Sweden
The best time to visit
When to go to Sweden
Go in summer, June to August, for warm, near-endless days, the Stockholm archipelago and midsummer. Winter, December to March, brings the northern lights, dog-sledding and snow in Lapland, though the south stays dark and cold.
A 0 to 100 comfort rating from daytime heat, overnight chill, rainfall and storm risk, for Stockholm. Higher is better. Some links on this page are affiliate links, at no cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Jun.
Either side of peak, with thinner crowds and better rates.
Hard cold.
In short
The year at a glance
Sweden swings between a bright, sociable summer and a long, dark winter, and Stockholm sets the ratings below. Summer is the standout season, with warm days, white nights and the archipelago and lake country at their best, building to the midsummer celebrations.
Winter is cold and short on daylight in the south, but in the far north it becomes the season for the northern lights, the Ice Hotel and Sami culture. Spring and autumn are quiet, mild shoulders with fewer crowds and cheaper travel.
Month by month
Sweden month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Stockholm.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rating | What it is like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -1°C / 30°F | -5°C / 23°F | 39 mm | Avoid 17 | Freezing and dry. |
| February | 0°C / 32°F | -5°C / 23°F | 27 mm | Avoid 17 | Freezing and dry. |
| March | 3°C / 37°F | -3°C / 27°F | 26 mm | Avoid 17 | Cold and dry. |
| April | 9°C / 48°F | 1°C / 34°F | 30 mm | Good 48 | Cold and dry. |
| May | 16°C / 61°F | 6°C / 43°F | 30 mm | Ideal 83 | Cool and dry. |
| June | 20°C / 68°F | 11°C / 52°F | 45 mm | Ideal 100 | Mild and dry. Stockholm hotels in June |
| July | 22°C / 72°F | 13°C / 55°F | 72 mm | Ideal 89 | Mild with a little rain. Stockholm hotels in July |
| August | 21°C / 70°F | 13°C / 55°F | 66 mm | Ideal 92 | Mild with a little rain. Stockholm hotels in August |
| September | 16°C / 61°F | 9°C / 48°F | 55 mm | Ideal 83 | Cool with a little rain. |
| October | 9°C / 48°F | 5°C / 41°F | 50 mm | Good 54 | Cold and dry. |
| November | 4°C / 39°F | 1°C / 34°F | 53 mm | Avoid 27 | Cold and dry. |
| December | 1°C / 34°F | -2°C / 28°F | 46 mm | Avoid 17 | Freezing and dry. |
By region
Where you go changes when you go
Stockholm and the south
Mild, bright summers with long evenings and lake swimming. Winters are cold, dark and atmospheric.
The archipelago and west coast
Thousands of islands at their best in summer, when the boats run and the waters warm enough to swim.
Swedish Lapland
The far north, for the northern lights and snow from December to March and the midnight sun in summer.
Go for
Best time to visit Sweden for
Stockholm and the archipelago
June to August for warm days, long light and the islands at their liveliest.
Midsummer
Late June, Sweden's biggest celebration, with maypoles, flowers and parties under the midnight sun.
Northern lights
December to March in Lapland, on clear, dark nights away from the cities.
Quiet and value
May and September, mild shoulder months with fewer crowds and softer prices.
On the calendar
What is on, and when
Midsummer, late June
The whole country celebrates the longest days with maypoles and feasting.
Northern lights, Dec to Mar
The aurora dances over Swedish Lapland on clear winter nights.
Hard cold
Nov to Mar.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Sweden
Compare hotels and rentals around Stockholm, then book the month you want.
Ready to book?
Rates climb in peak season, so the best-weather months pay to book early. Shoulder and low months are the value windows.
Prefer to sort flights first? Compare flights
Questions
Good to know
What is the best time to visit Sweden?
When can you see the northern lights in Sweden?
Is Stockholm worth visiting in winter?
Where else, and when
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