Sweden in July: Weather, Outdoor Activities and More!
Sweden sees almost 24 hours of daylight in July when summer reaches its peak. Across the country, vibrant cities host lively festivals, while the countryside offers opportunities for activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking and wild swimming. Keep in mind that popular destinations such as Gotland, Öland and the Stockholm Archipelago may be crowded and prices might hike. Read on to find out more about the perks of planning a trip to Sweden in July.
- Suey
Sweden Weather in July
July is the hottest month in Sweden. The temperatures are warm everywhere, even when you go North. The average temperature across the country is 18°C. In the Swedish Lapland, the mercury hovers between 11°C and 17°C, with the sun shining for 24 hours. Major destinations like Gothenburg, Umea and Malmo all average 16°C.
Precipitation is also low in July, especially in central and northern regions like Stockholm, which only has a 23 percent chance of rain on an average day and only 7.9 millimeters of precipitation. Other popular regional destinations, like Gotland, Umea and Uppsala, also receive less rainfall. However, the situation is reversed in the north. Places like Abisko receive the most rainfall out of all the months, averaging 203 millimeters of rainfall over 12 days.
For a month-by-month weather overview, go through our guide on the best time to visit Sweden.
Weather in Sweden in July - 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 |
| Jun | Jul | Aug | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 22 | 22 | 20 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 72 | 72 | 68 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 56 | 56 | 56 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 45 | 72 | 66 |
Why Visit Sweden in July
There are many compelling reasons to plan a trip to Sweden in July. Here are some of our top picks.
- See the midnight sun: Witness the magical sun phenomenon firsthand. Far northern destinations like Abisko and Kiruna boast up to 20 hours of summer daylight. Watch the sun graze the horizon at midnight without fully setting across lush Lapland landscapes.
- Enjoy the food: Swedish meatballs, pickled herring, fried herring, falafel, semla, etc., are just some of the best foods to try in the country. With warm and dry conditions gracing most parts of the country, street vendors and outdoor cafes are present in all tourist places to serve authentic foods doused in lip-smacking flavors.
- Explore the outdoors: The endless daylight hours of a Swedish summer open up a paradise for outdoor recreation. Visitors can hike arctic trails still lined with wild tundra flowers, cycle along the Göta Canal from lake to sea, paddle colorful kayaks through Stockholm’s archipelago, or enjoy a midnight sun walk through Lapland's forests.
- Get competitive hotel packages: Owing to the high number of bookings, many hotels offer competitive packages with meals and activities to attract guests. Family and couple packages offer activities that interest the entire group and many tour companies run discount campaigns.
Where to go and what to do
July is an ideal time to explore the captivating beauty of Sweden, offering a plethora of experiences that showcase the country’s rich culture and stunning landscapes. Start your trip in Stockholm, the capital city, where the Royal Palace and Gamla Stan come alive with summer festivities. July brings long daylight hours and mild temperatures, creating the perfect conditions for taking a stroll through historical streets, enjoying open-air concerts and savoring traditional Swedish cuisine at outdoor cafes. Don't miss the Skansen Open-Air Museum, which hosts lively Midsummer celebrations and provides a glimpse into Sweden's past.
For nature enthusiasts, a visit to the archipelago of Gothenburg is a must. July offers pleasant weather for exploring the numerous islands, kayaking through crystal-clear waters and discovering charming fishing villages. The Bohuslän coast, famous for its smooth granite rocks and picturesque scenery, becomes a haven for seafood lovers during July, with local festivals celebrating the abundance of fresh seafood, including lobster and shrimp. Additionally, the coastal city of Gothenburg hosts the iconic Way Out West music festival, attracting international artists and creating an electric atmosphere for music enthusiasts.
Venture further north to Abisko National Park for a unique experience of the midnight sun. The sun barely sets in the Arctic Circle in July, providing an enchanting backdrop to hike through pristine landscapes. Witness the vibrant colors of the midnight sun and even embark on a memorable journey aboard the famous Arctic Circle train. Whether you seek cultural festivities, coastal adventures, or natural wonders, Sweden promises every traveler an unforgettable and diverse experience in July.
Need help planning a trip to Sweden in July?
Sweden's weather in July is balmy and pleasing. Even though you will miss out on the Northern Lights, the sunshine hours give you plenty of opportunity to indulge in other activities and excursions. From exploring the art, history and culture in cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmo to going on an adventure in Lapland, there are no shortages of places to visit and things to do in Sweden in July.
If you are looking for a more personalized travel experience, contact our travel experts for a customized trip to Sweden. If you need help in knowing the best duration for you, our article on how many days to spend in Sweden can also be useful.
