Best Time to Visit Sweden: Month by Month
Summer by the lake, northern lights in winter or glowing autumn colours: when a trip to Sweden is most worthwhile for your plans.
There is no single best time to visit Sweden, because it depends on what you want to experience. The country stretches more than 1,500 kilometres from south to north, and the climate in Malmö and Kiruna is worlds apart. This overview will help you decide.
June to August: the Swedish summer
Summer is the classic travel season. The days are very long; in the south it gets dark only briefly at night, and in the far north the midnight sun shines. Temperatures are usually around 20 degrees Celsius, and well above that on good days. This is the time for swimming, paddling, hiking and cottage holidays.
- Pros: warm weather, all sights and campsites open, Midsummer in June.
- Cons: high season with higher prices, especially from late June to mid-August. In the north and by lakes there are lots of mosquitoes in July.
May and September: the quiet weeks
In May the country bursts into bloom and the days are already long. September brings clear air, the first autumn colours, and mushrooms and berries in the forest. Both months are ideal for hikers, cyclists and anyone looking for peace and quiet. Prices are lower, although some campsites and smaller museums close outside the season.
October and November: autumn and dark days
October can still be beautiful with its glowing foliage, especially in the mountains. In November the days become short and often grey. This period is best suited to city breaks with museums, cafés and restaurants.
December to March: winter and northern lights
In winter, Sweden shows a completely different side. Central and northern Sweden usually have reliable snow. This is the time for skiing, dog-sledding tours and hunting for the northern lights. December brings Christmas markets and the Lucia festival. In the far north, the sun does not rise at all around the winter solstice.
- Best snow conditions: February and March, when the days are getting lighter again.
- Note: in the south, winter is often wet with little snow.
April: shoulder season
In April the south thaws, while the ski season continues in the north. The month is excellent for spring skiing in the sunshine in Lapland, but still a little early for touring the south.
Recommendations by type of trip
- Beach holidays and holiday cottages: late June to mid-August.
- Hiking in the fjäll (Swedish mountains): July to mid-September.
- City breaks: May to September, and also December during Advent.
- Northern lights: September to March.
- Winter sports: January to April.
For detailed temperature and precipitation figures, see the page Weather and climate in Sweden.
