Stockholm in Sweden has a humid continental climate, which means warm and wet summers and cold winters.
Despite being at latitude 59ºN, Stockholm winters are not as cold as one might expect, thanks to the warmth of the Gulf Stream and the protection provided by the mountains of Norway. So, what kind of weather will you get in all four seasons?
Seasonal Temperatures
The average high in summer is around 21ºC (70ºF) and the average low varies between 11 – 15ºC (52 – 59ºF). In some days though, there can be heat waves, with the thermometers exceeding 25ºC (77ºF).
The transition between summer and autumn can be abrupt, with highs below 10ºC (50ºF) in late September / early October. When the harsh Scandinavian weather settles in, average highs are just above freezing point. The average low however can drop to -4ºC (25ºF) during the coldest winter months (January and February).
When moving from spring to summer, Stockholm experiences temperatures that range from 4ºC (39ºF) in March to 10ºC (50ºF) in April, to 16ºC (61ºF) in May.
Rainfall
The rainfall in Stockholm is not dramatic. Even so, the summer months (July and August) can be especially wet in Stockholm, while February and March are the driest months (averaging 7 rainy days per month).
It usually snows between mid-November and late March, but the amount of snow that falls in Stockholm varies considerably from year to year.
Temperature and rainfall chart – Stockholm, Sweden
When to Go
The best time to visit Stockholm is between May and September when temperatures are milder and days seem never ending. It’s always wise to pack a waterproof jacket or one of those foldable umbrellas even during summer.
Between June and August, there are several festivals, outdoor concerts and events to enjoy throughout the city. One of the most important is Midsummer that celebrates the longest day of the year. In Sweden, Midsummer’s Eve is a public holiday that always falls on a Friday between 19 and 25 June.
