The Scandinavian peninsula and tourism go hand in hand as our eyes often light up at the prospect of visiting any of the three countries there. Sweden is the biggest country in the peninsula with some of the best historic and natural attractions in Europe. Add to that the fact that this is an incredibly clean country and you have yourself a dream tourist destination. Over 450,000 sq km in size and with a population density of just 30 people per square km Sweden is something every traveller would absolutely love as it gives you an opportunity to travel freely not just in the tranquil mountains but also in the cities to a certain extent.
Sweden has all 4 major seasons with winters being the most extreme in terms of temperature. Due to this, summer is the most popular time to visit Sweden but it is also one of the wettest times of the year. The spring and autumn seasons are perfect for travel thanks to the mild climate and comparatively long hours of sunshine, but you won’t see the Northern lights or the sun at midnight. For doing that, summer is the best time.
Sweden has some of the most amazing cities in Europe with the likes of Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmo, Karlskrona, Umea, Sundsvall and many more. There are many cities in this country that are worth travelling to because of their unique and colourful architecture. However, the most striking thing you will observe in Sweden is how incredibly clean and pristine it is which makes you love the country even more. The canals and waterways add to the beauty of the country and the harbours give you an excellent opportunity to just chill and have a good time. Believe it or not, one of the best ways to travel within the cities is by bicycle where you can pedal through the streets and stop to click some really cool pictures.
The natural landscapes and countryside offer views that are as stunning as the picturesque cities. You can see the beauty of the country through the mountains, lakes, canals and national parks. During the winter months, when the sky turns dark, is the best time to witness the spectacular Northern Lights. Head to Abisko National Park, Kiruna, Jokkmokk or any other spot that’s famous for viewing this natural phenomenon.
A majority of the mountains and national parks are in northern Sweden, which is laden with thick sheets of snow in the winter. Kebnekaise, Sarektjåkkå, Areskutan and Partetjåkkå are some of the best mountain peaks. With even the highest mountains being just over 2,000 m, all of them are easy to trek. Abisko National Park, Stenshuvud National Park, Stockholm Canals and the Southern Goteborg Archipelago are just a few of the many natural attractions that the country has to offer.
With all the historical and unique architecture, innumerable natural attractions and the joyous festivals around the year, Sweden is certainly one of the top tourist destinations in the world for you to visit. To help you identify the best time to visit the country, let us go through all the experiences you can hope to garner at different times of the year in this country.
Peak Season: June-July-August
Off Season: November-March
Shoulder Season: April-May and September-October
| Seasons | Temperature | Weather |
| Spring | -3-15°C | Cold and Dry with minimal showers |
| Summer | 11-23°C | Pleasantly Warm with occasional showers |
| Autumn | 1-15°C | Pleasant with slightly more showers |
| Winter | -22 - -3°C | Frigid and heavy snowfall |
Sweden inSpring (March-May)
Temperature: The temperature in Sweden during spring varies between -3°C and 15°C.
Weather: Spring in Sweden is quite cold for the first half and the sun starts appears only after mid-April. The temperature is still below 0°C in March but the maximum temperature reaches around 15°C in May.
Significant Events: Walpurgisnacht is a great festival celebrated during the spring season. With roots going back to paganism, is quite a unique festival to be a part of. Lauded as the Halloween of Sweden, it’s a festival that you certainly should not miss. You can enjoy the bonfire as well as the dance and music activities around it. Swedish locals also celebrate Easter during this time, with everyone getting together and enjoying themselves as families.
Why you should visit now: The spring season here can be considered a shoulder season but tourism in the country actually sees a boost only after April when the weather gets a bit more pleasant thanks to the prolonged sunny hours in the day. This is also a great season to witness the northern lights. Additionally, the season has minimal rain, allowing you to explore all the tourist spots with ease. It is an excellent time for you to indulge in trekking and hiking with the vegetation slowly growing back during the months of April and May.
Things to know before the visit: Be sure to carry your thermals during this season. The number of layers you’ll need depends on the month you are visiting the country. You should work on your fitness too as it is a great time to go trekking. One important thing to keep in mind is that you would not be able to witness the northern lights during the summer at all.
Tip: Include winter accessories like gloves, scarves and caps in your wardrobe for this time. You can book hotel rooms at cheaper rates, as this period is just before the peak season of summer.
Sweden in Summer (June-August)
Temperature: The temperature during summer in Sweden ranges between 11°C and 23°C.
Weather: The summer in Sweden is nothing short of magical with 24 hours of sunlight in a day. Due to the fact that Sweden is located so high up in the northern hemisphere, the sun does not set, resulting in there being no darkness in the majority of the country with just the effect of dawn at night. The temperature goes up to 23°C.
Significant Events: The summer in Sweden is the season for music festivals. Alternate music, EDM, rock, dubstep and hip-hop are the most popular genres at all these festivals. SummerBurst in Goteborg, Gagnef in Gagnef, Popaganda in Stockholm and the Gefle Metal Festival in Gavle are some of the best among the 20+ festivals that you can enjoy during the summers in Sweden.
Why you should visit now: The best season to visit Sweden is the summer with sunlight throughout the day. This gives you ample time for you to explore the country with ease. All the towns, villages, and cities are open to tourists throughout these months. Also, this is one of the best times to visit the natural trails. Summer is the best time to explore cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmo with several cultural festivals for you to attend.
Things to know before the trip: Since it is the best time to visit the country, it is naturally the peak season and as a result, it is difficult to get cost effective hotel rooms and flight tickets. You must book everything well in advance as at times, booking tickets even a month before your visit might not work.
Tips: Since it is the season for parties, festivals and carnivals in the cities, it is the best time for you to have a good time. Also, carry an umbrella and raincoat wherever you go, as it would rain at any time.
Sweden in Autumn (September-October)
Temperature: The autumn temperatures in Sweden are somewhere between 1°C and 15°C.
Weather: Autumn in Sweden is quite cold when compared to other European countries. With the temperature dropping to as low as 1°C in October, it is chilly for sure. Add to that the showers that often occur at this time, and the temperature drops further!
Significant events: Autumn in Sweden does not see too many activities due to the rainy season but there still are a few that you can attend. The Stockholm Jazz Festival and Statement Festival are the two music festivals you cannot miss during this time of the year.
Why you should visit now: Autumn is a great time to visit if you are looking for a budget-friendly trip with not many tourists around. You still get to experience the midnight sun in September and by October you can witness the Northern Lights as well. In many ways, some might say that autumn is the best season of all.
Things to know before the visit: The amount of precipitation increases during this time of the year and that can make the temperature feel colder than it actually is. Since it is the shoulder season, it is much easier to get hotel rooms and flight tickets at cheap rates.
Tips: Unexpected rains during this time of the year make it advisable to carry an umbrella. Carry sturdy shoes with a good grip if you are planning to trek as trails can get slippery in the rain.
Sweden in Winter (November-February)
Temperature: The temperature stays in the range of -22°C and -3°C in the winter.
Weather: Winters in Sweden can be harsh. The temperatures drop to a whopping 22 degrees below 0 or even 30 degrees at times in the north. However, the cities do not go below -5°C. Having said that, the maximum temperature remains below 0 and that tells you what to expect in terms of the insanely cold weather!
Significant events: Due to the extreme snowfall, there are not many festivals for tourists to participate in. Christmas is the biggest festival this time of the year.
Why you should visit now: Winter sports and Northern Lights! These are the biggest reasons for you to travel to Sweden during the winter. With the least amount of sunlight during this time, there is not a better time for you to witness the phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis. Enjoy a night in the glassed hotels, shaped like igloos, to experience a moment that will stay with you forever. Apart from this, this is the best time to indulge in winter sports like skiing, ice-skating, dog sledding, Snow-mobile tours and so on.
Things to know before the visit: Since this is the low season, it is best for those on a really tight budget. You may want to book your accommodation in a ski resort rather than a regular hotel. Moreover, a lot of city museums and tourist spots are closed during this time.
Tips: Carry your warmest winter clothes and wear multiple layers to stay warm in this harsh weather. Gloves, caps and scarves are a must whenever you step out. Carry wind-proof clothes and water-proof high-ankle shoes as well.
Now that you know the best time to visit Sweden, it’s time to start planning your trip to this magical country! Check out our travel packages to know more.
