Autumn in Sweden

When is autumn in Sweden?

Roughly, autumn in Sweden is considered to be from September through November. However, the time of the season varies significantly between northern and southern Sweden and slightly from year to year. According to The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI), autumn arrives on the first day of five with a temperature below 10°C. For an up-to-date report on how far autumn has come in Sweden, look at SMHI:s season arrival map.

Average temperatures per month in Sweden

• Kiruna, northern Sweden: +2°C to +10°C in September, -4°C to +3°C in October, -11°C to -2°C in November.
• Stockholm, middle Sweden: +6°C to +16°C in September, +5°C to +10°C in October, +1°C to +5°C in November.
• Malmö, southern Sweden: +9°C to +17°C in September, +5°C to +12°C in October, +3°C to +8°C in November.

Source: timeanddate.com

Why is autumn the best season to visit Sweden?

The fall foliage speaks for itself. Sweden is covered with 70 per cent forest, which changes gradually from green to yellow, orange and red. The air is crisp, temperatures are mild and the crowds have left. In other words, it is an excellent time for outdoor activities – from kayaking to biking or why not wild swimming? You might even catch the first Northern Lights on a clear night if you're lucky. The fact is, we're heading into a peak of a solar cycle, which increases the chances of seeing the Northern Lights this autumn and winter.

Autumn is also the start of the “cosy season” when Swedes light their homes with many tea lights and meet up for a ‘fika’ at quaint cafés as rain and darkness fall outside.

Foodies are in for a treat. Autumn is the ideal season to join a seafood safari on the west coast of Sweden. The first Monday after 20 September marks the start of the lobster harvesting season, but you can also join a local fishing boat to catch oysters, mussels and crayfish – or learn how to identify, harvest and cook seaweed. If you prefer to stay on land, there is another range of foraging options. The forests of Sweden are berry heaven and you won’t have to go far to find blueberries, lingonberries and raspberries. To find mushrooms, hiring an expert is highly recommended. In mid-October, it’s time for the Gotland Truffle Month. Join a truffle hunt or enjoy special truffle menus at restaurants around the island.

Autumn is the season of city breaks and with the Swedish krona being low, you'll get a lot of value for the money. Sweden’s three largest cities, Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö, serve up an array of cultural events during autumn and the fall collections from the Swedish fashion designers, recognised for their high quality and sustainable profile, are not to be missed.

Autumn in Sweden – 3 things to do

Choose between an accessible day hike with a train station as your starting point or set off for an adventurous signature route – hiking in Sweden during autumn is a must. The landscape is more beautiful than ever and the mosquitoes have disappeared with the summer.

Try a traditional food experience unique to Sweden. The third Thursday of August marks the fermented herring premiere and the feast on this infamous smelly fish called ‘surströmming’ continues well into September. Crayfish parties are another annual seafood fest with silly hats, joyous songs and many side dishes.

Live like royalty and stay in a romantic castle for a weekend – or if you dare – spend a night in a haunted manor house to get the right feeling in time for Halloween.

Autumn 2024 highlights

• 15 August: The official fermented herring premiere is celebrated in restaurants nationwide and marks the start of the ‘surströmming’ season.
• 26-29 September: Gothenburg Book Fair – Scandinavia’s largest cultural event and a celebration of the written word.
• 4 October: The Swedish Cinnamon Bun Day ('Kanelbullens dag').
• 12-20 October: Stockholm Open, Sweden’s premier tennis championship.
• 2 November: All Saints' Day – when Swedes lit candles for their lost loved ones and cemeteries all over the country are beautifully aglow.
• 6-17 November: Stockholm International Film Festival – one of the leading film festivals in Europe.
• 28 November-1 December: Sweden International Horse Show, one of the world’s largest equestrian events, is held in Stockholm.