Climate of Swedish Lapland

The northernmost region of Sweden is known as Swedish Lapland, and is distinguished by a harsh climate. Due to its subarctic climate, this area typically experiences long, cold winters and short, cool summers.

Climate averages for the whole year

Day: the average daily temperature during the day is between -9°C and 18°C
Night:the average nighttime temperature is between -15°C and 10°C
Rain: it rains 110 days and there is a total of approximately 335 mm rainfall
Snow: it snows an average of 112 days per year
Sun hours: throughout the year there are 1858 sun hours

Maximum temperature:	between -9°C and 18°C
Warmest month:	18°C in July
Coldest month:	-9°C in January
Night temperature:	between -15°C and 10°C
Dry days:	143 days
Days with rain:	110 days
Days with snow:	112 days
Total rain sum:	335 mm
Hours of sunshine:	1858 hours

Long, cold winters with average lows below freezing from November to April are a feature of the subarctic climate. In Swedish Lapland, low winter temperatures can reach as low as -30 degrees Celsius.

Despite the cold temperatures, relatively little snow falls in the area, and the snow that does fall does not stay on the ground for long due to the often strong winds in the area.

Swedish Lapland experiences short, cool summers with average highs of about 10 degrees Celsius. Despite the long summer days with plenty of sunlight, the area feels much cooler than other parts of Sweden due to the cool temperatures and strong winds.

Winter

Swedish Lapland has long, bitterly cold winters with average lows below freezing and high winds. Snow does not fall often, but when it does, it quickly disappears from the landscape.

Spring

Swedish Lapland's spring is characterized by gradually rising temperatures and an increase in precipitation. Before summer arrives, the region experiences a brief period of mild weather as snow begins to melt.

Summer

Swedish Lapland experiences short, cool summers with average highs of about 10 degrees Celsius. Despite long hours of sunlight, the area feels much cooler than other parts of Sweden due to the cool temperatures and strong winds.

Autumn

The autumn months of Swedish Lapland are characterized by rapidly falling temperatures and an increase in precipitation. Before the chilly, snowy winter begins, there is a brief period of mild weather in the region.

Climate of Swedish Lapland
Temperature graph
Precipitation graph
Climate chart of Swedish Lapland
The best travel time for Swedish Lapland
Climate of Swedish Lapland by month
Experiences with the weather of Swedish Lapland

Temperature graph

This graph shows the average maximum temperature (red) and minimum temperature (blue) for Swedish Lapland.

Precipitation graph

This graph shows the average amount of rainfall per month for Swedish Lapland.

Climate table of Swedish Lapland

In this climate table you can see at a glance what the average weather per month is for Swedish Lapland. The data has been collected over a 30-year period, from which an average per month has been derived. From year to year the differences may be larger or smaller, but with this climate table you have a good idea of what the weather for Swedish Lapland might be like in a given month.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Day temp. (°C)	-9	-8	-4	1	9	14	18	16	11	3	-3	-6
Night temp. (°C)	-15	-14	-11	-6	1	6	10	8	4	-1	-7	-11
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Precipitation (mm)	20	19	21	20	26	35	47	42	34	24	22	25
Days with rain	3	3	5	8	13	14	17	15	14	9	5	4
Days with snow	18	16	18	14	6	-	-	-	1	8	13	18
Dry days	10	9	8	8	12	16	14	16	15	14	12	9
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Sun hours per day	1	3	5	6	10	1	10	9	7	5	2	1
Wind force (Bft)	2	2	3	2	2	3	2	2	2	2	2	2
UV-index	1	1	1	1	3	4	4	3	2	1	1	1

Best time to visit Swedish Lapland

A beautiful and special location, Swedish Lapland offers breathtaking scenery, intriguing culture and countless opportunities for adventure. But when is the ideal time to travel? Your travel goals will determine the answer to this question.

If you want to see the Northern Lights, the best time to travel is in winter, from November to February. The sky is at its darkest then and conditions are best for seeing the Northern Lights. If you enjoy outdoor activities such as dog sledding, snowmobiling or skiing, the winter period is also the best time to go.

If you want to see the midnight sun, however, the best time to travel is in summer, from June to August. With the sun never setting during this period, you can take advantage of the endless daylight and long, pleasant evenings.

Swedish Lapland is truly a magical place that will leave you with lifelong memories no matter when you decide to go there.

Climate of Swedish Lapland by month

What is the average climate in a given month for Swedish Lapland? Click on a month to see all monthly averages for sunshine, maximum and minimum temperatures, percent chance of rain per day, snowfall and number of rainy days.

January