The best time to visit Sweden to enjoy the wintry landscapes is between November and March, when the snow comes. It’s very cold, especially in the north, but you have a chance to see the northern lights. The aurora borealis are best seen between September and mid-March, or between November and February in Lapland.
However, Sweden has distinct, even extreme differences between the seasons, not to mention between the north and south of the country. The best time to visit depends entirely on what you want to do and where you want to visit.
Spring arrives in April, with blooming flowers and relatively moderate temperatures of 9°C, making this a popular time across the country.
Between late May and mid-July, the northerly reaches above the Arctic Circle experience the midnight sun, while more southerly cities enjoy long twilights. The weather is warm, around 21°C, and the ample sun attracts visitors through until the end of August.
September offers mild temperatures of 15°C and bright foliage in the countryside and urban parks.
Month-by-month guide for traveling in Sweden
Visiting Sweden in November - February
Wintry weather brings an increase in snow and even colder temperatures to the north, though the south is milder. November and December have the most snow and families often venture north to visit the reindeer around the Christmas season. This time of year also gives you the best chance of seeing the northern lights in Lapland.
Events & Festivals
- Christmas markets can be found throughout Sweden in December — the best are in Gothenburg and Stockholm.
Visiting Sweden in March - May
Spring weather can be unpredictable in Sweden, but the temperatures are generally warmer and the daylight hours gradually increase. This is a good time for hiking, as well as for exploring the cities, which are somewhat less busy.
Visiting Sweden in June - August
Summer’s long hours of sunlight and warm weather make this the most popular time to visit across the southern half of the country. Head north to enjoy the midnight sun.
Events & Festivals
- Crayfish parties, known as kräftskiva, start on the first Wednesday of August and run through mid-September, with boiled crayfish, served cold with lots of beer and snaps (usually aquavit).
- Midsommar is celebrated on the Friday that falls between June 19 and 25 with a nationwide traditional festival.
Visiting Sweden in September - October
Temperatures drop and days shorten, bringing autumnal weather and brilliant foliage. Crowds start to thin at the end of September and snow often arrives as early as October.
Events & Festivals
- Crayfish parties, known as kräftskiva, start on the first Wednesday of August and run through mid-September, with boiled crayfish, served cold with lots of beer and snaps (usually aquavit).
Sweden Climate Guide
| Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gothenburg | 1°C 68mm | 1°C 43mm | 5°C 43mm | 9°C 46mm | 16°C 48mm | 19°C 56mm | 20°C 73mm | 20°C 80mm | 16°C 82mm | 11°C 88mm | 6°C 81mm | 3°C 77mm |
| Stockholm | 0°C 39mm | 0°C 28mm | 3°C 25mm | 9°C 30mm | 16°C 30mm | 21°C 45mm | 22°C 66mm | 21°C 63mm | 15°C 54mm | 10°C 49mm | 5°C 52mm | 2°C 46mm |
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Travel advice
Practical tips for traveling to Sweden, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest Government of Canada travel advice.
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