Thinking of visiting Sweden? There are lots of tourist attractions in Sweden. However, it is essential that you choose the right time to visit the country to be able to really enjoy the activities that you enjoy and seek.
Presented below is a season-by-season and month-by-month information about the best time to visit Sweden.
Different seasons in Sweden
- Swedish weather during the winter season: Winter in Sweden lasts from November to February. It can get really cold and hence tourists have to carry warm apparels. In case u want to go to the coastal regions, then also bring windproof apparels as it can get very windy along the shores. If you take all the necessary precautions, you are able to experience an awesome winter wonderland, particularly towards the north.
- Winter is also the ideal time to revel in the magical northern lights spectacle referred to as Aurora Borealis. Tourists can go to northern towns like Abisko or Kiruna and marvel at the kaleidoscope in the sky while sipping on delicious hot cocoa. You may also try skiing and/or snowmobiling.
- The nightlife is not that great during winters. Summers are perfect for those who desire a taste of the epic nightlife in Sweden.
- Swedish weather during summer season: Summer in Sweden lasts from June to August and is the best time to visit the country. Summer features warm weather with temperatures hovering between 20 to 30 degrees. It is the ideal season for tanning, bathing, and touring the varied beautiful beaches and charming towns and cities, particularly towards the south. In the northern areas, you can easily view the midnight sun, go hiking, and get immersed in the serene scenic beauty of the landscape.
- The cities of Gothenburg and Stockholm as well as the towns along the coast are full of happiness and vibrant life during the summers. Tourists need to pack anything extra as the temperature and weather are pleasant and comfortable. It can sometimes rain during summers. However, it does not get as cold during autumn and spring rainy days.
- Swedish weather during autumn and spring seasons: Autumn in Sweden lasts from September to October, while spring lasts from March to May. The weather can be any type of weather and thus it can get very confusing during both these seasons. It can be summery warm, wintery cold, and it also rains. Tourists will be fine as long as they carry windproof and rain apparels as well as t-shirts and sweaters.
- The landscape is quite beautiful as flowers are just beginning to bloom. The best part about spring and autumn in Sweden is that you can get to enjoy good weather without being overrun by crowds. Barring the northern lights and the midnight sun, you can enjoy varied tourist attractions such as hiking, etc.
When is snowfall/rainfall heaviest in Sweden?
- December is usually the month with most snowfall. Snow may fall even in the months of Jan and Feb. In the northern areas, snowfall usually begins in late Oct and continues till early April.
- Sweden sees a lot of rainfall and July is typically the rainiest month. It rains more heavily, but less frequently, during the months of July and August. On average, rainfall occurs for around 15 days between Aug and Dec. Tourists can expect good weather in Aug instead of rains. It generally snows in winter and hence rains will be nil or less. Summers usually see heavy rainfall, if it rains. Autumn and spring do not have heavy rains, but bad weather persists during these two seasons.
Month-by-month Swedish weather
- January: The region north of Stockholm has snowfall, while it is less or nil towards the south of the capital. The coastal areas can be windy and really cold with occasional snowfall. This is the best month to enjoy the benefits of Swedish winter without the crowds.
- February: It is more vibrant in Feb as people have gotten their 1st paycheck after the shopping spree of Christmas. Tourists can still enjoy snow and winter sports in Feb.
- March: It is the first month of spring and weather is weird as it keeps changing. One day it can rain, while the next day it may snow or be sunny with ok temperature. Cold winds still lash the coastline. Winter is starting to end, even in the north. Days start becoming longer, thus offering more time for exploration, but you can still see some northern lights and see a dark night.
- April: It is not the best time to visit Sweden as the weather is temperamental. It can get really nice when it’s sunny. Days get longer, but due to the finicky weather people don’t venture out often. Partygoers can visit during April end to revel in Valpurgis Night celebrations.
- May: This is the month of transition from spring season to summer. The cities are full of life in May and the southern area ‘canola fields’ landscape turns a magnificent yellow/golden hue. There are no crowds and tourists can still get to enjoy nearly all the activities and attractions.
- June: The first summer month features nice weather, lots of light, long days, and fragrant barbeques in the back gardens of homes. June is the month of the famed Swedish midsummer celebrations. Other than winter sports, tourists can enjoy varied excursions like picking strawberries, hiking, boat tours, archipelagos exploration, and camping, etc.
- July: This is the best time to visit Sweden. The weather is pleasant, cities are full of life, and the temperature is a lovely 20 to 28 degrees in the southern areas. Nearly everyone in the country is holidaying and hence it can get very crowded.
- August: The pleasant July weather continues in August and there is an abundance of happiness. The holidays are however getting over and people return to their jobs, while kids begin school again. Tourists can attend the popular crayfish parties, enjoy the beaches, and sit outdoors at a bar and watch happy people pass by.
- September: People have gone back to their jobs as vacations are over. Weather is usually pleasant early on, but during the past few years, September has witnessed warm weather all through. Thus, tourists can enjoy all summer perks without the crowds of July and August.
- October: This is the transition month to winter. It may or may not start snowing in the northern areas, but the weather is not as pleasant as the summer months.
- November: It is a great time to visit Sweden as tourists can experience winter up north, see the northern lights, and still enjoy daylight. You can go skiing and later revel at after-ski parties. The south is not as magical as the north as it has unpleasant weather and storms.
- December: It is the month of Christmas festivities and a wondrous time to visit Sweden. Tourists can go for the famed ‘julbord’ where locals consume festive foods and drink increased amounts of schnapps with family, friends, and co-workers. It’s usually cold, but of late weather in December has been mild. There is snowfall in the north and on most occasions in the south.