails and the ocean floor—perfect for ocean lovers.
19. Cherry Nails
Cherries are at their ripest in the heart of summer—so why not let them inspire your summer nails too?
Cherry accent nails are having a major moment, especially when paired with a fresh red French tip.
Think dainty cherries drawn on one or two nails, while the rest keep it classic with glossy red-tipped French designs.
It’s playful, summery, and just the right amount of nostalgic.
20. Blueberry Summer Nails
More of a blueberry lover? Blueberry-inspired nails are a fresh twist for summer 2025.
Go for blue French tips paired with tiny blueberries on accent nails—dainty, sweet, and just a little unexpected.
The deep blue pops beautifully against a soft nude or sheer pink base, giving you a look that feels cool, fruity, and perfect for sunny days.
It’s subtle enough for everyday but still playful enough to feel fun and summery.
21. Raspberry Aura Nails
Looking to go a little bolder this summer? Raspberry aura nails are your answer.
These nails blend vibrant raspberry tones into soft pink gradients that feel both juicy and a little bit edgy.
The aura effect makes the color look like it’s glowing from within—perfect for summer nights, rooftop parties, and anywhere you want to show off a pop of color that’s totally eye-catching.
22. Baby Pink Square Nails
Square nails have stood the test of time for good reason. Sometimes simple is the chicest choice.
Baby pink square nails are soft, timeless, and totally on-trend for summer.
The square shape gives this classic color a modern, clean finish, making it perfect for everything from beach days to weddings.
It’s low-key polished—and looks amazing with a tan!
23. Aqua and Coral Nail Designs
Nothing says summer like a pop of aqua and coral! They contrast in a way that is so totally summer.
Start with a nude base, letting the vibrant colors steal the show. Go for funky coral petals outlined in aqua, or playful abstract swirls.
It’s a fresh, colorful combo that feels beachy, bold, and totally fun—perfect for showing off your creative side without going over the top.
24. Tie Dye Nails
Go full festival mode with colorful tie-dye nails in every shade you love.
25. Ditsy Floral Nails like Hailey Bieber
Soft, dainty, and totally charming—ditsy floral nails are everywhere this summer, and Hailey Bieber is leading the way.
Tiny, delicate flowers scattered across the nail with soft pink gem centers create a sweet, barely-there look that feels effortless but polished.
Perfect for anyone who loves subtle nail art with a hint of sparkle!
26. Nails Covered In Tiny Charms
If you love maximalist nail art, charm-covered nails are your ultimate summer vibe.
Think tiny gems, cherries, butterflies, stars—you name it—scattered all over for an eye-catching look.
It’s like Y2K meets eclectic glam, and it’s perfect for when you want your nails to literally sparkle in every conversation.
27. Seashell Nail Art
Iridescent sheens, shell textures, pearly whites, and shoreline colors mimic the prettiest seashells.
28. Honey Bee Nails
Sweet as can bee! 🐝 Start with a nude base and add a sunny yellow French tip for a fresh, summery feel.
Add tiny hand-painted honey bees in different places on each nails for a super cute, summery look.
If you have a steady hand (and the right nail art tools), this is a fun DIY project you can try at home.
It’s the perfect way to add a cute, nature-inspired design to your summer nails.
29. Red Gingham Picnic Nails
Channel all the summer country picnic vibes with this playful nail look!
Mix classic red gingham accent nails with bold red French tips, and sprinkle in a cherry design for extra sweetness.
It’s the perfect blend of retro charm and summer fun—basically, your favorite picnic blanket, but make it fashion.
30. Pink with Cow Print Tips
This version of cow print isn’t like the usual suspects – they’re funky, asymmetrical, and showcase some color in the manicure.
These start with a neutral pink base, then irregular cow print designs adorn the tips – off-center and asymmetrical for that modern, trendy vibe.
It’s bold without being too much, and it’s a perfect way to add some country-inspired fun to your summer nail rotation.
31. Matte Neon Nails
Take the brightness of neon down a notch with a cool matte finish.
You could do matte neon nails in a variety of colors, but I’m loving this alternating, mix-and-match look!
32. Floral French Tips
Swap white tips for tiny hand-painted flowers—it’s giving country cottage nails meets vintage. So pretty and fresh for summer.
Whether you opt for daisy accents, pastel blooms, or tiny rosebuds, it’s a chic way to add florals and color without going full maximalist.
33. Tropical Fruit Nails
Give your nails a summer fruit moment with mini kiwis, dragon fruits, mangos, limes, and strawberries.
These nails are seriously so fun, vibrant, and pretty for summer; I’m obsessed!
34. Ice Cream Nails
Nothing says summer quite like ice cream—and now you can wear it on your nails too.
Go for a nude or soft pastel base with swirly white french tips that look like ice cream, sprinkled with colorful bits to mimic the look of rainbow sprinkles.
It’s a fun, nostalgic design that’s sweet without being over the top—perfect for adding a little extra joy to your summer manicure.
35. Iridescent Sheen Nails
Shift with the light—an iridescent sheen adds a magical, semi-holographic touch.
These nails are understated and glowy, and the way they catch the light gives your nails a cool, modern vibe.
Plus, it makes your nails look extra heathy and glossy!
36. Watermelon Nails
Go literal with watermelon pink, green tips, and tiny black seeds—adorable and summery!
You could go full-on with watermelon nails and do each nail with little black seeds, or just stick to accent nails like in the photo above. Both will look great!
37. Blue and Yellow French Tip Nails
This playful color combo feels sunny and bright without being too loud.
Go for butter yellow french tips with a blue accent line on one hand, and the reverse on the other hand – blue french tips with butter yellow accent lines.
I haven’t seen this color combo done very often, and I’m obsessed with how cheerful they look! They’re the perfect color duo for summer nails.
38. Cool + Warm Aura Nails
Why choose between cool or warm tones when you can have both? Cool + warm colored aura nails are tastefully bright for summer 2025.
One hand features cool shades of blue—think dark indigo blue, medium cornflower blue, and light periwinkle blue—while the other brings the heat with bold warm hues like hot pink, bright raspberry, coral, and peachy orange.
The aura effect gives each nail a dreamy, glowing vibe that feels both intentional and creative.
39. Cat-Eye Strawberry Nails
Cat eye strawberry nails are the cutest summer nail design idea you didn’t know you needed.
Can’t decide between soft and bold? Do both! This playful take on strawberry nails features light pink cat eye polish on one hand and strawberry-red on the other.
Of course, you could do all of your nails one cohesive color too, and it will look just as great.
Green leafy tips and dainty seed accents tie the look together and make everything pop.
It’s fun, fresh, and an amazing summer nail design idea.
40. Peachy Summer Nails
Sweeter than a Georgia peach? These nails are it!
If you want a lighter take on bright + vivid summer nails, try softer peach tones. Peach will definitely give your nails a summery look; just more on the subtle side.
Then, go for an accent nail or two with tiny peach nail art 🍑 The result is seriously adorable!
41. Pink Lemonade Nails
Think pinks and yellows softly blending together—refreshing and sweet, just like the drink.
42. Pastel Tips on Nude Base (Clean Girl Summer Nails)
Clean girl aesthetic with subtle color? I’ve got you!
Add soft pastel French tips to a nude base for an understated yet playful summer look.
43. Skittles Nails (Each Nail a Different Shade!)
Just like the candy—bold, colorful, and completely irresistible.
🌈 Final Thoughts:
Summer is the BEST time to have fun with your nails. Don’t overthink it — if it makes you smile (and matches your favorite drink), you’re doing it right. ✨
Pin your favorites and get ready for the cutest summer nails of 2025!
