Trust Me: These Pretty Summer Nail Colours Will Give You Major Holiday Vibes

Of the many things filling up your pre-holiday to-do list—buy a bikini, stock up on suncream, check your passport expiry date—arguably the most fun is booking in for that all-important pre-travel manicure and pedicure. It’s usually one of the last things I do the day before I fly (in order to get optimal wear out of my new nails), so for me, the ritual pre-holiday manicure is the moment I finally relax and switch my brain into holiday mode.

When it comes to choosing my holiday nail colours, I like to wear something that suits the occasion, that will last for the duration of my trip, and that will give me a mini serotonin boost every time I glance down at my nails. Sometimes that means bright tropical colours like lime greens or fiery corals, but often my go-to is a fresh white (which looks oh so good with sun-kissed skin) or a suitably beachy beige.

With the holiday season fast approaching, even those of you who don’t have any trips booked in may still be in the mood for a summery switch-up at your next nail appointment. Scroll down for the holiday nail colours perfect for summer 2025.

The best holiday nail colours:

1. Bright Coral

Coral nails

(Image credit: @matejanova)

Nothing says ‘out of office and ready for the beach’ quite like a fiery coral mani. Perfect for tropical destinations, a sunset-inspired coral looks chic and fun on both short and long nails.

Shop the Look:

2. Cobalt Blue

Cobalt blue nails

(Image credit: @thehangedit)

Arguably the colour of summer 2024, we’ve already spotted our fair share of cobalt blue bikinis, handbags, and sandals. Tie your look together (or sport a contrasting pop of colour if you typically dress in neutrals) with this eye-catching blue.

Shop the Look:

3. Fresh White

White nail colour

(Image credit: @raelondonnails)

It might sound boring, but really a crisp cool-toned white is the ultimate chic holiday nail colour. Versatile enough to work with all manner of outfit combinations and skin tones, you really can’t go wrong. Prefer something softer? Milky nails, created with a sheer white polish, give a more subtle nod.

Shop the Look:

4. Sandy Beige

Holiday nail colours

(Image credit: @iramshelton)

If neutrals really are more your bag than bright pops of colour, why not try a beach-inspired sandy beige?

Shop the Look:

5. Baby Pink

Baby pink nails

(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

Delicate hues of pink have been trending since the start of the year, so by summer, expect to see them everywhere. If you like a mani that appears fresh, clean, and won’t look obvious when it grows out, this is definitely a safe option.

Shop the Look:

6. Lime Green

Lime green nails

(Image credit: @paintedbyjools)

Another holiday classic, a bright and zesty lime green works well for both manicures and pedicures. Major summer vibes.

Shop the Look:

7. Butter Yellow

Butter yellow nails

(Image credit: @mimixn)

Butter yellow is big news this year and its coming for our summer manicures this year. The soft buttery hue is softer than bright yellow while still tapping into a sunny vibe for the season.

Freelance Beauty Editor

Grace Day is a beauty editor and content creator. She has over 10 years of beauty-industry experience, spanning editorial, retail, and e-commerce, which gives her a unique understanding into how people shop for their beauty routines.While studying for a history degree (specialising in the history of beauty) and working as a beauty adviser in department stores, Grace started writing her own beauty blog in order to share the products she discovered while dealing with acne. After graduating, she moved to Beauty Bay as beauty editor and content manager. Grace is currently a beauty contributor to Who What Wear. She has also written for Hypebae and PopSugar and works as a brand consultant and copywriter.