pring is the perfect time to transition to fresher, greener, and more vibrant fragrances. As the chill of winter fades, colognes with notes of citrus, herbs, florals, and woods create an invigorating and seasonally appropriate scent experience. Spring fragrances embrace the essence of renewal, offering a balance between freshness and depth.

Woody notes are not left behind but are instead blended with floral and citrus elements to create harmonious compositions. This is the season of fougères—fragrances centered around green, herbal, and earthy notes such as eucalyptus, lavender, violet, and moss. Among these, vetiver stands out as a key ingredient, lending its smoky, grassy, and woody character to some of the finest spring colognes.

There is a perfect cologne for every occasion—whether for outdoor gatherings, daily wear, or weekend adventures. A well-chosen scent can complement the spirit of spring and enhance any personal style.

The Best Spring Colognes, According to GQ

• Best Vetiver Cologne: D.S. & Durga St. Vetyver ($210)
• Best Citrus Cologne: Arquiste L’Or de Louis ($245)
• Best Floral Cologne: Diptyque Orphéon Eau de Parfum ($105)
• Best Verdant Cologne: Creed Green Irish Tweed Fragrance ($345)
• Best Fresh Cologne: Parfums de Marly Percival Eau de Parfum ($275)

Best Vetiver Colognes for Spring

Best Overall: D.S. & Durga St. Vetyver

Key Notes: Vetiver, Bitter Orange, Pink Pepper, Clove, Sea Grass, Rhum Accord

D.S. & Durga’s St. Vetyver offers a refined take on vetiver, blending it with bitter orange, clove, and sea grass for a fresh yet smoky scent. Inspired by the Caribbean, this fragrance captures the essence of salty breezes and warm spices. The inclusion of rhum accord adds depth, making it a well-rounded option for spring.

Best for Day-to-Night Wear: Frederic Malle Vetiver Extraordinaire

Key Notes: Vetiver, Bergamot, Bitter Orange, Cashmeran, Oak Moss

Frederic Malle’s Vetiver Extraordinaire is an elegant fragrance that combines bright citrus with deep, woodsy notes. A bold dose of Haitian vetiver gives it an earthy richness, while bergamot and bitter orange add freshness. This versatile cologne works well for both daytime and evening wear.

Best Classic Vetiver: Guerlain Vetiver

Key Notes: Vetiver, Tonka Bean, Nutmeg, Tobacco

Guerlain’s Vetiver remains a timeless classic. With its crisp blend of citrus, spices, and tobacco, it delivers a clean yet smoky scent profile. Its fresh yet earthy character makes it ideal for daily wear throughout spring.

Best Citrus/Woody Colognes for Spring

Best Overall: Arquiste L’Or de Louis

Key Notes: Orange Blossom, Bergamot, Honey, Musk, Cedarwood, Firewood Smoke

Arquiste L’Or de Louis is inspired by the Grand Orangery of Versailles. It combines bright citrus with warm, woodsy undertones. The blend of orange blossom, honey, and cedarwood creates a luminous yet complex scent that embodies both freshness and sophistication.

Best Citrus-Forward Scent: Perfumehead Somewhere

Key Notes: Bergamot, Neroli, Mandarin, Cumin, Jasmine, Vetiver, Patchouli, Sandalwood

Perfumehead’s Somewhere is an effervescent citrus fragrance featuring bergamot, neroli, and blood orange. Green and woody notes from vetiver and sandalwood provide a smooth, lasting base, making it an ideal spring fragrance.

Best for Date Nights: Hermes Terre d’Hermès Eau de Parfum Intense

Key Notes: Bergamot, Black Pepper, Woods, Coffee

Terre d’Hermès Eau de Parfum Intense builds upon the original Terre d’Hermès with added depth from coffee and licorice. Bright citrus and black pepper introduce a fresh start, while earthy and mineral-like accords provide an intriguing complexity perfect for evenings.

Best Floral/Woody Colognes for Spring

Best Overall: Diptyque Orphéon

Key Notes: Juniper Berry, Cedarwood, Tonka Bean, Jasmine

Diptyque’s Orphéon captures the nostalgic essence of a Parisian jazz club in the 1960s. It blends juniper, jasmine, and tonka bean over a cedarwood base, resulting in a warm yet airy floral-woody scent. This refined composition is well-suited for spring evenings.

Best for Warm Weather: Artem Flos Novis

Key Notes: Daffodil, Bergamot, White Floral Accord, Green Tea, Sandalwood, Vanilla

Flos Novis offers a fresh floral scent with an herbal twist. It features daffodil, bergamot, and green tea, combined with a creamy sandalwood and vanilla base. This fragrance is perfect for warm spring days and outdoor gatherings.

Best for All-Day Wear: Maison Francis Kurkdjian APOM

Key Notes: Orange Blossom, Lavender, Amber Wood Accord

Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s APOM blends orange blossom, lavender, and cedarwood with a soft amber base. The result is a sophisticated yet understated fragrance that works seamlessly from day to night.

Best Verdant/Fougère Colognes for Spring

Best Overall: Creed Green Irish Tweed

Key Notes: Lemon, Bergamot, Galbanum, Violet, Lavender, Sandalwood, Oakmoss

Creed’s Green Irish Tweed is a classic example of a refined, green fougère. The combination of lemon, bergamot, and galbanum gives it a crisp freshness, while oakmoss, violet, and sandalwood provide depth and longevity. This versatile scent is perfect for any spring occasion.