Summer has a different feel compared to the rest of the year. Sure, it’s hot and sticky, but it also feels a bit more relaxed than the rest of the year. Of course, you can’t forget the vacations, lazy days, and potential beach visits that happen during the summer.

If you want to experience summer vibes throughanime, we’ve got you covered! Here, you can check out the best anime to watch during the summer. Not all of these shows are entirely set during the summer, but they have a similar feel that may remind you of the summer season.

Five characters from Higurashi When They Cry standing together.

9Higurashi When They Cry

First up, we have Higurashi When They Cry. This is a long-running franchise that originally started off as a visual novel, launching in 2002. Since then, we’ve received several seasons of the anime, which combine summer with terror.

This show is set in June 1983, and by watching, you’ll quickly learn that there is some time-looping involved. So basically, it is always summer. Higurashi When They Cry also has the classic anime cicadas that chirp nearly every episode.

The two main characters from Dagashi kashi sitting together.

8Dagashi Kashi

Dagashi Kashi takes place in the Japanese countryside, following Kokonotsu Shikada, who is set to be the heir to his family’s candy shop (though he doesn’t want to). While working at the shop, he meets Hotaru Shidare, who is honestly, pretty weird.

Though this show has major summer vibes and is set during the season, Dagashi Kashi can get a bit educational at times. While watching, you’ll learn about Japanese candymaking in a way that’s tasty and engaging.

Characters from A Lull In The Sea jumping together.

7Nagi-Asu: A Lull In The Sea

Something about the ocean is just so summer-coded, even if classes are still in and the weather isn’t too warm yet. A Lull In The Sea takes place in a world where there is a civilization living under the water.

No description is quite fit for A Lull In The Sea, it’s best to experience the world for yourself and meet the characters. It’s worth noting that the animation for this show is absolutely amazing, giving the feeling of a real underwater environment that has been beautifully handcrafted.

Kageyama from Haikyu getting ready to serve.

6Haikyu!!

At first glance, Haikyu!! is a show about a high school volleyball team. The anime covers multiple seasons but for some reason, it just feels so summer-coded.As with any good sports anime, there is also a summer training camp that is the perfect summer watch.

Overall though, Haikyu!! is a great watch for any anime fan. There are quite literally dozens of characters, with each one being individual and unique. The actual volleyball matches are pretty engaging too; you may even become a fan of the sport!

Ponyo floats above Sosuke on a cliff with white, puffy clouds in the background.

5Ponyo

Ponyo is a Studio Ghibli movie following a little fish named Ponyo that drifts up to the surface and meets Sosuke. This movie has the classic Studio Ghibli charm mixed with an oceanside town. Of course, you may expect top-tier animation and catchy music as well.

The English cast for Ponyo is quite impressive, with people such as Liam Neeson, Matt Damon, Betty White, and Tina Fey voicing characters.

Characters from Summer Wars standing together.

This is a heartwarming movie that will leave you smiling and most likely tapping your toes along to the song that plays during the credits. Nothing embodies summer more than an oceanic adventure with a little fish!

4Summer Wars

We had to include something that has summer in the title, and Summer Wars is a good addition! Like Ponyo, this is an anime movie, which means that if you are looking for something short, then this is a good option.

Summer Wars follows Kenji, who has had his online identity stolen for a virtual reality world called OZ. This anime movie combines the feeling of summer with artificial intelligence, making for a compelling watch. If you end up really liking Summer Wars, be sure to also check out The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, which was directed by the same person (Mamoru Hosada).

A group of characters from Free! posing together.

3Free!

Free! is another sports anime that isn’t necessarily set in the summer, but it feels perfect for the season. What’s more summery than summing competitions? This anime-original show follows five swimmers, with four of them initially being together in Iwatobi High School.

The second season of Free! is even called Eternal Summer, following the swimmers as they continue their journey into the summer. If you are craving even more Free! content, there are several movies that you may check out as well.

two characters from Summer Time Rendering.

2Summer Time Rendering

Summer Time Rendering is a great choice if you are looking for summer vibesmixed with a complex mystery. As the show goes on, it includes a bit more action as well. Still, the mystery stays engaging, with each episode drawing you deeper into the darkness of Hitogashima.

This anime is often compared to Higurashi When They Cry, which appeared earlier on the list. As with this anime, Summer Time Rendering involves some paranormal elements, which shakes up the classic summertime story.

Luffy laughing smugly in One Piece.

1One Piece

Okay, we all know what One Piece is. This anime has been included for two reasons. First, what’s more summery than a band of pirates sailing around the world in search of treasure? Secondly, summer provides the perfect opportunity to watch all 1,000+ episodes of the show.

One Piece can be recommended for a variety of situations, but it fits perfectly on our list.Following along with the Straw Hats is cozy and nostalgic, especially since the anime first aired back in 1999.