Sweden in August: Weather, Tips & More
Sweden is a major tourist destination thanks to its breathtaking national parks and historical, picturesque cities, and summer is undoubtedly the best time of year to explore this magical country. Visiting Sweden in August means you can enjoy the top sites in ideal temperatures and eternal sunshine. There’s no better time to navigate scenic villages and vibrant cities or explore the Arctic Circle than during this uniquely beautiful and pleasant time of year.
- Suey
Sweden Weather in August
If you’re looking for optimal weather in Sweden, August is the perfect month to visit.
Temperatures in Sweden in August are generally mild and perfectly warm but depend largely on which part of the country you’re in. In the north, the weather hovers around a crisp 53°F (12°) during the day and could dip as low as 39°F (4°C) at night. Meanwhile, the southern half of the country including Stockholm and Gothenburg—features ideal average highs of 73°F (23°C) and balmy lows of 56°F (13°C).
The country receives about 2.2 in (55 mm) of precipitation throughout the month, nothing to ruin a trip!
If you want a more generalized view of each season, read our guide on the best time to visit Sweden.
Weather in Sweden in August - Rainfall and Temperatures
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Avg Daily (°C) | -1 | -1 | 3 | 9 | 16 | 22 | 22 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 4 | -1 |
Avg Nightly (°C) | -5 | -5 | -3 | 1 | 6 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 9 | 5 | 1 | -3 |
Avg Daily (°F) | 31 | 31 | 38 | 49 | 61 | 72 | 72 | 68 | 59 | 50 | 40 | 31 |
Avg Nightly (°F) | 23 | 23 | 27 | 34 | 43 | 56 | 56 | 56 | 49 | 41 | 34 | 27 |
Avg Rainfall (mm) | 39 | 27 | 26 | 30 | 30 | 45 | 72 | 66 | 55 | 50 | 53 | 46 |
Jul | Aug | Sep | |
---|---|---|---|
Avg Daily (°C) | 22 | 20 | 15 |
Avg Nightly (°C) | 13 | 13 | 9 |
Avg Daily (°F) | 72 | 68 | 59 |
Avg Nightly (°F) | 56 | 56 | 49 |
Avg Rainfall (mm) | 72 | 66 | 55 |
Why Visit Sweden in August?
Not just geographically above the rest, Sweden takes the lead with superior summer weather while most other European countries swelter in unbearable heat. Still, quintessential temperatures aren’t the only incentive to book a flight to Scandinavia. There are countless reasons why you should take a trip to Sweden in August, including (but certainly not limited to) the following:
- National Pride Month: August is National Pride Month and Sweden celebrates it in style. Stockholm holds the country’s biggest event from August 1–7, attracting over 600,000 participants to take part in a week’s worth of colorful festivities, but you can catch parades across the country.
- Countless Festivals/Events: The party doesn’t stop at Pride month. August hosts various other festivities, such as the Stockholm Culture Festival, the Way Out West music festival, and Kräftskiva, the national crayfish party honoring the country’s popular summer food staple, among many others.
- Endless Summer Days: Thanks to its northern location, Swedish days in August last until about 9 pm. This means that you can easily fill your itinerary with outdoor activities around the clock, which is excellent, considering that Sweden offers a myriad of stunning natural parks such as the Padjelanta National Park and Skulesgogen National Park.
- Outdoor Sports: Nature enthusiasts and thrillseekers visiting Sweden in August can revel in kayaking, hiking, swimming, mountain biking, and more.
Where to Go & What to Do
From bustling cities to pristine parks, Sweden has it all, which is why we recommend spending at least a week in this scenic country. Don’t miss the Stockholm Archipelago, which boasts 14 islands that seamlessly combine thrilling urban life with peaceful nature. Gothenburg is another must-see, featuring abundant tourist attractions like Konstmuseum and Scandinavia’s largest amusement park — the Liseberg — not to mention ample trendy and charming neighborhoods such as the Haga District. Another essential city to add to your bucket list is Malmö, which offers a rich history and a panoramic coastline. And it doesn't stop there! Make your way to Stockholm to explore the old town and the City hall. Explore the brilliant mix of art, culture and delightful cuisines.
For an unforgettable summer trip to Sweden, you shouldn’t just stick to its cities. While metropolitan hotspots like Stockholm and Gothenburg are must-sees, the country offers many charming and secluded villages tucked away from the city bustle. Visit Svalbard — Sweden’s northernmost island in the Arctic Circle — and you’ll experience the polar summer boasting the midnight sun that lasts through the end of August. There’s no better time to tour the fascinating town and surrounding nature than in the summer when the weather is pleasant and you can enjoy the region’s outdoor activities — like hiking glaciers, boating, and whale watching — to the fullest.
Käringön is another quintessential Swedish summer attraction, featuring countless swimming spots, world-class restaurants, and historic and picturesque streets that embody Scandinavian style.
Try wild swimming in the Koster Islands before jumping into a traditional Scandinavian wood-fired sauna. Among the best is the private and panoramic Stilleben Sauna, offering a luxurious experience that’s enjoyable even in the summer.
Sweden also boasts beautiful and lush parks such as Abisko National Park — the country’s most visited —which features spectacular mountainscapes and sky-high trees that gently filter out the summer sun and is best explored by foot or mountain bike.
What to Bring
The weather in Sweden in August stays cool and comfortable, so packing a jacket is an absolute must. If you are traveling to the Arctic Circle, consider bringing an eye mask along, because summer nights up north only last a handful of hours.
Travel to Sweden in August and you’ll experience the best of the breathtaking and geographically diverse Scandinavian country. For assistance planning a customized trip to Sweden in August, consult our local travel experts. Whether you’re interested in group or private tours or would like to personalize your Nordic adventure to your choosing, our talented and dedicated team will work with you closely to design a customized Sweden vacation that caters to your needs.