Summer in Sweden: When the Sun Never Sets on Fun

Sweden, in summer, sees pleasant weather. While the temperatures are not tropical by any means, they are warm by Scandinavian standards. The city of Gothenburg enjoys an average temperature of 22℃ in July, perfect for sightseeing and enjoying a hike in nature. If you head to Kiruna, the northernmost city in Sweden, you can expect milder temperatures of 13°C with lows of 5.7°C even. But the perk of being this far north in summer is enjoying long daylight hours throughout the summer months. And in June, the sun never sets in this region. While rainfall is also fairly common in Sweden during summer, they are evenly distributed across the three months.

For a more detailed seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Sweden.

• Midnight sun: Northern Sweden sees constant daylight hours during the summer months, and the sun never sets in June. Have all the daylight possible to explore this beautiful country and get your fill of vitamin D. 
• Festivals: From Midsummer to Lollapalooza, tons of festivals and events are happening across the summer months. Whether you are looking for culture,  music, or art, you will find it in Sweden in the summer.
• Wild Swimming: With the sun out for longer hours, water temperatures go up too. Swedes love taking a wild dip, whether it is in the cities or off the coast of one of the beautiful islands. You can get it on the trend too by visiting Sweden in summer.  

 If you're considering a trip to Sweden, we recommend looking at our Sweden guide for a clear overview of the country and its destinations.

With so many places to see, explore, and enjoy during summer in Sweden, it can be hard to narrow it down to just a couple of places. So here are some of the best places that you should not miss when on a Sweden tour in the summer.

1. Stockholm Archipelago

This charming group of 14 islands, which is also the capital of Sweden, is a summer favorite among tourists and locals alike. Each island has its own identity, and you can travel between them on an intricate ferry network. Alternatively, you can hire a kayak and paddle between some of the closer islands if you are feeling adventurous. While on your trip to Stockholm, you can hike or swim in the calming bays and coves around the coastline and have a quintessential Swedish summer vacation.

Major attractions: Steamboat piers on Grinda Island and hiking on Finnhalm Island.

Pros:

• Increased water temperatures in summer mean that wild swimming and water activities are possible without freezing yourself.
• All the ferries are running during the summer season. More accommodations and amenities are also open.

Cons:

• The Stockholm archipelago has over 30,000 islands, and only a few of them are populated. So accessibility to some of the islands might be an issue.

2. Gothenburg

As the trendy, smaller alternative city to Stockholm, Gothenburg is a popular spot during the summer months when the Way Out West (WOW, a three-day musical festival, rolls into the city. With music, culture, art, vegan food, and more, it is a great time to be in Gothenburg. Besides, summer is also an ideal time to explore the local markets, vintage shops, and independent seafood restaurants.

Major attractions:  Lisberg, Gothenburg Museum of Art, and Slottsskogen.

Pros:

• There are plenty of festivals and cultural events, including Midsummer events happening in Gothenburg during the summer months.
• The ferries are up and running across the Gothenburg archipelago if you’re looking for a boat trip or an island escape.
• The amusement park at Lisberg is at its best during summertime and is perfect for family fun.

Cons:

• Being the peak tourist season, accommodation can be more expensive. You may struggle to find places to stay or get reservations during festivals in the city.

3. Dalarna

If you are looking for a quiet escape surrounded by nature and traditional Swedish vibes, head to the province of Dalarna. Characterized by its red wooden houses, blueberry bushes, and slower pace of life, it is an idyllic spot during summer. There are also a whole host of events and cultural festivals during the Midsummer period.

Major attractions: Njupeskar waterfall, Fulufjällets National Park, and Tomteland

Pros:

• The Dalarna region has some of the country’s best hiking trails, which are best experienced during the longer, warmer days of summer.
• Blueberry season is in full swing during summer. You can pick some fresh local berries to cook with or snack on the trail.

Cons:

• Public transport around this area may be few and far between.

 With longer days and warmer temperatures, many of the top activities during summer in Sweden revolve around spending time in the great outdoors.

• Hiking: The warmer summer months are the perfect time to hike some of the iconic locations throughout Sweden. Combine this with the near-constant daylight hours; you have plenty of time for adventure. One of the most popular summer hiking spots is the Abisko National Park up north, into the Arctic Circle. Filled with mountains, waterfalls, and lakes, and pretty much no sunset throughout summer, it is simply perfect.
• Kayaking: One of the best ways to see Sweden’s amazing coastline is by kayak, and the best place to kayak is along the rocky and dramatic Bohuslän Coast. Located in the west of Sweden, there are plenty of tour groups that can take you out on trips ranging from a couple of hours to multi-day adventures up and down the coastline.
• Boat trips: From a day-long trip around Malmo to multi-day canal cruises through the heart of Sweden, many boat trip options are available in summer. The season is ideal for taking boat trips in Sweden, as you can enjoy full daylight on and off the boat and see a couple of different parts of the country in their sun-dappled glory.

• If you are heading out hiking or exploring, bring a map with you. In the more remote areas of Sweden, cellular signals can get spotty.
• If you are visiting around festival times, book your accommodation way in advance and plan how you are going to get around the city, as roads are likely to be closed for parades and access reasons.
• Bring an eye mask with you. The midnight sun sounds cool until you are on day three of not knowing what time it is and unable to catch a good night’s sleep with the sun shining till 3 am.

1. What is the best season to visit Sweden?
The best season to visit Sweden is during the summer months of July and August. Temperatures are at their highest around this time, and the longer days allow plenty of time to explore.

2. Does Sweden have 24 hours of sunlight in summer?
If you are in Northern Sweden, which is above the Arctic Circle, you will be able to experience the midnight sun during the summer months.

Visiting Sweden during the summer months is always a good idea, especially if you love making the most of the great outdoors. It is definitely not going to be the hottest destination in Europe, but if you are looking for a getaway filled with beauty, adventure, and cultural events, start booking your tickets for Sweden already.

If you need any help planning a customized vacation to Sweden, our local travel experts can help you devise a perfect itinerary to suit your needs.