1.
midsummer; the height of summer
The hottest period of summer, typically referring to July and August in Japan. A somewhat literary or formal word for the peak of the summer season.
盛夏の候、いかがお過ごしですか。
In this midsummer season, how are you doing?
A formal seasonal greeting used in letters.
盛夏を迎え、気温が三十五度を超える日が続いている。
With midsummer upon us, temperatures exceeding 35 degrees have continued.
盛夏にはビールの売り上げが伸びる。
Beer sales increase in midsummer.
A literary word often seen in seasonal greetings (時候の挨拶) and written correspondence. 盛夏の候 is a set phrase used in formal summer letters. Compare with 真夏 (midsummer — more colloquial), 猛暑 (fierce heat), and 酷暑 (extreme heat). A homophone of 成果 (result), 聖火 (sacred flame), and 製菓 (confectionery), but written with different kanji.