A Complete Guide to Visiting Stockholm in Winter: Tips From a Former Local

It’s a little unorthodox, I know, but winter is actually a great time to visit Stockholm. Having been to the city multiple times and throughout the year, along with previously living there, I always enjoy my trips between November and March. 

Yes, winter in Stockholm is longer than in many parts of the world. And yes, it’s not the most popular time to visit. But braving the elements can lead to a rewarding trip, and you’ll get to see one of Europe’s most beautiful cities putting on an even prettier face than usual. 

That said, planning your trip at this time of year comes with its challenges. This is particularly true if you live somewhere that doesn’t have a true winter. For example, I grew up in the UK—and while somewhat cold, winters in Sweden are a completely different ballgame.

To help you fully plan for your winter visit to Stockholm, I’ve put together this complete guide. You’ll find all the practical information you need, along with some ideas on what you can do during this time of the year. I’ve risked frostbite to do first-hand research, so I hope you enjoy this article and find it useful 🙂. 

Wait… Why on Earth Would I Visit Stockholm During the Winter?

“You’re brave” is one of the main things that many people said to me when I first started visiting Stockholm in the winter. At this point, I think they’re used to it. But if you’re wondering what the point even is of visiting at this time, I completely understand. 

Despite the weather (or perhaps because of it, depending on your perspective), a winter trip to Stockholm comes with several advantages. 

1. Stockholm Is Very Quiet During the Winter

Don’t get me wrong, Stockholm is hardly a chaotic city at any time of the year. But if you enjoy peace and quiet, winter is the perfect time to visit. Most visitors choose to avoid the city because of its cold temperatures and limited daylight hours, which—for you—is a good thing.

Because it’s a slow season for tourism, you’ll have more of the city to yourself. Some of the most popular spots, such as Gamla Stan, feel much less overwhelming than at other times of the year. Besides fewer tourists, the locals tend to spend more time indoors during the winter, too. 

2. Stockholm Is Even More Beautiful in the Winter Months

One of many reasons to visit Stockholm is that the Swedish capital is very easy on the eye. The architecture is beautiful, and the city graciously weaves itself with the abundance of water everywhere you go. 

During the winter, Stockholm steps up its aesthetics another notch. If you’re lucky, you may see the water frozen over. This happens after particularly cold spells, and it looks particularly stunning from Monteliusvägen and the gardens at Stockholm City Hall. 

Snow is also common in January and February, as well as the backend of December. Few sights in Scandinavia are more beautiful than Stockholm when the city is covered in snow. It feels like the quintessential picture that many people have of Sweden. 

Let’s also be honest—winter fashion is infinitely better than summer fashion, too. And Stockholmers like to dress well, regardless of the weather. So, if you’re looking for a few Pinterest board ideas, make a winter trip to Stockholm. 

3. A Winter Trip to Stockholm Will Make You More Resilient

When you arrive in Stockholm and the crisp Nordic air makes its way into your lungs, you’ll quickly feel like winter isn’t *that* bad. Many locals also have that opinion. Throughout the Nordics, we have this idea that “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes”. Stockholm is no different in this respect. 

Who knows… maybe it’s a coping mechanism or a way to ensure that the kids get to school on time. Either way, I do believe it’s a good philosophy to have for life in general. 

Even in the winter, you’ll *want* to spend lots of time outside in Stockholm. After your trip, you may well find that you don’t mind frigid temperatures wherever it is that you live. You have to be built differently to live in Stockholm year-round, let’s just say that. 

4. Stockholm Is Cheaper to Visit in the Winter

The common notion that Stockholm is ultra-expensive is, in my opinion, somewhat exaggerated. But at the same time, it’s also not exactly the most budget-friendly destination. If you want to save a bit of money when visiting Stockholm, you may well want to consider doing so in the winter. 

While flights and hotels can be expensive around Christmas and New Year, you can get some really good deals in January and February. Flights normally don’t cost a lot of money if you’re traveling from within Europe, and you may even want to combine your trip with a visit to Copenhagen or Oslo for the full Scandinavian experience. 

Hotel rates are also generally better in January and February than at other times of the year. This will be your biggest expense when in the city, so it’s worth keeping in mind. 

5. Stockholm Doesn’t Shut Down, Despite the Weather

I mean two things when I say that Stockholm still operates in the winter. First and foremost, the majority of attractions are still open during the colder months. But more importantly, the city still runs efficiently—even when it’s cold and snowy. 

Having grown up in London, I can tell you first-hand how irritating it becomes when the city shuts down the moment there’s a hint of adverse weather. If it ever snowed? The whole public transport system was cooked, and your commute would be twice as long. That’s frustrating if you live somewhere, but imagine if you just want a nice weekend break without annoyances. Not ideal, is it? 

Stockholm, on the other hand, usually doesn’t have this problem. The public transport network runs well regardless of the weather, so you can easily get around at all times. Yes, delays do happen, but they’re nowhere near as bad as some other places. 

… but Isn’t Winter in Stockholm Really Cold?

I mean… it can be, yes. I remember one December trip when it was -9ºC (15.8ºF) when I stepped off the plane and headed into the city. That was quite the welcome, to say the least, and it’s also not uncommon. 

So yes, you can sometimes have periods of extreme cold. And yes, that means it can sometimes be -10ºC (14ºF) or lower. However, this is not always the case. 

Okay, So What’s the Winter Weather Actually Like in Stockholm?

Most of the time, winter temperatures in Stockholm are between -5ºC (23ºF) and 5ºC (41ºF). For the record, we’ll say that winter in the city runs from November through March (and sometimes into early April). That’s when it feels like actual winter, anyway. 

The temperature is usually above freezing in November, though mornings are chilly, and you will need gloves most of the time. January and February, meanwhile, are the coldest months. January temperatures are, on average, around 1ºC (33.8ºF) during the day and -3ºC (26.6ºF) at night. 

In February, meanwhile, you can expect daytime temperatures of 2ºC (35.6ºF) and nighttime temperatures of -3ºC. Nighttime temperatures in March are usually still below freezing, and this can also be the case during the day—but by the end of the month, things are gradually getting warmer and the snow starts to thaw. 

One useful thing to know is that it doesn’t rain so much in Stockholm during the winter. It snows a lot, yes, and you can get sleet and rain. But compared to the likes of Copenhagen or Bergen, it’s relatively dry. 

What Can I Even Do in Stockholm During the Winter Months?

If you have ideas of Stockholm being desolate and boring during the winter months, I encourage you to visit. The city will almost certainly challenge your preconceptions. 

Below, I’ll outline some of the main activities you should try while in Stockholm during the winter. I have a full guide on the best things to do in Sweden’s capital if you want more inspiration, too. 

1. Watch the New Year’s Fireworks

One of my favorite trips to Stockholm was for New Year’s. I went with some people I met at the hostel I was staying in to see the fireworks, which was a nice experience. 

You can watch the New Year’s fireworks in Stockholm from multiple spots throughout the city. There are various natural vantage points, such as Skinnarviksberget and Monteliusvägen.

Watching the fireworks from these spots is also free, so it’s a good budget-friendly thing to do while you’re here. 

2. Join a Winter Boat Tour

Although you will find more boat tours during the summer, some still operate in the winter months. Seeing the snow-covered islands in and near the city is a rewarding experience, and it’s a good way to learn more about Stockholm while you’re visiting. 

Stromma offers the main winter boat tour, and you can buy glögg (the Swedish equivalent of mulled wine) and other drinks on board. You can get free cancellation when you book in advance, too, so it’s risk-free. 

3. Go Winter Kayaking in the Stockholm Archipelago

Swedes are active year-round, and winter just offers different opportunities to enjoy being outside. The vast Stockholm Archipelago, in particular, offers year-round experiences. Winter kayaking is one of the most unique ones.

Besides kayaking, you can warm up in a sauna. While mainly associated with Finland, the Swedes are also big sauna fans. Besides warming up, it’s one of my favorite ways to relax. 

In addition to kayaking in the Stockholm Archipelago, you can also go winter kayaking within the city center. 

4. Escape the Cold by Museum-Hopping

If the outdoor temperatures get too much for you, there’s no need to worry. You can add countless museums to your Stockholm trip itinerary; the Swedish capital has more than its fair share of great ones. 

Two of the best ones are right next to each other on the island of Djurgården. Nordiska Museet is the main place to learn about the history of the Nordic region, for example. When I first visited in 2017, I’d say that this was one of the first places where my interest in Northern Europe turned into a fascination. You can buy tickets in advance. 

Right next to Nordiska Museet is the Vasa Museum. Here, you’ll learn all about one of Sweden’s most famous ill-fated ships. After sinking in 1628, it remained at the bottom of the sea for centuries before the recovery process started in 1961. You can also buy tickets in advance (consider getting a combined entry ticket with the Vrak Museum of Wrecks).

Close to these two museums is the ABBA Museum. Other museums to consider are:

• Fotografiska: Stockholm’s best photography museum. 
• Nobel Prize Museum: An ideal place to learn about the famous Nobel Peace Prize.
• Stadsmuseet: Here, you can learn about Stockholm’s history in more detail.
• The Swedish Museum of Natural History: One of the country’s two main natural history museums.

Good to Know: All of the above, except for Stadsmuseet, are included in GoCity’s Stockholm Pass. If you plan to visit multiple attractions, you may want to consider getting it to save some money. 

5. Go Ice Skating

Ever since my early days of ice skating when I’d visit family in New York City for Christmas, I’ve loved ice skating. There’s something nostalgic about it, even though my skill level is non-existent. When visiting Stockholm in the winter, this is one of the most fun activities you can do.

The city’s main ice skating rink is in the square of Kungsträdgården. It’s open from November to March and is actually free to visit if you have your own skates. If you don’t have your own, you can rent some for a fee. 

In addition to ice skating at Kungsträdgården, you can also go ice skating in nature close to Stockholm. There are several beginner-friendly options; while much will depend on whether the lakes freeze over, it’s quite reliable that they do in January and February, especially. 

6. See Stockholm’s Metro Art if It’s Too Cold Outside

Stockholm has 100 Metro stations, many of which have been given an artsy makeover. You’ll find all kinds of cool patterns, and to be honest, it’s easy to spend a full day visiting each of them. All you need is a public transport pass to see them for yourself. 

Most of Stockholm’s Metro stations are underground and have good heating. So, if it gets too cold outside, this is the perfect activity to warm your hands. 

Some of the best stations to see include:

• Odenplan
• Tekniska Högskolan
• Kungsträdgården
• T-Centralen

While not all of the Metro stations are pretty, many of them are. In addition to seeing the Stockholm Metro’s subway art for yourself, you can visit with a local guide to learn more about each station.

7. Take Lots of Fika Breaks

Fika is one of the many Scandinavian concepts, alongside “hygge” and “friluftsliv”, that have gone global in the last 10 years or so. It sounds grand, but to be honest, it’s very simple. However, it is a non-negotiable for many Swedes and Stockholmers. 

I used to think that fika referred to a specific pastry, but it doesn’t. Instead, it’s about taking a break during the day. Considering that many of us spend all day on our computers (I am certainly guilty of this, too), it’s nice to take some time for reflection and to simply be present. 

Fika is almost always taken with coffee; Swedes are some of the world’s biggest coffee consumers per capita. It also often includes a pastry; Swedes, conveniently, eat a lot of cinnamon buns throughout the year. Stockholm has plenty of great cafés for a fika break. 

St:Paul Bageri (there are two in Södermalm) would be my top pick for fika. Systrarna Andersson in Vasastan is also nice; we had lunch here on one trip, and I really enjoyed the vibe. It’s super cozy, too; perfect refuge from the winter elements. You can actually get a free tea or coffee and a cinnamon bun there when you buy the Stockholm Card, too. 

8. Visit Stockholm’s Christmas Markets

If you’re visiting Stockholm in the lead-up to Christmas, be sure to allocate some time to the city’s Christmas Markets. The main one is in Stortorget, the main square in Gamla Stan—also known as Stockholm’s Old Town. Its setting among pastel-colored houses is perfect for photography. 

You will also find another Christmas Market at the Skansen Open Air Museum. Even if you don’t go specifically for this, I think that Skansen is well worth visiting. Just outside Stockholm, Sigtuna—the oldest town in Sweden—has a Christmas Market, too. 

The above-mentioned Christmas Markets are all open from the end of November until the final few days before Christmas. You’ll find others in and around Stockholm open for specific days, too, but I recommend starting with the above three. 

Should I Spend Longer in Stockholm on a Winter Visit?

I usually suggest spending at least three days in Stockholm, and my opinion is applicable year-round. However, I would recommend spending some extra time in Stockholm during the winter if you can allocate an extra few days.

When visiting Stockholm at this time of the year, I normally go for 4-5 days instead. The main reason is that the daylight hours are significantly shorter, and as a result, you can’t pack as much into each day as you can in the summer. 

Four days in Stockholm is perfect for a long winter weekend, so if you don’t have a lot of annual leave, aim for that. But if you really can’t add an extra day, you can still do a lot in three days; just be more selective with what you do. 

Important Things to Know About Visiting Stockholm in the Winter

We’ve covered a lot already, but I have some more advice to help you plan even more effectively for your Stockholm winter trip. Here are some essential things to know so you’re fully prepared. 

1. You Probably Won’t See the Northern Lights Here

I get it, I get it—the Northern Lights are top of many people’s bucket list. And having seen them multiple times, I can confirm that you never get bored with doing so. But unfortunately, Stockholm is not the place to be if you want to see the Northern Lights. 

You can sometimes see the Aurora Borealis from Stockholm. However, it’s very unlikely that you will. Despite having been to Stockholm multiple times in the winter, I have never done so. This is for two main reasons…

1. While quite far north (Stockholm has a latitude of 59ºN), the Northern Lights are more visible when you’re close to or above the Arctic Circle.  
2. You need low light pollution to see the Northern Lights. Stockholm is the largest city in the Nordics, and as a result, it has a lot of light pollution.

If you really want to see the Northern Lights, you should go to Lapland instead. Abisko, Kiruna, and Luleå are all better options. You can actually take an overnight train to each of these from Stockholm. 

2. Book in Advance if You’re Visiting for New Year’s

Book your hotels in advance, yes, but also reserve your spot at any bars, clubs, or restaurants. I remember on New Year’s when we tried to find a bar, and it was borderline impossible. Eventually, we managed to get into one club—but honestly, I was ready to go home by that point 🤣. 

While you can be spontaneous with your daily activities, going out for New Year’s will require some planning. At the same time, though, that’s the case in virtually every major city where New Year’s is celebrated. 

While we’re on the topic of drinking, Systembolaget—the state-run liquor store—has different opening hours around New Year’s. Check these before you visit; I nearly got caught out by a 15:00 closing time once 🙃. 

3. The Daylight Hours are Really, Really Short

I mean, really short. Especially in December. 

Already at the beginning of November, the sun sets before 16:00. By the end of the month, the sun goes down before 15:00. 

On the shortest day of the year, usually around December 21, you will have just over six hours of daylight. The sun rises at 08:43 and sets again at 14:48. And when I say daylight, I don’t mean sunlight; it’s often cloudy, so you may not see the sun at all. 

Daylight hours increase in February and March, but Stockholm is very dark for most of the winter. If possible, I recommend bringing Vitamin D with you; you won’t get any from the sun, even if it’s not cloudy, because it’s not high enough in the sky. 

4. Stockholm’s Buildings Are Well-Insulated

The good news is that Stockholm is no stranger to cold weather, and the Swedes have done an excellent job of ensuring that not every building feels like an ice hotel. Buildings in Stockholm are generally well-insulated, and heating is never far away. 

If you’re ever feeling too cold, you can simply go into any café, mall, or restaurant. Before too long, you’ll be all warmed up again. I should also point out that sometimes, the heating can actually be too high… but I guess we have to choose our battles. 

5. While Cold, It’s Not Usually Windy

I live in Copenhagen, where it’s pretty much permanently windy from October to April. While Stockholm is cold, it’s not normally so windy. This makes a huge difference to how cold it actually feels. 

When it’s not windy, the cold is actually quite manageable with decent clothing. But if it does pick up, the wind chill can make everything feel significantly colder. When that happens, it’s best to split your time outside with some museums and cafés.

6. Sidewalks Can Get Slippery

Stockholm usually does a great job of clearing snow and ice; the city is very proactive at putting salt on the pavements. However, ice is sometimes unavoidable. 

One of the most annoying aspects can be when it’s above freezing during the day but below freezing at night. When this happens, ice sometimes forms and can present a real hazard when walking around. 

Be careful when walking around, especially in parks where the paths can be even more slippery. I also strongly suggest wearing a good pair of boots; ice spikes aren’t necessary, but sturdy footwear is. 

What Should I Pack for a Winter Trip to Stockholm?

That leads us perfectly into the next section. Here’s precisely what I would pack when visiting Stockholm in the winter to stay warm and not hate my existence. 

1. A Good Pair of Gloves

By a good pair of gloves, I mean not buying some from a souvenir shop. I made this mistake in Oslo once, and while they look nice, they were utterly ineffective at protecting my hands when the temperature dared to go anywhere near a Scandinavian winter. 

Choose a pair of gloves specifically designed for winter. I like to double-layer with some running gloves as my baselayer and then photography gloves as an outer layer. I’ve done this for over four years, and I’ve tested it on a winter trip to Reykjavík when it was -13ºC (8.6ºF). It passed the test with flying colors. 

2. A Scarf

Get a good scarf, too. Ideally, it should be wool, cashmere, or a similar kind of material. Fjällräven has some nice scarves, and the small Swedish flag is also a nice flex. 

The material is very important; flimsy scarves will not save you in Stockholm. If you need one when you visit, you can go to the Åhléns department store on the Drottningatan shopping street. 

3. Shoes With Good Grip

What do you get when you combine winter in Stockholm with sneakers that have atrocious grip? 

The answer: Embarrassing yourself in front of everyone. Multiple times. Because you will probably slip over. 

After having the bright idea to wear sneakers on a winter trip to Oslo once, where I slipped twice in front of someone walking their dog, I ended that experiment. Thankfully, my trips to Stockholm have resulted in more intelligent footwear choices as a result. 

A nice pair of boots will be a much better choice. Even better if they’re well-insulated, too. I quite like my Dr. Martens, for example; these usually do the job for me. 

4. A Warm Winter Jacket

While you probably wouldn’t need a proper winter jacket for a winter trip to Copenhagen, you most certainly will if you visit Stockholm from November to early April. Even when I was there in October, a few weeks before writing this article, it was still cold enough for one. 

A puffy jacket is very wise when in Stockholm during the winter. I have one by Fat Moose, which has served me well in Finland and Iceland. The North Face also has good jackets, as do 66ºNORTH, Trespass, and Woodbird. 

I recommend buying this before you visit Stockholm, as these will be quite expensive if you get them here. 

5. A Woolly Hat and Ear Muffs

A good wool hat is non-negotiable when in Stockholm during the colder months. I currently have one from 66ºNORTH; while I bought it in Iceland, you’ll find the brand in other countries, too. It’s the best woolly hat I’ve ever owned. 

Fjällräven is another good brand for woolly hats. Anything Nordic and outdoorsy will do the job for you; I recommend investing in quality. 

Ear muffs are optional, but they can be useful if you are particularly sensitive to the cold. 

6. Dress in Layers, Like a True Stockholmer

The answer, I have learned over the years, is to dress in layers. 

Packing some long johns is wise; turns out my mom and grandma were right all those years ago when they told me to wear them as a kid. You should then have some kind of wool jumper or shirt to keep you warm (and stylish, I might add). 

If you have a good jacket, you should then be fine for most winter conditions in Stockholm. Dressing in layers also means you won’t overheat when going anywhere with the indoor heating on full-blast, which is pretty much everywhere. 

Where Should I Stay on My Trip?

If you’re visiting in the winter and want a good deal, Clarion Hotel Amaranten in Kungsholmen is worth looking at. I stayed here on a four-day trip in December 2021, and it was precisely what I was looking for. 

The hotel is close to Stockholm City Hall and Rådhuset Metro Station, making it incredibly easy to get around Stockholm. The smoked salmon at breakfast was also nice; perfect for getting some much-needed Vitamin D from a natural food source.

If you want a social place to stay for New Year’s Eve, and you’re on a budget, I recommend City Backpackers Stockholm. This is precisely where I stayed for my 2018/2019 New Year’s trip; I’m pretty sure there’s still a photo of me somewhere on their Instagram account 😄. 

The hostel is great for meeting new people, and you also get free sauna sessions in the evening. Plus, you can get a beer discount in Nomad—the restaurant next door. 

Backstage Hotel Stockholm is a great choice year-round, too. You can browse all your options via the map below. 

Winter in Stockholm Isn’t So Bad, After All

So, there you have it. Stockholm is full of amazing experiences, even in the winter, and I strongly recommend booking a trip if you’re on the fence about it. Yes, it’s cold, and yes, it’s very dark. But with so many indoor and outdoor things to do, those aren’t a problem at all. 

Knowing what to expect in advance is the biggest challenge, but having read this article, you’ve now crossed that hurdle. 

Pack appropriately and book beforehand if you’re visiting for New Year’s. If possible, I also recommend spending a little longer in the city. But if not, you can still see a lot in a short weekend. 

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