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Sweden Weather

Sweden weather and climate

Sweden is on the same latitude as Siberia, Alaska, Greenland and Canada. However, the average annual temperature is higher in Sweden.

This higher temperature is due to the favorable influence of the warm Gulf Stream on the coasts of the Scandinavian peninsula. Much of Sweden is hidden behind the mountains of Norway (Norwegian shield). Sweden therefore has a continental climate with a warm, dry summer and a cold winter with snow. The south of Sweden has a more maritime climate. There is more rain, but the number of hours of sunshine is high.

Along the coast, temperatures never drop far below freezing. The interior is much colder than the coastal areas. Especially in the easternmost areas, along the Gulf of Bothnia, the water freezes over in harsh winters. It is early winter in Lapland. It starts at the end of September or the beginning of October. The temperature can then drop to -40 degrees in winter. Dry cold and little wind make these extreme temperatures somewhat bearable.

Sweden weather – best travel time in Sweden

The best time to visit the center and south of Sweden is from the beginning of June to the end of August. Then there is the best chance of good weather. The nights hardly cool down (mosquito infestations can occur, especially in wetland areas). The best period for the colder north is from mid-June to mid-July.

The sun does not set from the end of May to mid-July, so it does not get dark. Lapland is very beautiful at the beginning of September because of the beautiful autumn colors. Since July is the hottest month, most Swedes go on holiday. In winter there are winter sports opportunities.