the song received mixed to positive reviews. lewis corner of digital spy rated "summer" three-and-a-half out of five stars, calling it "a bright and vibrant banger destined to soundtrack the warmer months". jamieson cox of "time" magazine felt that the song "doesn't have much lyrical meat on its bones, but coming on the heels of one of the most severe winters in recent memory, listeners are likely hungry for anything that suggests a warmer, sunnier season. one of harris' trademark gigantic synth hooks doesn't hurt its digestibility, either." robbie daw of idolator viewed the track as "a shameless bid at nabbing an 'umbrella'/'california gurls'/'blurred lines'-like song of the summer anthem".