"I love Swedish summer, all three days of it!"

Jokes aside, while they may not be known for a tropical climate, Swedish summers are truly special. Sure, the weather can be a bit moody—some rain here, a little wind there—but that's just part of the charm.

And yes, many of Swedes do jet off to guaranteed sunnier spots for their holidays.

Summer in Sweden typically runs from June to August, with temperatures ranging from a comfortable 15°C to a warm 30°C. July is when the cities quiet down; everyone's either on vacation or enjoying the tranquility. It's the perfect time for visitors who prefer a slower pace.

(But if you have planned to get anything meaningful done in July, plan again. ;)

Remember, life picks back up in August, just in time for the new school year.

So, what to do in summer in Sweden?

Join the Midsummer Party

Midsummer is a big deal in Sweden. It’s all about dancing, singing, and eating under the sun that barely sets. Picture lots of flowers, happy music, and tasty picnics. It happens around June 23, and it’s the perfect time to feel the Swedish summer spirit.

Take a swim in nature

Sweden’s got tons of lakes and a long coastline, so finding a spot to swim is easy. Chilling by the water, surrounded by forests—it’s super peaceful. In Stockholm? Island-hop and swim in the wild!

Chill at outdoor cafés

Summer’s when Swedish cities get really relaxed because many locals are away. Enjoy ‘fika’—coffee and a cinnamon bun—outside and watch the world go by.

Beach time

Yes, Sweden has beaches! The best ones are down south, with white sands and clear waters, many hidden gems with beach huts and pine trees.

Get moving

Love the water? Try kayaking or sailing. Thanks to ‘allemansrätten’, you can freely enjoy these activities.

Prefer land? Go for a hike. There’s the famous King’s Trail in the north for the adventurous, or the Gotaleden trail near Gothenburg for a mix of nature and towns.

Biking is another great option, especially in eco-friendly cities like Gothenburg.

Take it easy on a boat

Just want to chill? A boat trip is perfect. Check out the Stockholm archipelago or Gothenburg’s two archipelagos. The Göta canal offers a historic ride through beautiful scenery. Or, go big with a Baltic cruise to Estonia and Finland!

And when it comes to beloved Swedish summer traditions, if you miss National Day on June 6th or Midsummer celebration you can still enjoy the crayfish premiere (the crayfish party season traditionally began on the first Wednesday of August) or  the day of the Swedish meatballs (Köttbullens dag) on August 28th.

So, whether you're here for the festivities or the peaceful days, välkommen to summertime Sweden!