The Monsoon Candle Guide: Scents, Damp and Care

During monsoon, choose dry mineral and earthy scents — vetiver, cedar, petrichor — which cut through damp air rather than compounding it. Store candles lidded in a cupboard, since humidity softens wax surfaces and can make wicks harder to light.

Why sweet scents fail in the rains

Humid air holds fragrance molecules longer and closer to the ground, which makes every scent feel heavier than it does in dry air. A warm vanilla that is comforting in December becomes oppressive in a closed Mumbai flat in July.

Damp interiors also carry their own smell — that faint mustiness from slow-drying laundry and closed windows. A sweet candle layered on top of that does not mask it; it combines with it.

Dry, mineral and green scents contrast instead, which is why they read as fresh in exactly the conditions where sweet scents fail.

What to burn

All available across the jar range. Full descriptions in the Scent Library.

What humidity does to a candle

Three practical effects worth knowing:

Surface dulling. Wax exposed to sustained humidity loses its finish and can look faintly damp. Cosmetic only — one burn levels it out.

Harder lighting. A wick that has absorbed moisture takes longer to catch. Hold the flame a few seconds longer rather than assuming the candle is faulty.

Softening. Monsoon months are still warm, and soy softens above about 35°C. Humidity plus heat is the worst combination for stored candles.

Storage through the rains

Lidded, upright, in an interior cupboard rather than on an open shelf. If you have silica gel sachets from other packaging, putting one in the storage box genuinely helps.

Avoid bathroom storage entirely in these months — it is the most humid room in the house, and candles kept there deteriorate fastest.

More detail in our guide to storing candles in Indian heat.

Frequently asked questions

Which candle scent is best for monsoon?

Dry and mineral — vetiver, cedar, sea salt and petrichor. These contrast with damp air rather than adding to the heaviness.

Does humidity affect candles?

Yes. It dulls the wax surface, can make wicks harder to light, and combined with warmth it softens soy wax.

Why won't my candle light in the rainy season?

The wick has likely absorbed moisture. Hold the flame to it a few seconds longer than usual.

How should I store candles during monsoon?

Lidded and upright in an interior cupboard. Avoid bathrooms, which are the most humid room in the house.

What is petrichor?

The smell of rain falling on dry earth — one of the most recognisable scents in India, and the note our Monsoon fragrance is built around.