When you picture summer in Stockholm, you’ll probably imagine mild, comfortable days that almost never feel too hot. Average daytime temperatures hang around 20°C to 22°C (68°F to 72°F), so it’s honestly one of the nicest times to see the city. Nights stay cool enough for sleeping, and the air feels fresh—thanks, in part, to Stockholm’s coastal vibe.
Stockholm’s summer stands out because of the way warmth, daylight, and some rain all mix together. July feels warmest, but by August, you’ll sense evenings getting cooler. September nudges the city toward autumn, though the mild weather sticks around long enough for outdoor adventures.
The long daylight hours really make a difference. In June, the sun can be up for more than 18 hours, giving you loads of time to wander around the city or hop out to the archipelago. Even if it rains sometimes, summer is when Stockholm feels most alive—festivals, open-air restaurants, and those long waterfront walks all shape your visit.
Typical Summer Temperatures in Stockholm
Stockholm’s summer brings warm days, cool nights, and long daylight. Temperatures climb from June into July, then drop off just a bit in August as autumn creeps in. There’s a fair amount of rain, but the warmth and extra daylight make this a really comfortable season for exploring Sweden’s capital.
June Temperature Overview
In June, you’ll notice the shift from spring to summer. Daytime highs usually hit around 20°C (68°F), and nighttime lows hover near 11°C (52°F). That’s a sweet spot for sightseeing—warm enough, but never sweltering.
Daylight almost peaks at 18.5 hours, so your days feel endless. Sunshine averages about 9 hours, but rain showers pop up now and then. Rainfall lands between 40–55 mm, spread over several days.
Evenings, especially near the water, can get pretty cool. If you’re heading out on a boat in the archipelago, you’ll want a light jacket. The sea warms up to about 12–14°C (54–57°F), which is still a bit chilly for swimming, but it’s an improvement over May.
June kicks off summer with steady daylight and just the right amount of warmth for walking tours or eating outside.
July Temperature Patterns
July brings the warmest days in Stockholm. Highs usually reach 22°C (71°F), and sometimes it’ll even get above 25°C (77°F) during a heatwave. Nights drop to around 13°C (55°F), so it never gets too hot.
Rainfall hits its high point in July, averaging 60–65 mm. Showers don’t usually last long, and the sun often comes right back out. You’ll still get 9–10 hours of sunshine a day.
The Baltic Sea warms up to about 17–18°C (63–65°F). That’s when people start swimming or kayaking, and you’ll see more locals and tourists hitting the beaches.
With warm temps and long daylight, July is peak outdoor season. Parks, festivals, and the waterfront all buzz with activity.
August Temperature Trends
In August, things start to cool down a little. Highs sit around 20°C (68°F), and lows dip to about 12°C (54°F). You’ll feel the evenings getting cooler compared to July.
Rain keeps coming at moderate levels—55–60 mm is pretty normal. Sunshine drops to 7–8 hours a day, and daylight shortens to 15–16 hours. Still, you’ve got plenty of time for sightseeing.
Sea temperatures peak in early August at about 18°C (65°F), then slowly cool as September rolls in. Early August is probably your best bet for swimming or water sports.
By late August, you’ll spot the first signs of autumn. Mornings get cooler, days get shorter, but the weather stays mild enough for comfortable travel all over Stockholm and Europe.
Rainfall and Humidity During Summer
Stockholm’s summer brings moderate rainfall and some changes in humidity. July usually gets wetter than June or August, and humidity creeps up a bit as summer rolls on.
Monthly Rainfall Averages
Rain falls pretty steadily during summer, but it’s rarely extreme. June brings about 55–60 mm (2–2.4 in) of rain. July is the wettest month, with 70–75 mm (2.8–3 in), while August drops a little to 65 mm (2.5 in).
Most rain comes as light or moderate showers, not heavy downpours. Usually, you’ll get a quick burst of rain, then blue skies. This pattern keeps outdoor plans doable, though it’s smart to carry a light jacket or umbrella just in case.
You’ll see about 10–12 rainy days per month in summer. These aren’t all-day washouts—just scattered showers here and there. Compared to southern Europe, Stockholm gets more summer rain, but the storms are less intense than in places farther south.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| June | ~55–60 mm | 10–11 |
| July | ~70–75 mm | 11–12 |
| August | ~65 mm | 11–12 |
Humidity Levels in Summer
Humidity rises slowly as summer goes on. In June, you’ll feel a comfortable 65–70% relative humidity. July ticks up to 72–75%, and August can reach 75–80%.
Mornings, especially after rain, often feel more humid. By the afternoon, as temperatures rise and the wind picks up, it gets more comfortable. Walking around the city feels better than the numbers might suggest.
Late autumn brings humidity over 85%, but summer’s rarely that damp. On cloudy or rainy days, the air can feel heavier, but it’s not oppressive. You can get outside and explore without worrying about the sticky humidity you might find in southern Europe.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine
Stockholm’s summer is famous for its long, bright days. You’ll have plenty of daylight and lots of sunshine, which makes planning outdoor stuff a breeze.
Length of Days in Summer
June and July give you some of the longest days in Europe. Around the summer solstice in late June, daylight lasts up to 18.5 hours. By early September, it drops to about 12.8 hours, which is still more than enough time outside.
Stockholm’s northern latitude—about 59°N—means the sun rises early and sets super late in summer.
If you compare June to December, the difference is wild. December brings only about 6 hours of daylight, but in June, you get nearly three times as much. This huge swing shapes how life feels in Sweden.
If you want to explore nature or the archipelago, these long summer days give you tons of flexibility. No need to rush.
Sunshine Duration and UV Index
More daylight doesn’t always mean more sun, but summer still brings plenty of bright hours. June tops the list with 9–10 hours of sunshine each day. July and August aren’t far behind, with 8–9 hours daily, though you’ll see a bit more cloud cover and rain.
The UV index in Stockholm during summer lands in the moderate range. On clear June and July days, it often reaches 5–6, so you’ll want sunscreen if you’re out for long stretches.
Sunshine hours drop quickly after August. By September, you’ll see about 5 hours of sun a day, thanks to shorter days and a lower sun angle.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, the combo of long daylight and steady sunshine makes June through August the most reliable time to enjoy Stockholm.
Seasonal Events and Festivals in Stockholm
Summer in Stockholm brings together outdoor sports and cultural gatherings that show off the city’s landmarks and lively spirit. You’ll find world-class athletic events and big festivals that celebrate music, art, and Swedish traditions.
Stockholm Marathon and Major Sports Events
The Stockholm Marathon happens every summer and is easily one of Europe’s most scenic races. Runners pass landmarks like the Royal Palace, Stadshuset (City Hall), and the waterfront promenades. Both runners and spectators get great views of Stockholm’s islands and old neighborhoods.
If you decide to run, expect mild summer temperatures around 20–22 °C (68–72 °F), which are just about perfect for a marathon. Even if you’re just watching, the event brings a fun, festive energy to the whole city.
Stockholm also hosts rowing regattas, cycling races, and smaller triathlons in summer. Many of these take place near the archipelago or along Djurgården, so you can mix sightseeing with sports.
Cultural Festivals and Celebrations
Stockholm’s summer calendar is packed with festivals that take advantage of those long days. The Stockholm Culture Festival in August turns central squares into open-air stages with free concerts, art, and performances. You can wander between music, theater, and visual arts, all near landmarks like Sergels Torg and the Royal Opera.
Another big event is Walpurgis Night on April 30, which welcomes spring with bonfires and singing in the parks. It’s not technically summer, but it sets the mood for the outdoor season.
Food and music festivals keep things lively through June, July, and August. Some focus on Swedish cuisine, others on jazz or electronic music—it’s a mix, and you’ll have plenty of ways to experience local culture. Long evenings (up to 18 hours of daylight!) let the parties run late.
Best Time to Visit Stockholm in Summer
Stockholm’s summer offers long days, mild to warm temperatures, and easy access to outdoor fun. Your experience will depend on whether you visit during the busiest weeks or just outside peak season.
Peak Tourist Season Overview
Stockholm is busiest from late June through early August. During these weeks, daytime highs usually hit 22–23°C (72–73°F), and daylight can last over 18 hours in June. It’s prime time for checking out Gamla Stan, the Royal Palace, and open-air museums like Skansen.
Expect big crowds, especially at popular spots and archipelago ferries. Hotels and rentals fill up fast, and prices definitely go up. Restaurants and cafés near tourist areas stay busy, so booking ahead helps.
Despite the crowds and higher prices, this is when you’ll get the best shot at enjoying Stockholm’s outdoor spaces—Djurgården’s parks, boat tours, and waterfront walks are all in full swing. Festivals and cultural events reach their peak, so the city feels extra lively.
Shoulder Season Advantages
If you come in early June or late August, you’ll dodge most of the crowds and save some money. The weather stays comfortable, with average highs between 18–21°C (64–70°F), and you still get long days for sightseeing.
Museums like the Vasa Museum and ABBA The Museum are much easier to visit without big tour groups. You’ll wait less at places like City Hall and for boat trips to the islands.
Hotels cost less, and you can often find last-minute rooms. Outdoor stuff—cycling, walking tours, markets—stays open, but everything feels a bit more relaxed. It’s a great balance of good weather and manageable crowds.
Comparing Stockholm’s Summer to Other Regions
Stockholm’s summer is mild, with long daylight hours and moderate rain. Temperatures rarely go above the low 20s °C (about 70 °F), so it’s a totally different vibe from both other Swedish cities and much warmer regions around the world.
Stockholm vs. Uppsala
Uppsala sits just about 70 kilometers north of Stockholm, but the summer climate feels a bit different. Both cities have that humid continental climate, though Uppsala usually gets a touch warmer during the day.
In July, you’ll often see average highs in Uppsala hitting 22–23 °C (72–73 °F). Stockholm tends to hover around 21–22 °C (69–71 °F).
Nights in Uppsala sometimes feel a bit cooler since it’s farther inland. Stockholm’s spot by the coast keeps nighttime temperatures more stable.
If you’re traveling, you might find Stockholm more comfortable at night, especially if you don’t like big swings between day and evening temps.
Stockholm usually picks up a bit more rain in midsummer, though rainfall patterns look pretty similar overall. Both cities get loads of daylight in June—up to 18 hours of sun, so you’ll have plenty of time to get outside and explore.
Stockholm Compared to Australia and Asia
When you look at Stockholm’s summer and stack it up against places like Australia or much of Asia, the contrast really jumps out. July is usually Stockholm’s warmest month, with average highs around 21–22 °C (69–71 °F).
Sydney, on the other hand, gets its hottest weather in January, often hitting 26–27 °C (78–81 °F). Northern Australia? Temperatures there can easily climb past 30 °C (86 °F).
Asia’s a whole different story. Cities like Bangkok or Manila regularly hit 32–34 °C (90–93 °F) in summer, and the humidity can feel pretty relentless (source). Up north in Beijing, you might get highs around 30 °C (86 °F), but then you have to deal with monsoon rains.
If you don’t love extreme heat, Stockholm’s summer honestly feels much more comfortable and less sticky. Plus, those insanely long daylight hours in Sweden? They give you a totally different vibe for sightseeing or just being outside.