Last updated: January 18, 2025
Stockholm, Sweden, experiences a diverse climate characterized by two prominent Köppen-Geiger classifications: Dfb and Cfb. The city's winter temperatures can dip to a frigid -23°C (-10°F) in January, while the summer months witness a pleasant average of 8°C (46°F), peaking at a balmy 32°C (91°F) in July. This stark seasonal variation underscores the unique climatic conditions that shape life in this vibrant Scandinavian capital, offering a blend of chilly winters and mild summers that contribute to Stockholm’s enchanting allure.
Stockholm, Sweden, showcases distinct seasonal temperature patterns, with harsh winters giving way to mild summers. January marks the coldest month, with minimum temperatures plunging to -23°C (-10°F) and an average of 0°C (32°F), while February and March see only slight improvements, with averages gradually rising to 2°C (35°F) by March. As spring unfolds in April and May, temperatures increase significantly, reaching daily highs of 24°C (76°F) and 30°C (85°F) respectively. The onset of summer in June and July brings warmth, with average temperatures at 16°C (61°F) and 18°C (64°F), peaking at 32°C (91°F) in July. The transition to autumn in August and September sees temperatures dropping again, settling around 13°C (56°F), before further decline in October and November. By December, winter reasserts itself, with temperatures once again dipping to -20°C (-3°F), effectively completing the cycle of seasonal temperature fluctuations that define Stockholm's climate.
The climate in the Stockholm area showcases a range of temperatures throughout the year. In Stockholm, January sees a minimum of -18°C (-1°F) and peaks at 29°C (85°F) in August; for Vaxholm, the January low is also -18°C (1°F), with a slightly lower maximum of 28°C (83°F) in July. Meanwhile, Nacka experiences a minimum of -15°C (6°F) in January and a maximum of 27°C (81°F) in August. For a closer look at the monthly temperatures, you can explore monthly temperatures in Stockholm, monthly temperatures in Vaxholm, and monthly temperatures in Nacka.
Precipitation in Stockholm exhibits notable variability throughout the year, with the heaviest rainfall typically occurring in late summer and autumn. January and February present relatively low precipitation amounts, measuring 40 mm (1.6 in) and 35 mm (1.4 in) respectively. As spring arrives, March sees a slight increase to 42 mm (1.7 in), followed by a dip to 27 mm (1.0 in) in April. However, as the city transitions into the warmer months, May experiences a jump in precipitation to 53 mm (2.1 in), maintaining similar levels in June.
The summer months continue to bring increased rainfall, peaking in August at 69 mm (2.7 in), before tapering off slightly in September with 52 mm (2.0 in). The autumn months, particularly October, witness another rise, with 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, leading into November’s total of 47 mm (1.8 in) and December's 64 mm (2.5 in). Overall, the number of rainy days fluctuates, ranging from 7 to 14 days each month, with August, October, and December typically recording the most precipitation days, contributing to Stockholm's characteristic wetness during these periods.
In Stockholm, the sunshine duration reveals a compelling seasonal pattern characterized by a notable increase from winter to summer. January sees a meager 71 hours of sunshine, with daylight hours gradually increasing as the year progresses. February offers a modest improvement at 168 hours, but it is March that marks a significant leap to 260 hours, signaling the approach of spring. As temperatures begin to warm, April continues this trend with 364 hours, leading to May and June where the city basks in 449 hours and 474 hours of sunshine, respectively. This upward trajectory culminates in July, the sunniest month, with an impressive 486 hours of bright skies.
As summer yields to autumn, Stockholm witnesses a gradual decline in sunshine hours. Though August still retains a respectable 414 hours, September sees a drop to 308 hours, reflecting the shortening days. October provides 214 hours, further diminishing as November and December struggle with only 133 hours and 76 hours of sunshine. This stark contrast highlights the city’s long, dark winters compared to the vibrant, sun-filled summers, underscoring the importance of sunlight in defining the seasonal experience for residents and visitors alike.
The UV Index in Stockholm illustrates significant seasonal variation, reflecting the changing intensity of solar radiation throughout the year. During the winter months of January and February, the UV Index remains low at 1 and 2 respectively, indicating minimal risk for sunburn with a burn time of 45 minutes. As spring approaches, March marks a noticeable increase to a moderate UV Index of 3, which continues into April and May at 4 and 5. This period requires heightened awareness of sun exposure, as the burn time decreases to 30 minutes, signaling that residents should begin to protect their skin more diligently as they transition into sunnier days.
The rise of summer brings higher UV levels, peaking at 7 in June and July, categorized as high exposure risk, with a significantly lower burn time of just 25 minutes. As autumn arrives, the UV Index tapers back down; August sees a slight decline to 5, followed by 4 in September. By the time October rolls in, the index drops to 2, with winter returning the UV Index to 1 in November and December. This seasonal fluctuation highlights the importance of adjusting sun protection strategies, particularly during summer when UV exposure can lead to increased risks for skin damage.
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In Stockholm, the daylight duration experiences striking fluctuations throughout the year, reflecting the city's high latitude. January begins with a mere 6 hours of daylight, providing limited sunlight during the winter months. February offers a modest increase to 9 hours, and by March, the duration of daylight grows to 11 hours as the days start to lengthen with the approach of spring. April ushers in even more light, peaking at 14 hours, while May significantly enhances this with an impressive 17 hours. The transition into summer culminates in June, where daylight reaches its apex at 18 hours, allowing for extended outdoor activities and a vibrant atmosphere.
As summer transitions into autumn, daylight hours begin to decrease. July retains 17 hours, but by August, this diminishes to 15 hours, signaling the gradual retreat of summer. September further reduces daylight to 12 hours, and October continues this trend with just 10 hours. The days grow shorter as winter approaches, with November dropping to 7 hours and December again finding itself at 6 hours. This rhythmic cycle of daylight highlights not only the beauty of the changing seasons in Stockholm but also the profound impact on daily life and outdoor pursuits throughout the year.
Alta, Sweden experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and mild summers. January and February are the coldest months, with average temperatures around 0°C (32°F) and significant snowfall, while July and August see milder conditions, with average highs around 17-17°C (63-64°F). Precipitation is relatively moderate, peaking in August at 68 mm (2.7 in), and sunshine hours are longest in mid-summer, reaching nearly 488 hours in July. For more detailed climate information, visit Alta climate.
Eriksberg, Sweden experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January temperatures can plunge as low as -20°C (-4°F), while July sees highs around 30°C (87°F). Precipitation varies throughout the year, peaking in August with 71 mm (2.8 in) and averaging around 37–56 mm (1.5–2.2 in) during the warmer months. The region enjoys considerable sunshine especially in summer, with July boasting up to 485 hours of sun. For more detailed information, visit Eriksberg climate.
Nacka, Sweden experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasonal variations. In winter, temperatures can drop as low as -15°C (6°F) in January, while summer highs reach up to 27°C (81°F) in August. Precipitation is relatively consistent throughout the year, peaking in October with 76 mm (3.0 in) but with drier months in April. Sunshine is abundant in summer months, particularly in July with 488 hours, contrasting sharply with the limited sunlight during winter. For more detailed climate information, visit Nacka climate.
Norrtaelje, Sweden experiences a varied climate with cold winters and mild summers. January and February see temperatures dropping as low as -14°C (7°F), while July can reach up to 30°C (86°F). Precipitation levels peak in October at 72 mm (2.8 in), and the summer months generally receive more rainfall, with July and August each recording about 61-62 mm (2.4 in). Sunshine duration fluctuates throughout the year, peaking in July with 490 hours. For more detailed information, visit Norrtaelje climate.
Saltsjöbaden, Sweden experiences distinct seasonal variations in climate. Winters are cold, with January temperatures ranging from -15°C to 9°C and relatively low sunshine hours, peaking at just 71 hours. By summer, temperatures rise significantly, reaching a maximum of 27°C in August, accompanied by ample sunshine, particularly in June and July with over 470 hours. Precipitation is fairly consistent throughout the year, with October recording the highest at 76 mm. For more detailed information, visit Saltsjoebaden climate.
Sigtuna, Sweden experiences a diverse climate throughout the year, ranging from harsh winters to warm summers. January temperatures can dip as low as -23°C (-10°F), while July sees averages around 18°C (65°F) with peaks up to 32°C (91°F). Precipitation is relatively moderate, with June and August recording the highest levels at 58 mm and 74 mm, respectively. Sunshine hours peak in July with 483 hours, providing ample daylight for outdoor activities. For more detailed climate information, visit Sigtuna climate.
Solna, Sweden experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winters are cold, with January temperatures ranging from -18°C to 10°C and significant snowfall, while summers are mild to warm, peaking in July with an average of 18°C. Precipitation is fairly distributed throughout the year, with the wettest months occurring in late summer and early autumn, particularly in August with 67 mm of rain. The area enjoys ample sunshine during the summer months, peaking in July with 487 hours, before diminishing in the fall and winter. For detailed climate information, visit Solna climate.
Stockholm experiences a diverse climate that varies significantly throughout the year. Winter months, particularly January and February, see average temperatures around -1°C (31°F) and significant snowfall, with January averaging only 72 hours of sunshine. As spring arrives, temperatures gradually warm, reaching an average of 5°C (41°F) in April and peaking at 10°C (50°F) in May, accompanied by increased sunshine hours. The summer months bring comfortable warmth, with July averaging 18°C (64°F) and up to 487 hours of sunshine, though precipitation is highest in late summer and early autumn. For more details, visit Stockholm climate.
Vaxholm, Sweden experiences a varied climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January sees temperatures as low as -18°C (1°F), while summer months like July and August reach highs of 28°C (83°F). Precipitation is relatively high in summer, peaking at 74mm (2.9 in) in August, while winters have lower precipitation, averaging around 35-59mm (1.4-2.3 in).
In conclusion, the climate, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight patterns in Stockholm, Sweden, collectively illustrate a dynamic and distinct environmental rhythm throughout the year. From the icy embrace of winter with limited daylight and low UV levels to the vibrant days of summer filled with extended sunshine and high ultraviolet radiation, each season offers a unique experience for residents and visitors alike. Understanding these seasonal variations is essential for adapting to outdoor activities, managing sun exposure, and appreciating the natural beauty that Stockholm has to offer across its diverse climate spectrum. This cyclical journey through the seasons fosters a deeper connection to the rhythms of nature, enhancing the overall quality of life in this Scandinavian capital.