Sweden is a country in the Scandinavian Peninsula of Europe, that is the northern part. It is one of the biggest in the region and occupies Gotland Islands of Baltic Sea along with the eastern portions of Scandinavia. Sweden sees a mild temperate climate and is welcoming to tourists in almost all weather. The snow-capped peaks are open for sledging and skiing and skating half the year while coasts are welcoming through the other half. Its strategic location on the globe gives Sweden a place of pride when it comes to viewing Northern Lights. So depending on what your agenda for the vacation is, Sweden has many different ‘best times’ to visit. Read on to know why.

The month of March ushers spring in Sweden with day temperatures going gradually up. Snow is still tight but precipitation stops almost completely in Stockholm and nearby areas. By April though, all snow starts to melt and many rivers swell, with flash floods almost guaranteed in low-lying cities. This is also the time of cherry season and many cities celebrate it. One of the best places to visit during spring is the Island of Gotland, where sun shines bright as the Mediterranean and the floors are covered in green carpets of grass with flowers blooming in-between poppies. The average high in Sweden during may is 16°C.

This is the time of the Midnight Sun in Sweden, when warm climes prevail and sunlight shines almost all-day round in the northernmost regions. The capital city and other southern regions see considerable warmth, with temperatures going to 27°C highs, while the north only sees 2°C highs.  Mid-July is the peak of summer and the best time to tour the national parks and forests of Sweden. The cloudberries and blueberries burst to ripening and 17 hour days make for great exploration opportunity.

Sweden autumns are rainy and windy and very very tiring for visitors who prefer the outdoors. in fact, September itself ushers rains into the country and dominates the next two months with clouds and cold. The temperatures might range in the 10s at this time but high humidity coupled with cold and rain make its very difficult to travel as well as enjoy the sights of Sweden. The reds and golds of falling leaves may be visible one moment and be drenched in rain the other. By the end of November rain turns to snow and everything freezes. All in all, not a great time to visit.

The Northern Lights time! November is actually an initiation into the best time for northern lights, with December becoming the peak month. Abisko is the best place to visit along with Lapland, to enjoy the brilliant light show that nature presents in the form of Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. The central parts of Sweden freeze to -16°C, while northern Lapland goes down to -22°C. Be prepared for the worst cold and bring plenty of warm clothing. Skiing, snowboarding, sledding etc become coveted winter sports and Christmas night markets dominate the better part of December. The southern parts of Sweden like Malmo and the Island of Gotland are relatively mild with temperatures not usually slipping below freezing point.