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I'm Obsessed With Fall Candles, and I Found All the Best of 2024

Ah, the sweet smell of sweater weather.

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fall candles
Courtesy Cristina Coppin

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To all my fellow fall lovers: our time has finally come. As much as summer is romanticized, I've been counting down the scorching hot days to arguably the best season of the year. And while pulling out your snuggly sweaters, planning your Halloween costume (consider this your sign to start!), and getting pumpkin-flavored everything is great, there's nothing better than setting the vibes with a cozy new candle. As someone who is truly obsessed with finding the best fragrances, nothing puts me into fall mode quite like the whiff of pumpkin spice, nutmeg, and cinnamon.

Don't get me wrong! Not every fall candle has to smell like the inside of a bakery (although, who doesn't love tricking visitors into thinking you're Nara Smith?!). If you're anything like me, you also know how cozy earthy smells like patchouli or sandalwood can be. Whether you prefer your candles on the sweet side or more woodsy, I did some digging (and sniffing) to find you the best fall candles of 2024. Here's a lil peak at a few of the faves:

Our top picks for the best fall candles in 2024:

Below, you'll find 16 of the best-smelling fall candles out there that have been tested, reviewed, and loved by some of Cosmo's editors. Whether you prefer the smell of pumpkin, fall leaves, baked apples, worn leather, or a mix of 'em all, there's definitely a fall candle (or two!) with your name written all over it.

1
best transitional fall candle

Anecdote Candles Homebody

Homebody

Fall is all about slowing down and getting cozy. That's why this candle is the perfect way to start the season. It blends the fresh scent of bergamot and lemon with grounding notes of tea leaves for a scent that'll make you reconsider that night out.

  • Key notes: Bergamot and tea leaves
  • Burn time: 40-50 hours

Glowing Customer Review: "Great housewarming gift for all your introverted friends! I also bought one for myself and will definitely be buying more. The most perfect, relaxing scent for a cozy day or night in with my cat. Pairs very well with your favorite glass of wine and a good book!"

2
best long-lasting fall candle

Le Labo Santal 26 Candle

Santal 26 Candle

If you want a candle that you can burn hours on end, try this cult-favorite option infused with Le Labo's famous Santal scent. Light this baby up, and your home will be filled with a woodsy scent that screams "fall."

  • Key notes: Amber, cocoa, vanilla, cedar, spices, musk, and sandalwood
  • Burn time: 80 hours

Glowing Customer Review: "Scent is a very powerful thing. It can completely change a mood. This candle does that. The scent is sophisticated and comforting all at the same time. Plus these make excellent juice or cocktail glasses after the candle is finished."

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3
best bath & body works fall candle

Bath & Body Works Leaves 3-Wick Candle

Leaves 3-Wick Candle

Bath & Body Works just gets it. The brand managed to capture the complete essence of fall in this bestselling candle aptly called "Leaves." It's spicy, yet kinda fruity, but also cozy—all the best aspects of sweater season rolled into one candle.

  • Key notes: Red apple, golden nectar, and clove spice
  • Burn time: 25-45 hours

Glowing Customer Review: "I love the smell. It's fresh, reminds me of fall, isn't too sweet, and just the right amount of spicy."

4
best warm fall candle

Homesick Autumn Hayride Candle

On Sale
Autumn Hayride Candle

If you want a candle you can burn all day long, try this sweet and woodsy scent that reminds me of my fave autumn activity: hayrides. Plus, the non-toxic candle is great for those sensitive to strong smells. After all, delicate noses deserve a cozy fall scent, too.

  • Key notes: Fresh hay, amber, clove nutmeg, birch, maple bark, tonka, patchouli, and oakmoss
  • Burn time: 60-80 hours

Glowing Customer Review: "I hesitated buying this candle online because I am sensitive to certain scents, but I went for it based on the reviews. I’m so glad I bought this candle! It’s absolutely delicious-smelling. Not overwhelmingly sweet (just sweet enough) and warmly fills the room with a truly Fall aroma."

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5
best aesthetic fall candle

Capri Blue Pumpkin Clove Jar Candle

Pumpkin Clove Jar Candle

When I visit Anthropologie, I go straight to the Capri Blue candle section. These candles sell like hotcakes, and not just because of the delicious, sweet pumpkin scent they give off, but because the speckled vessel is truly stunnin' on any surface in your home.

  • Key notes: Pumpkin, orange zest, vanilla, and cinnamon
  • Burn time: 85 hours

Glowing Customer Review: "This is the perfect fall scent! My husband actually really likes it as well. It has a strong smell but not overwhelming."

6
best minimal fall candle

LAFCO New York Feu de Bois Classic Candle

Feu de Bois Classic Candle

Trust, I love pumpkin spice as much as the next girl, but sometimes you want something a little more elevated. Enter: this gorge candle. Cosmo's Associate Editor Lauren Gruber describes this woodsy, minimal candle as "a crackling bonfire in the best way." Plus, she says it makes her apartment smell like a luxury hotel.

  • Key notes: Sandalwood, leather, and frankincense
  • Burn time: 50 hours

Glowing Customer Review: "This burns very cleanly and the fragrance is heavenly. I discovered it in a store several years ago when they were burning it. Now it's my "go to" for housewarming gifts and my regular burn at home."

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7
best apple-scented fall candle

Hotel Collection Classic Warm Cinnamon Apple Candle

Classic Warm Cinnamon Apple Candle

Nothing beats the smell of a freshly baked pie straight out the oven on a fall day. While I wouldn't consider myself much of a baker, this sleek candle sure does do the trick by filling the room with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and apples.

  • Key notes: Baked apple, brown sugar, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and vanilla bean
  • Burn time: 50 hours

Glowing Customer Review: "Beautifully crafted candle with a scent that lingers even after it's been extinguished."

8
best luxury fall candle

Maison Margiela Replica By The Fireplace Candle

Replica By The Fireplace Candle

There's a reason fashion girlies love Maison Margiela's collection of candles: they smell and look so incredibly luxe. Perfect for fall and winter, the designer's By The Fireplace candle gives all the warm and spicy vibes of...you guessed it...cozying up by the fireplace. The mix of smoky wood, burning chestnut, and sweet vanilla is truly chef's kiss.

  • Key notes: Clove Oil, Chestnut Accord, Vanilla Accord
  • Burn time: 40 hours

Glowing Customer Review: "Gifted this to my boyfriend, who loves warm, spicy, campfire-y scents and he loved it! It is STRONG you don’t need to burn it more than like 20 minutes to scent your whole place."

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9
best spiced fall candle

Voluspa XXV Anniversary Baltic Amber Candle

XXV Anniversary Baltic Amber Candle

This spiced candle pulls double duty as a signature fall scent and warm fall decor thanks to the golden, textured jar. Made with a hand-poured coconut wax blend, this candle is the epitome of warm and inviting.

  • Key notes: Amber, vanilla orchid, cedar, and sandalwood
  • Burn time: 60 hours

Glowing Customer Review: "I love this burnt orange, gold-ish colored glass! What an awesome way to add some color and bring some elegance to a room. This scent gives cozy and relaxing vibes."

10
best vanilla fall candle

Harlem Candle Company After Dark Luxury Candle

After Dark Luxury Candle

Bourbon vanilla and woodsy oak meet in this luxe, double-wick candle that smells rich, sexy, and warm all in one. The combination of amber and vanilla with smoky oud and cedar is perfect for fall nights spent at home. And reviewers cannot stop raving about how sultry and sexy this one smells, soooo if you need a new fall date night candle, this is it.

  • Key notes: Bergamot, Oud, Atlas Cedar, Amber Musk
  • Burn time: 80 hours

Glowing Customer Review: "This is my third Harlem candle; I thought I would never like any scent better than ‘Speakeasy’ but I think ‘After Dark’ is my new favorite. It’s sultry and warm and delicious. Perfect to curl up with at the end of the night."

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11
best woodsy fall candle

Byredo Bibliothèque Scented Candle

Bibliothèque Scented Candle

This candle is giving academia. It's giving exploring a historic library—the delicious smell of a brand-new paperback book. Its woodsy, aromatic scent easily fills a room, and it's honestly the perfect addition to all of your chilly afternoon reading sessions.

  • Key notes: Peach, plum, peony, violet, leather, patchouli, and vanilla
  • Burn time: 60 hours

Glowing Customer Review: "This candle is amazing - the scent is deep and rich, and you can smell it even without lighting it! It feels super luxurious and makes an awesome gift! Burn time seems to be good so far. Honestly, it's like having a fancy library in your own living room - totally worth it."

12
best budget fall candle

Yankee Candle Home Sweet Home Scented Candle

On Sale
Home Sweet Home Scented Candle

Fresh cinnamon buns coming straight out the oven, a cashmere blanket, getting cozy with a brand new book—just some of the things this warm candle reminds me of. It encompasses all the best things about a cozy home in autumn, and it's currently on sale for less than $20.

  • Key notes: Cinnamon, baking spices, and tea
  • Burn time: 110-150 hours

Glowing Customer Review: "This candle smells amazing!!! It has a cinnamon mixed with other baking spices and fresh tea scent. It totally reminds me of being at home when I was a kid. One of my favorites and at $16 for the largest jar candle, you can’t beat it. Highly recommend."

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13
best pumpkin-scented fall candle

NEST Pumpkin Chai Scented Classic Candle

Pumpkin Chai Scented Classic Candle

Take it from Cosmo Beauty Editor Beth Gillette, who's o-b-s-e-s-s-e-d with this candle. "Nest pumpkin chai is that girl!!! It's basically like an adult, bougie pumpkin spice—like what I imagine Meghan Markle's home in Montecito smells like in the fall. Plus, the candle burns like a dream—no tunneling whatsoever, and the scent fills a whole room." Sold.

  • Key notes: Pumpkin, spicy masala chai, cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon
  • Burn time: 60 hours

Glowing Customer Review: "Wonderfully warm and comfortable scent! A definite pumpkin and sweet spicy scent with a notable hint of chai. Not too overbearing and does not smell artificial. I bought a couple extra to use throughout the year!"

14
best cashmere fall candle

Boy Smells Cashmere Kush

Cashmere Kush

According to Senior Editor Lauren Fisher, this Boy Smells candle
"smells like wearing a cashmere sweater and gives total rich aunt energy without being too overbearing." It's the ideal mix of floral and woody and feminine and masculine. Plus, the sleek black container will look so chic in any home aesthetic.

  • Key notes: Pot flower, geranium leaf, tulip, rhubarb, cashmere wood, vetiver, white amber, and powdery musk
  • Burn time: 50 hours

Glowing Customer Review: "Not much of a cold throw, but once you light it - MAN does it fill a room. Like being wrapped in a perfumed cashmere sweater."

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15
best sweet pumpkin fall candle

Snif Half Baked Pumpkin Smash

Half Baked Pumpkin Smash

If you're obsessed with the sweet smell of pumpkin pies and flavored desserts, allow me to introduce you to your new obsession. A sweet treat in candle form, this fall scent from Snif is a unique take on the classic pumpkin smell. The best part? It's available in three sizes, including a massive 50 oz candle that gives over 200 hours (!!!) of burn time.

  • Key notes: Pumpkin spice, cinnamon stick, cardamom, whiskey, brûléed orange, salted maple, roasted chocolate
  • Burn time: 6 oz candle: 35+ hours of burn time; 8.5 oz candle: 50+ hours of burn time; 50 oz candle: 200+ hours of burn time

Glowing Customer Review: "The most perfect fall scent. This is the best smelling candle and I am amazed how it spreads throughout my entire house. Such a clean burn, beautiful center piece. Exceptional quality!"

16
best amber fall candle

Diptyque Ambre Scented Candle

Ambre Scented Candle

Many of us already know that Diptyque candles are well worth the hype. If that's news to you, let me put you onto this elegant, warm scent infused with notes of spices. While the smell easily fills a room, I especially love the brand's iconic and minimal jar.

  • Key notes: Vetiver, patchouli, aniseed, incense, rockrose, and tonka bean
  • Burn time: 60 hours

Glowing Customer Review: "I am in love with this candle! I own 6 different Diptyque candles and Ambre is my all-time favorite!! It is a warm, woody scent that truly engulfs a room. It honestly feels like a warm, fur blanket when it's lit and definitely one of a kind. Ambre's scent is incredibly calming and relaxing, but sensual and stimulating at the same time. I find it perfect for the fall and winter."

Headshot of Chaise Sanders
Chaise Sanders
Associate Editor

Chaise Sanders is an Associate Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers anything from lifestyle and beauty to entertainment and style. Wanna upgrade your skincare game? She's got you covered with the best facial cleansing brushes. Or maybe you're in need of a new true crime show to binge? Got that covered too! Prior to joining the Cosmo team, Chaise was an editor at Country Living (also part of the Hearst fam) where she interviewed celebs like Dolly Parton, LeAnn Rimes and even Martha Stewart. Now, as one of the Big Apple's newest residents, there's a good chance that you can catch her checking out an Insta-worthy cafe or spending way to much $$$ in vintage stores.

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