The Climate of Sweden

The climate of Sweden varies from place to place due to great latitudinal differences. Generally the climate is very cold in winter and moderate in summer.

The northern part of the country experiences very severe winter with as much as six months having the temperatures below freezing point. The southern part is considerably warmer with only three winter months. Stockholm, for instance, due to the marine influence of the Atlantic Ocean enjoys a very moderate winter for its latitude. The January temperature at Stockholm is 27 F (-3 C) while other places in Europe at the same latitude and which are out of the marine influence record temperatures as low as 10 F ( -12 C). The same marine influence keeps the summer temperature moderate. The warmest month at Stockholm records 62 F (17 C) while most of Northern European cities at the same latitude including Moscow record more than 74 F (23 C). The best season to visit Sweden is from May to September when the day temperatures are around 60 F (16 C) and one can move around easily in light warm clothes.

Irene Hurricane

The precipitation in Sweden is heaviest in the south west where it exceeds 15 in. (381 mm) while in the Lapland it averages 10 in. (250 mm). The precipitation is heaviest in late summer and lightest in spring. Winters generally have a clear sky and bright sunshine.

In short Sweden has a very cold climate in its northern region. The southern region, under the marine influence of the Atlantic Ocean has a milder climate.

The Climate of Sweden