Sweden’s climate has many faces. The country enjoys a mostly temperate climate despite its northern latitude, mainly due to the Gulf Stream. Stockholm is warmer and more temperate, while in the mountains of northern Sweden a sub-arctic climate predominates.
North of the Arctic Circle, the sun never sets for part of each summer during June and July, which is called the Midnight Sun, one of Scandinavia’s natural phenomena. The opposite occurs in winter when the night is endless for a corresponding period. These are the polar nights (another of the natural phenomena of Scandinavia).
There is a significant climatic divergence between the north and the south of Sweden: the north has a long winter of more than seven months. The south, on the other hand, has a winter climate for only two months and a summer of more than four.
Average annual rainfall is 24 inches and peak rainfall occurs in late summer. Sweden has considerable snowfall, and in northern Sweden the snow remains on the ground for six months each year.
Popular cities in Sweden
Stockholm
Stockholm’s climate is mostly pleasant, with milder winters than you might expect. The city receives plenty of sunlight and has summer temperatures that average 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 25 degrees Celsius). Winters are much colder, averaging between 27 and 30 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 2 to minus 1 degree Celsius). Most of the rain falls during the fall and winter months.
Gothenburg
Gothenburg has a humid and continental climate, with an average temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius) throughout the year. The climate has become milder in recent years, with winters hovering around freezing and summers averaging over 60 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius).
Malmö
Malmö has an oceanic climate. Temperatures are typically above 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) during the summer months, dropping to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 1 degree Celsius) during winter. Malmö receives some snow from December to March, but heavy accumulation is rare.
Uppsala
Uppsala has cold winters and hot summer. Temperatures are warmest in July when they average around 73 degrees Fahrenheit (23 degrees Celsius), and coldest in January when the average high temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit (zero Celsius).
Spring in sweden
Daylight hours and temperatures start to rise in March, but snow is still possible. The ski season begins in April, although in the far north there may be snow and cold until May. The midnight sun generally begins in late May and lasts until August.
What to pack: You can experience sudden changes in the weather during the spring months and there is also incredible variability depending on where you are visiting. In general, you will still need warm clothing such as jeans, sweaters, and in some parts of the country, a thick jacket and winter accessories such as a scarf, gloves, and a hat.
Summer in sweden
Summers in the north are short and cool, but still, they have the long days that Swedish summers are known for. Further south, temperatures can reach as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius), although that’s not especially common. No matter where you go, you will experience long, mostly sunny days, perfect for being outside.
What to pack: The nights are quite chilly, especially in the northern part of the country and along the coast, so you’ll still want to pack warm layers. Otherwise, during the day in Stockholm and other major cities, you will likely feel comfortable in jeans and a long-sleeved shirt or sweatshirt.
Fall in sweden
Autumn in Sweden is dominated by cool, cloudy weather and increased rainfall. Temperatures can vary widely across the country; the northern part of the country will already experience regular frost and sometimes snowfall, while the south can still be quite pleasant.
What to pack: Start breaking out your layers and heavy jacket in the fall. You’ll also want to wear sturdy rain gear, including a waterproof jacket, insulated boots, and warm socks.
Winter in sweden
Days are shorter during winter, with polar nights, periods of almost complete darkness, beginning in the north in December. For southern Sweden, which is largely surrounded by water, winters can be mild and dry. The western part of the country is usually the wettest during winter.
What to pack: Your winter wardrobe in Sweden will vary in part depending on where you visit. In general, it’s best to pack sturdy clothing like an insulated parka, long pants, thermal base layers, wool socks, gloves, a hat, a scarf, and other winter accessories.
Midnight sun and polar nights in Sweden
Swedish Lapland experiences almost continuous daylight from early June to August. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the extreme north areas of Sweden also experience polar nights, periods of complete darkness during the winter months within the polar circles.
Northern Lights in Sweden
The Northern Lights, or Northern Lights, usually become visible in Swedish Lapland in early September. They last until March, and the best place to see this incredible phenomenon is at the Aurora Sky Station in Abisko National Park.
