Are you planning a trip to Sweden and wondering when is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit Sweden is from May to September. During these months, the weather is warm and pleasant, and the days are longer, making it a great time to enjoy a range of outdoor activities.
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to the best time to visit Sweden based on your needs and preferences.
About Sweden
Sweden is a country in Northern Europe, bordered to the west by Norway and to the east by Finland.
With a population of roughly 10 million people, it’s the third-largest nation by land in the European Union, although it has a relatively small population for its size.
The capital city of Sweden is Stockholm, which is located on the east coast of the country and is known for its vibrant culture and modern amenities.
Sweden’s various landscapes include hundreds of islands, forests, lakes, and mountains. There are several national parks in the country, including the renowned Skuleskogen National Park and Sarek National Park.
Climate in Sweden
Sweden has a Temperate Climate with four distinct seasons.
The country is located in the Northern Hemisphere, so the seasons are opposite to those in the Southern Hemisphere.
Average temperature
In Sweden, the spring season (March-May) brings a transition from cooler to warmer weather. The average high temperatures during this time range from 5-17°C (41-63°F), with minimum temperatures ranging from -1-7°C (30-45°F).
During the summer (June-August), Sweden experiences warm weather, with average high temperatures ranging from 21-23°C (70-73°F). The minimum temperatures during these months tend to be mild, with an average low of 12-15°C (54-59°F).
In the autumn (September-November), Sweden experiences a transition from warmer to cooler weather. The average high temperatures during these months range from 6-18°C (43-64°F), and the minimum temperatures range from 2-11°C (36-52°F).
During the winter (December-February), the average high temperatures in Sweden are typically around 1 to 3°C (34-37°F). The minimum temperatures during these months can be quite cold, with an average low of -3 to -2°C (27-28°F).
Number of monthly rainy days
In Sweden, the average number of rainy days per month ranges from 9 to 17 across the year.
The late autumn and winter months of November, December, and January tend to be the rainiest, with an average of 16, 17, and 16 rainy days per month, respectively.
The summer and early autumn months of July, August, and September tend to be the driest, with an average of 9-10 rainy days per month.
Number of monthly sun hours
In Sweden, the sunniest months are May, June, and July, with an average of 280, 282, and 283 sun hours per month, respectively.
The months with the least amount of sun hours are November, December, and January, with an average of 45, 32, and 45 sun hours per month, respectively.
Seasons in Sweden
Sweden has four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
Spring (March to May)
In spring (March, April, and May), Sweden experiences a transition from cooler to warmer weather. It is a good time to visit if you want to experience the transition from winter to summer and enjoy mild temperatures.
In spring, the average maximum temperatures range from 5°C (41°F) to 17°C (62°F), and the average number of sun hours per month ranges from 152 to 280.
The days become longer and the temperatures start to rise, making it a good time to enjoy outdoor activities and sightseeing.
However, it is important to note that the weather in Sweden can be unpredictable at this time of year, and there may be occasional rain showers. The average number of rainy days per month ranges from 10 to 11.
The weather conditions in spring in Sweden can be described as ranging from bad in March, tolerable in April, and good in May.
| SPRING | MAR | APR | MAY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max temperature | 5°C / 41°F | 11°C / 51°F | 17°C / 62°F |
| Min temperature | -1°C / 30°F | 2°C / 36°F | 7°C / 45°F |
| Monthly sun hours | 152 hours | 215 hours | 280 hours |
| Monthly rainy days | 10 days | 11 days | 11 days |
| Weather conditions | Bad | Tolerable | Good |
Summer (June to August)
In summer (June, July, and August), Sweden experiences warm weather and long days. This is a popular time to visit Sweden, as there are many outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking, swimming, and camping.
The average maximum temperatures in spring range from 21°C (70°F) to 24°C (75°F), and the average number of sun hours per month ranges from 238 to 283. The average number of rainy days per month ranges from 13 to 14.
The weather conditions in summer in Sweden can be described as great throughout the whole season.
| SUMMER | JUN | JUL | AUG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max temperature | 21°C / 70°F | 24°C / 75°F | 22°C / 72°F |
| Min temperature | 12°C / 53°F | 15°C / 59°F | 14°C / 58°F |
| Monthly sun hours | 282 hours | 283 hours | 238 hours |
| Monthly rainy days | 13 days | 13 days | 14 days |
| Weather conditions | Great | Great | Great |
Autumn (September to November)
During the autumn season (September, October, and November), Sweden experiences a transition from warmer to cooler weather. The leaves on the trees begin to change color, and the days become shorter.
The average maximum temperatures range from 17°C (62°F) to 6°C (43°F), and the average number of sun hours per month ranges from 171 to 45. The average number of rainy days per month ranges from 14 to 16.
The weather conditions in autumn in Sweden can be described as ranging from good in September, tolerable in October, and bad in November.
| AUTUMN | SEP | OCT | NOV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max temperature | 17°C / 62°F | 10°C / 50°F | 6°C / 42°F |
| Min temperature | 10°C / 50°F | 6°C / 43°F | 2°C / 36°F |
| Monthly sun hours | 171 hours | 98 hours | 45 hours |
| Monthly rainy days | 14 days | 15 days | 16 days |
| Weather conditions | Good | Tolerable | Bad |
Winter (December to February)
In the winter season (December, January, and February), Sweden experiences cold temperatures, snow, and short days.
The average maximum temperatures range from 3°C (37°F) to 1°C (35°F), and the average number of sun hours per month ranges from 32 to 76. The average number of rainy or snowy days per month ranges from 13 to 17.
The weather conditions in winter in Sweden can be described as bad throughout the season. However, despite the cold weather, there are many winter activities to enjoy in Sweden, such as skiing, ice skating, and dog sledding.
| WINTER | DEC | JAN | FEB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max temperature | 3°C / 37°F | 1°C / 34°F | 1°C / 35°F |
| Min temperature | -2°C / 29°F | -3°C / 27°F | -3°C / 26°F |
| Monthly sun hours | 32 hours | 45 hours | 76 hours |
| Monthly rainy days | 17 days | 16 days | 13 days |
| Weather conditions | Bad | Bad | Bad |
Best time to visit Sweden weather-wise
The best time to visit Sweden weather-wise is from May to September. This is when the weather conditions are warm and pleasant and you can enjoy long days.
The summer months of June, July, and August are the ideal times to visit Sweden if you want to experience warm, sunny weather and long days. The country experiences its warmest temperatures and most sun hours during this time, making it a fantastic time for outdoor activities.
The spring and autumn months of May and September are good times to visit Sweden if you want milder temperatures and fewer tourist crowds.
Overall, the weather in Sweden can be unpredictable and can vary significantly from one year to the next, so it’s a good idea to be prepared for a range of weather conditions and to bring appropriate clothing and gear no matter when you visit.
Best time to visit Sweden for sightseeing
The spring and fall months of May and September are ideal for sightseeing in Sweden.
The weather is pleasant and visitor crowds are minimal throughout these months, giving it an ideal opportunity to explore the country’s sites, cultural attractions, and natural beauty.
If you visit Sweden during the summer months of June, July, and August, you can anticipate pleasant, sunny weather and longer days that are great for sightseeing and outdoor sports.
These months, however, are also the busiest and most popular for travelers, so expect higher rates and more congested sites.
FURTHER READING
Best time to visit Sweden for Northern Lights
The best time to visit Sweden to see the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, is during the winter months of December, January, and February. These months offer the longest hours of darkness, which is when the Northern Lights are most visible.
The interplay of charged particles from the sun and the Earth’s magnetic field causes the Northern Lights. They are most visible in polar countries like Sweden during the winter months when the sun is at its lowest position in the sky and the nights are the longest.
To increase your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights, choose a place away from city lights with a clear, dark sky. The Northern Lights are often visible in Sweden’s northern and central regions, such as Lapland and the Abisko National Park. These areas have some of the darkest skies in Sweden and are popular destinations for watching the Northern Lights.
Best time for fly fishing in Sweden
Fly fishing is a popular sport and recreational activity in Sweden that includes catching fish with a fly rod, reel, and line using artificial flies as bait. Fly fishing is most commonly done in freshwater streams, rivers, and lakes.
The most popular fish species for fly fishing in Sweden are trout and salmon.
If you want to fish for salmon, the best time is from late May to mid-September. This is when the water temperatures are suitable for salmon, and the rivers and streams are at their best levels for fly fishing.
If you want to fish for trout, the best time is from April to October. This is when the water temperatures are suitable for trout, and the rivers and streams are at their best levels for fly fishing.
In Sweden, fly fishing requires a license, which may be obtained through the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
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