Sweden in February: Weather, Tips and More
Overview
Sweden Weather in February
Weather in Sweden in the month of February largely depends on where you’re visiting. Sweden is about 450,000 square kilometers, making it easy to see how weather can vary greatly depending on what region you’re in. The country is divided into three regions, Götaland in the south, Svealand in the middle, and Norrland in the north; the north and south face a contrast in temperatures. Near Gothenburg and Stockholm, temperatures hang between 1°C (34°F) and -3°C (27°F), while the north will still see freezing cold climes somewhere between -8°C(18°F) and -17°C (1°F).
While Sweden does get snow in February, precipitation is at a minimum during this time of year. The southern beaches of the archipelago typically don’t see more than an inch of snow in February, while Kiruna in Swedish Lapland averages about four inches. In terms of daylight hours, the sun sets around 5:00 pm in Stockholm and Gothenburg and around 3:45 pm in Kiruna, one of the largest cities in Swedish Lapland.
If you want a more generalized view of each season in Sweden, read our guide on the best time to visit Sweden.
Why Visit Sweden in February
If you’re willing to brave the cold, February is one of the best times of year to experience Sweden. Here are just a few reasons why you should embark on a trip to Sweden in winter.
- Best Scandinavian pick: Despite the fact that February is one of the best months to experience a Nordic winter, this is the off-season for Sweden's major cities. The cold deters many from visiting this time of year, but the country's strategic position in the Gulf Stream means that it enjoys milder temperatures compared to its neighboring countries during this period. This unique advantage makes Sweden an ideal destination for those seeking a winter experience without extreme cold, crowd, or expense. The lower number of tourists during February results in more affordable hotel rates, particularly in Gothenburg and Stockholm, two of Sweden's major cities. Compared to other Scandinavian destinations, such as Oslo in Norway or Copenhagen in Denmark, these cities offer relatively lower prices for accommodations.
- Winter sports: Swedes have a particular saying for the holidays they take in February. Known as sportlov or “sport’s break”, schools break for a week in March or February to enjoy winter sports. Destinations like Åre in Sweden beckon with their splendid ski resorts during this period, offering thrilling activities such as downhill skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. For snowboarding enthusiasts, the slopes of Riksgränsen provide an ideal destination, while those seeking the tranquility of snow-covered forests can enjoy snowshoeing in Abisko National Park, and families looking for a thrilling sledding experience can head to Kiruna's Kungsleden trail.
- Swedish celebrations: Immerse yourself in the vibrant festivities of February. Experience Sami National Day, a holiday celebrating the Sami peoples of northern Sweden through traditional foods, music, and clothing. Another event that takes place in February is the Jokkmokk Winter Market, held in the small town of Jokkmokk. Here, visitors can explore the bustling market stalls, interact with local artisans, and experience the enchanting atmosphere of this centuries-old winter market. Additionally, in February, Sweden celebrates Fettisdagen, also known as "Fat Tuesday" or Shrove Tuesday. This festival marks the indulgence before the start of Lent and is renowned for its delicious pastry called the semla.
Where to Go and What to Do
From snowy dreamscapes and the famous Dr. Seuss-esque frozen trees in the iconic Lapland in the north to the cityscapes of Stockholm or Gothenburg, February in Sweden is a wonderful excuse to see this Nordic country in all its wintry glory. Start your Swedish adventures off in Gothenburg, located along what Swedes lovingly refer to as the “west coast, best coast”. Although the city can be relatively quiet during the winter, you’ll have plenty of activities to look forward to, the major one being the Gothenburg Film Festival.
If you haven’t had enough of metropolitan Sweden, tour Stockholm for a history lesson that spans from the illustrious Vikings at the Vasa Museum to Swedish kings at the Royal Palace and ending with the sparkling ABBA Museum; these indoor attractions, although traditionally closed on Mondays, are mostly open during February. Be sure to get a Stockholm pass to get free museum entries and skip long lines!
And if you’re looking for a smaller town to explore, Malmö in February has the mildest weather of the Swedish cities and is just across the Øresund Strait and, thus, Øresund Bridge from Copenhagen.
For outdoor adventures, head to Swedish Lapland to hunt the Northern Lights, search for reindeer and arctic fox, try your hand at dogsledding and learn more about the ancient traditions of the Sami.
What to Bring
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