Sweden in April: Weather, Tips, and More

In terms of weather, Sweden in April can be a mixed bag. April is when the country starts to thaw from the frozen winter months, with the south taking the lead. Southern Sweden, near Gothenburg and Stockholm, sees temperatures averaging highs of about 9°C (50°F) and lows of 1.5°C (35°F). The two cities also average about eight days of rain, making this one of the least precipitous months of the year.

Beautiful Swedish Lapland in the north is likely still to have plenty of snow on the ground in April, but longer days and sunnier weather will begin to prevail, making it a great time to partake in winter sports like cross-country skiing. According to the weather calendar followed by the Sami people of Sweden, there are eight seasons in this part of the country, and April falls into the gidádálvve or spring-winter season. Temperatures in this part of Sweden tend to hover at 2°C (35.6°F) during the day but usually drop below freezing at night.

If you want a more generalized view of each season in Sweden, read our guide on the best time to visit Sweden.

Sweden begins to come alive in April after the long winter months of snow and polar night. This time of renewal is marked by beautiful blooms, bountiful celebrations, and lower prices to boot. Here are a few more reasons you should visit Sweden in April.

• Light on the pockets: It’s no secret that Scandinavia can be an expensive region to travel in. April is a good month to visit Sweden as temperatures are warming up, but the high season is still weeks away. A trip to Sweden in the low season means accommodation rates, along with activity costs, are lower than usual. The trip is likely to cost around 30% less than in the summer!
• Festivities and celebrations: April is a month full of festivals and events to look forward to while in Sweden. The almost week-long Swedish Easter celebrations see families gather in summer cottages, traditional foods like pickled herring and licorice-flavored sweets, and an Easter witch known as påskkärring! Plan your Stockholm trip during Kulturnatt (Culture Night), when Stockholm’s cultural scene opens its doors to the public for free, and Walpurgis Night, a traditional holiday celebrated near the end of April that reveres the Walpurgisnacht, the true harbinger of spring, with a bonfire-lit musical night.
• Outdoor Season for Restaurants: Although you do find patios and open garden restaurants around Sweden in the winter, too, the outdoor season for restaurants picks up from the ending weeks of April. Get a first-hand experience of the fika culture in Sweden, which essentially is the practice of taking a break during the day to enjoy coffee and pastries with friends and family while basking in the warm April sun.
• Northern Lights Finale: The start of April marks the very end of the Northern Lights season in Sweden. Those who visit in the first few weeks still have a chance to catch a glimpse of this natural wonder.

Sweden has no shortage of incredible things to see and do in April, despite the still-thawing climes. Whether you want to explore the remote northern region of Swedish Lapland or tuck into fika culture in the contemporary capital of Stockholm, you’ll be spoiled for choice in terms of intrepid adventures and incredible activities.

The north of Sweden, also known as Swedish Lapland, is peering out from the dark polar night and starting to see longer sunny days, but the mountains are still snow-covered, perfect for snowmobiling and ski touring in the countryside. The nights are also just long enough that it’s possible to see the verdant splash of the Northern Lights dancing across the sky at the beginning of April.

In southern Sweden, take in the big cities of Gothenburg and Stockholm and all they have to offer. The Stockholm archipelago, in particular, is a delight to visit when the boat tours start reopening in April. It is also the perfect time for families to visit this city, with a plethora of festivals on display during the month. Whether it be the Stockholm Culture Night or the Stockholm International Film Festival Junior, there is something to look forward to for every age group. Also, don’t miss out on the shared experience of witnessing the blooming cherry blossoms in Kungsträdgården mid-April. As for your Gothenburg trip, the warmer days make it comfortable to visit parks such as the Hökällan nature reserve to witness hibernating animals such as the lynx come out to enjoy the spring breeze.

April is a month of shifting weather in Sweden, and while things might start to warm up a bit, you’ll still need to bring along clothes that are geared toward winter weather. A heavy coat, gloves, hat, and wool socks are all essential, especially if you’re planning to visit the north. Waterproof shoes are also ideal, as snow and rain are common during this time of year. Bringing clothing that layers well is ideal because it’s very possible the temperatures could trend warmer, especially towards the end of the month and in the south near Gothenburg and Stockholm.

April is a great time to visit Sweden, giving you a chance to see the iconic Northern Lights and catch a bit of warm weather without the summer crowds. Thaw out from your icy adventures in the north with a traditional sauna experience or go on a culinary adventure in Gothenburg; you choose, Sweden will reward you with incredible adventures.

Curious about Sweden during other parts of the year? Check out our Sweden guide to help you plan the perfect trip to Sweden, or customize your Sweden trip from scratch to see everything this diverse country has to offer.