Planning a trip to Stockholm and wondering what to pack? Your packing list will largely depend on the time of year, as Stockholm experiences all four seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect and how to prepare for each season.
Spring (March to May)
Spring in Stockholm is the time when the city is waking up after winter. Days grow longer, and bare trees begin to bud and leaf out.
Temperate:
Highs range between 8–14°C (46–57°F). Early spring can still be cold, with temperatures occasionally dipping below freezing in March and even rare snowfalls in April. Nights remain chilly throughout the season.
Clothing:
Layers are key. Pack long-sleeve shirts, light sweaters, and a rainproof jacket. Sneakers are fine for April and May but might be too cold for March. Although March is relatively dry, bring an umbrella or weatherproof clothing for unexpected showers.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is Stockholm’s high season, with long days that often feel endless around late June and early July.
Temperature:
Daytime highs typically range from 20–23°C (68–73°F), dropping to around 12-15°C (54-59°F) at night. Expect occasional hot spells reaching up to 30°C (86°F) but also sudden rain showers, as Stockholm summers are famously unpredictable.
Clothing:
Lightweight clothing like cotton or linen shirts, shorts, and dresses are ideal. Bring a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a sun hat are must-haves to handle the long daylight hours.
Fall (September to November)
Early September can still be relatively warm. As fall progresses, daylight hours shorten noticeably, especially by late November and temperature starts to fall distinctively by mid-October. Snowfall in November is possible but usually doesn’t last long.
Temperature:
Early fall is mild, but temperatures steadily decline. By late November, expect colder conditions and occasional snow.
Clothing:
Focus on layers. A medium-weight jacket and sturdy shoes are good for early fall, transitioning to a heavier coat and warmer footwear by November.
Winter (December to February)
Winter in Stockholm is cold and often snowy, but fluctuating temperatures around freezing can create icy streets. While inner-city areas are maintained with heated streets or sanded for grip, caution is advised, especially on slopes or stairs.
Temperature:
January and February are the coldest months, often with temperatures below 0°C (32°F). Snow is common, though rain can occur, especially in December. January and February are usually the coldest months in Stockholm and are the months with the best chances for snow.
Clothing:
Thermal layers are essential, including a heavy winter coat, insulated sweaters, and warm socks. Waterproof boots with good grip are recommended, particularly if you’ll be walking outside the maintained city areas. Slip protection (Swedish: broddar) for shoes is practical for icy conditions but should be removed indoors to avoid damaging floors.
How much does it rain in Stockholm?
Stockholm experiences a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year, with the most rain typically falling during the summer months (June–August), followed by the fall (September–November). Spring (March–May) is usually the driest season.
While rainfall is most common in summer, light showers can occur at any time of the year.
Looking at the individual months, February, March, and April are generally the driest months, averaging 27–29 mm (1.06-1.14 in) of rainfall (based on data from 1991–2020). In contrast, August is usually the wettest month, with an average of 66 mm (2.60 in), closely followed by June and July, which average 60 mm (2.36 in) of rainfall each.