Best time to go to Stockholm Average weather of Stockholm, Sweden
Lucie Lhortolat and Tony Samson last update: 17/04/2024When is the best time to go to Stockholm?
Due to its relatively harsh climate, there is a tendency to believe that the best time to visit Stockholm is very limited. However, the capital of Sweden can be discovered in any season. Of course, if you want to explore Stockholm with pleasant weather, the ideal period would be during the summer, from June to September.
Indeed, during the summer, the weather is sunny in Stockholm, with temperatures ranging from about 15 to 22°C (72°F) . However, tourist traffic is high during this period. Additionally, even though the cost of living is always quite high in Sweden, prices increase during the peak tourist season, which will impact your travel budget.
Therefore, if you are wondering when to visit Stockholm on a lower budget, you can choose the periods surrounding the summer season. From March to June and from October to November, prices will be lower and the city is often quieter.
Moreover, if the cold does not bother you, winter is a good time to recharge in Stockholm, especially during the month of December. Indeed, the Christmas magic and end-of-year festivities make this city even more enchanting.
So, when is the best time to go to Stockholm? Here's some more information to help you in your decision:
- The best months for good weather in Stockholm are June, July, August and September
- On average, the warmest months are July and August
- The coldest months are January and February
- The rainiest months are June, July, August and October
- The best months for swimming are July and August
Annual weather in Stockholm
Weather details in Stockholm month by month
Weather and climate in Stockholm
Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, enjoys a continental climate. It experiences cold winters with snowfall and relatively warm summers. Precipitation levels are quite low throughout the year compared to other European cities like London or Amsterdam. However, it is during the summer that rainy days are most frequent in Stockholm.
Moreover, the climate in Stockholm is influenced by winds from Arctic and Siberian origins, which bring down temperatures, as well as warmer currents from the Atlantic, resulting in milder temperatures than in the northern parts of the country.
In Sweden, snow usually falls throughout the winter, but this is not always the case in the Swedish capital. Snowfall is rarer and less significant than in cities like Montreal, for example.
Climate in Stockholm in Spring
Spring arrives quite late in Stockholm. It is only from April that temperatures start to rise. Gradually, they reach around 12°C in May and exceed 15°C (59°F) in June.
Additionally, the spring climate in Stockholm is characterized by sunny days and relatively dry weather. While precipitation is frequent in winter and summer, rainy days are less common in spring. April, in particular, is the least rainy month of the year in the Swedish capital. It is a favorable period to visit, despite the lingering cold.
Climate in Stockholm in Summer
From June to September, the weather in Stockholm is very pleasant. Temperatures range from 15 to 22°C (72°F) on average. This makes the climate ideal for exploring the city's landmarks and enjoying outdoor activities.
The comfortable warmth is accompanied by sunny days. However, summer is also a rainy period in this region. July and August each have about 5 rainy days with nearly 100 mm of precipitation. This should not spoil your trip, but it's something to keep in mind when packing.
If you plan on swimming during your vacation, you will need to be brave. Even in the height of summer, the sea temperature barely exceeds 20°C (68°F) .
Finally, it is worth noting that temperatures start to cool down in early September in Stockholm, with average temperatures around 15°C (59°F) during this period.
Climate in Stockholm in Autumn
Temperatures drop rapidly in autumn in Stockholm. By October, they fall below 10°C (50°F) , signaling the arrival of winter. In November, the average temperature is around 5°C (41°F) , and by early December, temperatures are already close to 0°C (32°F) .
While autumn is not characterized by heavy precipitation, sunlight is less abundant than in summer. The sky can often be gray during this period.
Moreover, due to Stockholm's latitude, the daylight hours are particularly short in autumn. This can impact your travel plans if you choose to visit Stockholm during this season, especially from November onwards.
Climate in Stockholm in Winter
Winter in Stockholm is relatively mild compared to Abisko in the northern part of the country, where temperatures are truly icy.
However, from January to March, the cold is ever-present in the Swedish capital. In December, average temperatures range from 2 to 0°C (32°F) , and they can even drop to around -2°C, especially in February, the coldest month of the year.
Of course, some days may be milder than others.
While snowfall is possible during winter in Stockholm, it is not continuous. The weather is rather dry during the winter in this European capital.
Additionally, daylight hours are particularly short in winter, around 6 to 7 hours. While Stockholm may not be the best place to view the Northern Lights, it is possible to catch a glimpse during the long nights, especially during periods of high activity.
Visiting Stockholm in winter appeals to those who enjoy off-the-beaten-path travel. With warm clothing, it is an ideal time to discover the charm of this city.
Charts: temperature and rainfall in Stockholm
In the charts below, you can see the following seasonal norms for the city of Stockholm: the minimum and maximum outdoor temperature, the risk and amount of monthly rainfall, daily average sunshine, sea temperature, and relative humidity for each month of the year.
Outside temperature
Precipitation (rainfall)
Daily sunshine hours
Sea temperature
Humidity
Peak visitor numbers and tourist seasons in Stockholm
Find out when Stockholm has its high tourist season (the period when the influx of tourists is highest) and off-peak tourist season using our data and figures.
Tourist seasons in Stockholm
- Very low season in Stockholm
The months with the lowest number of tourists are: January, February, March and April. - Low season in Stockholm
The months with low numbers of tourists are: October, November and December. - High season in Stockholm
The number of visitors to Stockholm is high in: May, June and September. - Peak season in Stockholm
The largest number of tourists visiting Stockholm is during: July and August.
Figure: Visitor index for Stockholm month by month
Best time for low prices in Stockholm
Average prices of hotels in Stockholm month by month
Generally, January is the month with the lowest hotel prices in Stockholm. So this is a great time to save on your holiday! In contrast, May is statistically the most expensive month of the year for hotels.
Find the best price for your hotel room
Average price for flights to Stockholm
A return flight between London and Stockholm is generally cheaper if you go in january ($ 71 on average): this is the best time for travellers on a tight budget. In contrast, you may end up paying $ 72 more for your airline ticket to Stockholm if you go in august.
Find the best price for your flight Flight prices to Stockholm
Average price of hiring a car in Stockholm
On average, it costs $ 43 per day to hire a car in Stockholm. This price varies by $ 10 depending on the month. In september, hiring a car costs an average of $ 39 per 24 hours, so this is the best time to save money! In contrast, the average price in july is $ 48.
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