allYearWeather.com

Seasons - distinct, just the way we like 'em

Stockholm is located in the southeast of Sweden. Spread across 14 islands along the coast, this city has a lot to offer. Scenery such as waterfronts and parks are never a long walk away. Climate wise, Stockholm enjoys a warmer and milder climate in comparison the more northern parts of Sweden.

The Swedish springtime stretches from March till May. The temperature will vary from a chilly 2°C to a slightly warmer 9°C. This may seem rather cool to visiting guests, but to Swedes it is suddenly a lot warmer. Sunny spring days are a lot warmer than the winter season which will have just passed. Outbreaks of spring flowers will re-introduce colour to this country which is otherwise rather barren during the winter. Harsh winds and rain are not uncommon.

During the summer, Sweden's climate is usually quite warm and very sunny. From June to August, daily temperatures will often by around 20°C, but even temperatures as high as 30°C are not uncommon. In southern cities, such as Stockholm, the average summer temperature is between 18-20°C. The lowest summer temperatures can reach around 13°C and rain is also a somewhat usual occurrence.

Autumn in Sweden is pronounced by a heavy income of rain, average temperatures between 5C and 11C, and the fabulous colours of all the trees as autumn hits. The slight chill in the air is now noticeable as summer temperatures have finally dropped. Grey skies are now a daily occurrence, along with stronger winds.

Winter seems to be the one season that really stands out in Sweden. With the temperatures averaging around -5°C and 1°C, snow is a normal occurrence as well as freezingly cold rain and winds. This may sound pretty horrible, but when properly prepared in swedish winter gear, this season is also one of the more beautiful ones to experience. Many activities such as skiing and ice skating are not available until this season really hits; there is always something to do, no matter what season. The white, snow covered landscape is vastly different from the colourful spring, summer and autumn seasons in this country. This, along with the pretty large temperature changes between each season is the reason they are all distinguishable. Many other countries have a lot milder weather (or a lot rougher!) but when arriving in Sweden, it is pretty easy to figure out which season you are currently in.

Why does Sweden have such pronounced seasons?

This temperate south and the subarctic north climate conditions that Sweden experiences may make it sound like a cold, harsh country, but in reality the coverall climate is pretty mild. This is mostly due to the warmth the Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift bring to Sweden, and most of the surrounding European countries as well. It is also possible to divide up the climate of Sweden into three separate sections; the south enjoying an oceanic climate, central Sweden experiencing humid continental climates, and the north with its much colder subarctic climate. There are such large variations in climate classifications across this country due to its impressive length. The full extent of Sweden is around 1574 kilometers long (from north to south) and 499 kilometers wide (from east to west). About 15% of Sweden is located north of the Arctic circle; this, included with the common annual snowfall, is probably how Sweden got to be known as 'one of those cold northern countries'.

If you compare regions in countries such as Russia or North America that share the same latitudes as Sweden, you will see an impressive deviation in Swedish climate. Another factor that will also surprise many is that not all of Sweden receives tremendous amounts of snow every year. Especially when we look at places in the far south, such as Lund or Malmo, sure they may get a little snow each year, but nothing close to what everyone expects. Sure, in the south we are known to moan and complain about the cold winter months, but in all reality, we are prepared for them and we know pretty much exactly what to expect. What should be documented, is that the places that get less snow, tend to receive rain instead, so maybe Sweden should get known for its rain as well? This title has already been given primarily to Ireland, with England trying to pry in for a part of the title.

When should you visit Stockholm? When shouldn't you visit Stockholm! (or anywhere else in Sweden)

All in all, depending on what weather you are looking for - be it sunny, warm, beach summer weather; visit Sweden during our summer months. Or alternatively, if you are more interested in our winter sports such as skiing and ice skating, visit northern Sweden during the winter months. Whatever sort of getaway you are looking for, Sweden can provide! With our diverse climates and very large open spaces, we can offer lovely countryside holidays, and with our cities (such as Stockholm) we can also offer more city-type holidays. Many people may think of this country as being harsh and cold, but we embrace it as we know another season is waiting just around the corner.