diff --git a/esphome/components/light/light_call.cpp b/esphome/components/light/light_call.cpp
index 3e4e449614..4e6251492d 100644
--- a/esphome/components/light/light_call.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/light/light_call.cpp
@@ -406,7 +406,7 @@ void LightCall::transform_parameters_() {
   }
 }
 ColorMode LightCall::compute_color_mode_() {
-  auto supported_modes = this->parent_->get_traits().get_supported_color_modes();
+  const auto &supported_modes = this->parent_->get_traits().get_supported_color_modes();
   int supported_count = supported_modes.size();
 
   // Some lights don't support any color modes (e.g. monochromatic light), leave it at unknown.