If one style owns summer, it is wheat beer. The soft, hazy body, the gentle fizz and the bright notes of citrus, banana and spice make it beautifully refreshing when the sun is out, and easy to drink for anyone, beer nerd or not.
Below are eight of the best wheat beers for summer, each tasted and rated for the site. There are world-class German hefeweizens, classic Belgian wits, and bright American wheat ales, covering everything from the widely available to the genuinely world-beating. Every pick links to its full review and you can grab a case in a couple of taps.
Serve them cold in a tall glass, give the hefeweizens a proper pour for that big fluffy head, and enjoy one of the most summer-friendly styles there is.
Best Summer Wheat Beers at a Glance
| Beer | Style | Our rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier | German Hefeweizen | 4.8/5 | Best wheat beer in the world |
| Allagash White | Belgian Witbier | 4.7/5 | Best American wit |
| Hoegaarden | Belgian Witbier | 4.5/5 | Best classic Belgian wit |
| Erdinger Weissbier | German Hefeweizen | 4.2/5 | Best widely available hefe |
| Bell’s Oberon | American Wheat Ale | 4.3/5 | Best American summer wheat |
| Blue Moon Belgian White | Belgian-Style Wheat | 4.0/5 | Best easy crowd-pleaser |
| Avery White Rascal | Belgian Witbier | 4.2/5 | Best spritzy, spiced wit |
| Ommegang Witte | Belgian Witbier | 4.4/5 | Best crisp, dry wit |
Wheat beer is summer beer. That soft, cloudy body, the gentle carbonation and the bright citrus-and-spice character make it one of the most refreshing things you can drink in the heat. From German hefe to Belgian wit, this style was made for warm days.
Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier
Widely rated the best wheat beer in the world, from the oldest brewery on earth. Banana and clove over a fluffy wheat body, brilliantly refreshing and deeply satisfying. A summer must-drink. Read the full Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier review.
- Classic banana-and-clove hefe
- Fluffy, refreshing wheat body
- World-class quality
- Best fresh
- Pour it properly for the head
Allagash White
A benchmark American wit, hazy and soft with orange peel and coriander over a pillowy wheat body. Bright, refreshing and beautifully drinkable, it is one of the best summer beers made. Read the full Allagash White review.
- Bright citrus and spice
- Soft, refreshing wheat body
- World-class witbier
- Pricier than a macro
Hoegaarden
The original Belgian wit, cloudy and soft with orange, coriander and a gentle tang. Light-bodied and endlessly refreshing, it is a classic hot-weather beer that goes down like sunshine. Read the full Hoegaarden review.
- Soft, spiced and refreshing
- Light and very drinkable
- A summer classic
- Delicate, can feel light
Erdinger Weissbier
A dependable, widely available German hefeweizen with soft banana and clove and a smooth wheat body. Refreshing and easy, it is a reliable summer wheat beer you can find almost anywhere. Read the full Erdinger Weissbier review.
- Classic hefe flavour
- Widely available
- Smooth and refreshing
- Not quite top-tier depth
Bell’s Oberon
Summer in a bottle for a whole swathe of the US. Bell’s Oberon is a bright American wheat ale with soft citrus and spice, a seasonal release people genuinely look forward to each year. Read the full Bell’s Oberon review.
- Bright, citrusy summer wheat
- Cult seasonal favourite
- Soft and refreshing
- Seasonal, not year-round
- Regional availability
Blue Moon Belgian White
The gateway wheat beer, and a good one. Smooth and lightly sweet with orange and coriander, Blue Moon is a soft, refreshing crowd-pleaser that suits a sunny afternoon, garnish and all. Read the full Blue Moon Belgian White review.
- Smooth, easy and widely loved
- Orange-peel citrus character
- Great intro to wheat beers
- A little sweet for some
- Best with an orange slice
Avery White Rascal
An unfiltered Belgian-style wit with coriander and orange peel and a lively, spritzy finish. Crisp and characterful, it is a refreshing wheat beer with a bit more zip than most. Read the full Avery White Rascal review.
- Spritzy and refreshing
- Bright coriander and orange
- Well-made wit
- Spice not for everyone
Ommegang Witte
A crisp, elegant American-made Belgian wit with lemon, coriander and a dry, refreshing finish. Lighter and drier than most, it is a superb warm-weather beer for wit fans. Read the full Ommegang Witte review.
- Crisp, dry and elegant
- Bright lemon and spice
- Very refreshing
- Drier style, less sweet
The Gear That Shows Off a Wheat Beer
Beer sorted, now serve it right. These three keep a wheat beer cool and show off its big fluffy head.
Summer Wheat Beer FAQ
What is the best wheat beer?
Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier is widely rated the best wheat beer in the world, with classic banana-and-clove character and a fluffy body. For a Belgian wit, Allagash White and Hoegaarden are outstanding, and Bell’s Oberon is a beloved American summer wheat.
What is the difference between a hefeweizen and a witbier?
A hefeweizen is a German wheat beer with banana-and-clove yeast character and no added spices. A witbier is a Belgian wheat beer brewed with orange peel and coriander, giving it a citrusy, spiced profile. Both are cloudy, soft and refreshing.
Why are wheat beers good in summer?
Wheat beers are light-bodied, gently carbonated and full of bright citrus and spice, which makes them exceptionally refreshing in warm weather. They are also easy to drink and widely liked, so they suit a mixed crowd on a hot day.
How should I serve a wheat beer?
Serve wheat beers cold, around 4 to 6 Celsius, in a tall glass. For a German hefeweizen, pour most of it, then swirl the last of the bottle to rouse the yeast and top up for a big, cloudy head. A slice of orange suits many Belgian wits.
