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.
To learn more about Stockholm’s seasons, also have a look at our Stockholm seasons guide.
Stockholm weather by month
The table below shows average temperatures, rainfall and daylight for each month, so you can see at a glance what to expect. These are averages: a mild week in January or a chilly one in June is not unusual, so check the forecast a few days before you travel.
| Month | Avg. high | Avg. low | Rain | Daylight (hours) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1°C / 34°F | −3°C / 27°F | 37 mm | 7.0 |
| February | 1°C / 34°F | −3°C / 26°F | 29 mm | 9.3 |
| March | 5°C / 40°F | −1°C / 30°F | 27 mm | 11.9 |
| April | 11°C / 51°F | 3°C / 37°F | 29 mm | 14.5 |
| May | 17°C / 62°F | 7°C / 45°F | 34 mm | 17.0 |
| June | 21°C / 69°F | 12°C / 53°F | 62 mm | 18.5 |
| July | 24°C / 74°F | 15°C / 59°F | 62 mm | 17.7 |
| August | 22°C / 72°F | 14°C / 58°F | 66 mm | 15.5 |
| September | 17°C / 62°F | 10°C / 50°F | 53 mm | 12.8 |
| October | 10°C / 50°F | 6°C / 42°F | 51 mm | 10.2 |
| November | 5°C / 42°F | 2°C / 35°F | 48 mm | 7.7 |
| December | 3°C / 37°F | −1°C / 30°F | 48 mm | 6.2 |
A few things stand out. Summer days are very long, with more than 18 hours of daylight around midsummer, while December has only about six. Rain is spread fairly evenly over the year, with June to August the wettest months and late winter and early spring the driest. And from November to March, temperatures hover around freezing, so icy pavements are often more of an issue than deep cold.
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.
Temperature:
Average highs climb quickly, from about 5°C (40°F) in March to 11°C (51°F) in April and 17°C (62°F) in May. 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:
Average daytime highs are 21–24°C (69–74°F), dropping to around 12–15°C (53–59°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 feel like late summer. As autumn progresses, the days shorten quickly, especially by late November, and temperatures drop more clearly from mid-October. Snowfall in November is possible but usually doesn’t last long.
Temperature:
Average highs fall from about 17°C (62°F) in September to 10°C (50°F) in October and 5°C (42°F) in November. Nights are around 10°C (50°F) in September and close to freezing by late November, when you can 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.
Stockholm in November:
November is often grey, damp and windy, with only about seven to eight hours of daylight, and it can feel colder than the thermometer suggests. It’s also when the city starts to light up: Christmas lights go up, and the first Christmas markets open towards the end of the month. Plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, and see our guide to things to do in Stockholm in autumn for ideas.
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:
Average highs are around 1–3°C (34–37°F) from December to February, and nights are usually a few degrees below freezing. January and February are the coldest months and have the best chances of snow, while December more often brings rain or sleet. Cold snaps well below −10°C (14°F) can happen, especially on clear days.
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.
Daylight:
The days are short, with about six hours of daylight in December and seven in January. Plan outdoor sightseeing for the middle of the day and save museums, cafés and saunas for the afternoon. For more ideas, see our guide to winter in Stockholm.
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 about 62 mm (2.4 in) of rainfall each.
What to do when the weather turns
Rain, wind or a dark winter afternoon doesn’t have to spoil your trip. Stockholm is well set up for bad weather, and locals simply head indoors or warm up in a sauna. These guides are a good place to start:
- Rainy day activities in Stockholm: indoor ideas for a wet day in the city.
- The best saunas in Stockholm: warm up in a waterside sauna, and try a cold plunge if you dare.
- The best day spas in Stockholm: spend a few hours in warm pools and quiet relaxation rooms.
- Winter in Stockholm: our local guide to winter activities and making the most of the cold, dark months.
Stockholm packing checklist
Use this list as a starting point and adjust it to the season. Stockholm is a walking city with plenty of cobblestones, so comfortable shoes matter more than anything else.
All year
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A waterproof jacket or a compact umbrella
- Layers you can add or remove, like a sweater or fleece
- Swimwear, if you plan to visit a spa, a sauna or the archipelago
- A reusable water bottle (Stockholm’s tap water is excellent to drink)
- A power adapter for Type C/F plugs (230 V)
Autumn and winter (October–March)
- A warm, windproof winter coat, ideally with a hood
- Hat, scarf and gloves
- Thermal base layers for cold days and outdoor activities
- Waterproof boots with good grip
- Wool socks
- Slip protection for your shoes (broddar), which you can also buy locally
- A reflector (reflex) to hang on your coat, as locals do when walking in the dark
- Lip balm and moisturiser for the dry, cold air
Spring and summer (April–September)
- Light layers and a sweater for cool evenings
- A light rain jacket
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- A sleep mask if you’re sensitive to light, as it barely gets dark in June and July
- Insect repellent if you’re heading to the archipelago or the countryside
Frequently asked questions
November is usually grey, damp and cool. Average highs are around 5°C (42°F) and lows around 2°C (35°F), with about 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain and only seven to eight hours of daylight. The first snow can fall, but it rarely stays for long.
January and February are the coldest months, with an average daily temperature of about −1°C (30°F). Highs are typically around 1°C (34°F) and lows around −3°C (27°F), although cold snaps well below −10°C (14°F) can occur.
Snow can fall from November to April, but January and February are the most reliable months for snow. December often brings rain or sleet instead, and the amount of snow varies a lot from year to year.
Around the winter solstice in late December, the sun rises at about 08:45 and sets before 15:00, giving roughly six hours of daylight. In midsummer it’s the opposite, with more than 18 hours of daylight and nights that never get fully dark.
Dress in layers: a thermal base layer, a warm sweater and an insulated, windproof coat, plus a hat, scarf and gloves. Waterproof boots with good grip matter most, as streets can be icy and slushy. Shops, museums and public transport are well heated, so expect to take off your outer layers indoors.
June to August has the warmest weather and the longest days, with average highs of 21–24°C (69–74°F). May and early September are good alternatives, with mild temperatures and fewer visitors. If you want snow and a winter atmosphere, visit in January or February.
