Sweden in March: Weather, Tips, and More
If you're considering a trip to Sweden when there are fewer crowds and snow but warming weather, then March is an ideal time to visit.
March is a brilliant time for outdoor pursuits like skiing, snowboarding, and sledding without the worry of deep freezing conditions. It’s also the month of festivals, including the annual Vasaloppet, the world’s longest and oldest ski race, the Stockholm Carnival, and more.
With plenty of exciting sights to see and thrilling activities to do, March in Sweden offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty of the spring season before the crowds arrive.
- Suey
Sweden Weather in March
Although March is the official spring season in Sweden, the weather is still distinctly wintery in many places. In Southern Sweden, you can expect average temperatures around 1°C (34°F), while the Arctic north is much colder, with an average of - 8°C (18°F). As for the capital city, Stockholm, the average high temperature is around 5°C (41°F), while the average low temperature is around -3°C (27°F). It is not uncommon to have snowfall during March in Stockholm.
However, things also start looking up this month with days getting longer and the sunshine beginning to return with an average of up to five hours per day in the south. While plenty of snow is around, especially in the central and northern forests, it’s usually too cold for rainfall.
If you want a more generalized view of each season in Sweden, read our guide on the best time to visit Sweden.
Weather in Sweden in March - 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 |
| Feb | Mar | Apr | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | -1 | 3 | 9 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | -5 | -3 | 1 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 31 | 38 | 49 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 23 | 27 | 34 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 27 | 26 | 30 |
Why Visit Sweden in March?
If you’re all about exploring Sweden in tranquility while not missing out on the essence of a quintessential snowy Swedish trip, March is the month to visit the country for many reasons, including:
- Pleasant weather for outdoor activities: The weather in Sweden during March begins to improve, with longer daylight hours and slightly warmer temperatures. While it may still be chilly, the increased sunshine makes outdoor activities far more appealing and enjoyable. Enjoy winter sports such as skiing in Åre, ice skating in Stockholm, and snowmobiling in Kiruna.
- Indoor attractions without crowds: March is a quieter month for tourism in Sweden, so you can explore the cities and towns without battling the crowds. You can discover Sweden’s rich history and culture and visit the museums and art galleries without worrying about long queues or overcrowding. Want to interpret the paintings in the National Museum of Stockholm without your thoughts getting interrupted by the hustle and bustle of the museum crowd? March is the month for you!
- Events and festivals: A highlight of visiting Sweden in March is the famous Vasaloppet ski race, which takes place annually in Mora. It’s the longest and oldest ski race in the world and attracts thousands of participants and spectators from around the globe. You can also enjoy Scandinavia’s famous licorice at the Licorice Festival in Stockholm.
Where to Go and What To Do
If you’re a winter sports enthusiast, you’ll love the variety of skiing opportunities still available in abundance. Don’t miss the Vasaloppet cross-country ski race that takes place on the first Sunday of March and starts from the village of Morga, which is in the south of Sälen and ends in Mora.
If skiing isn’t your thing, there’s still plenty to do in Sweden in March. A trip to Stockholm in February is a treat, with many indoor activities if the weather is still chilly. Check out the ABBA Museum, dedicated to the iconic Swedish pop group, or visit the Swedish History Museum.
This time of the year is also ideal for spotting the northern lights, with Abisko and Kiruna offering some of Europe’s best aurora viewing. Why not try a light-hunting tour with experts? Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, head north to Lapland to see the lights and go dog-sledding as well.
Later March in Sweden also sees Carnaval de Estocolmo or the Stockholm Carnival—the largest indoor carnival in Northern Europe — in the city of Stockholm. Another festival to note is the Liseberg Winter Carnival in Gothenburg in early March. This carnival boasts over 40 attractions, including rides, games, and food stalls all under one roof, making it the perfect destination for those looking for some high-energy, festive fun. By planning your trip to Gothenburg first, followed by a trip to Stockholm, you could attend both carnivals!
If you're a bird enthusiast or "twitcher," as they're called, then Lake Hornborga in Västergötland is a destination you won't want to miss during this time of the year. In addition to the migratory cranes that make this lake their temporary home during their annual migrations, you can also spot other incredible bird species that visit the lake. Some of the most notable bird species that you may see at Lake Hornborga include ducks, geese, swans, and waders. Other great birdwatching destinations in Sweden during March include the Falsterbo Peninsula, the Öland Island, and the Tyresta National Park.
March is a fantastic time to soak up Sweden’s rich culture, outdoor sporting vibes, and history at the many museums, ski resorts, and festivals. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in Scandinavian design, focus on some history and culture, or simply relax and enjoy the picturesque surroundings, Sweden has something to offer everyone!
Need some help planning your trip to Sweden? Fill out our customized Sweden trip form to plan your itinerary with our travel experts’ help from scratch. For more ideas and inspiration, look at our Sweden guide.
