Sweden in November: Winter-Fun, Weather & More

The temperatures in Sweden in November drop fast. With limited daylight hours and increasing cloudiness, the chill sets in early and you’ll have less time to get out and explore.

Colder and darker days increase the chance of snow and seeing the Northern Lights in Northern areas like Kiruna. It’ll be very cold there, with average temperatures hovering between -3 and 1°C. Snow cover is likely by the middle of the month.

For southern cities like Gothenburg and Malmö, daytime temperatures sit between 5 and 9°C and it can drop below freezing at night. Note that the above-zero temperatures bring rain instead of snow— and November is one of the wettest months of the year.

Central cities like Uppsala have similar weather, with daytime temperatures of 3 – 6°C. There’s a chance of snow as the month wears on, but it’s not guaranteed.

For more information on the best time to visit Sweden, check out our helpful guide.

 Don’t be put off by the bleak weather forecast. While Sweden in November weather sees a lot of snow and ice, the cozy festivals and cultural events are the perfect way to get in the festive mood ahead of the December crowds. Darker nights increase your opportunity of seeing the Aurora Borealis illuminate the skies — a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

• Better rates: November is one of the quietest months for tourism in Sweden. You’ll get good deals in ski resorts and rural areas. It is, however, a busy time for business events, so accommodation rates may still be high in the major cities.
• A relaxed atmosphere: Since there are fewer tourists, you’ll have shorter queues on your trip to Stockholm’s Old Town and Vasa Museum, or the Uppsala Cathedral, and won't have to fight through the crowds. Many locals choose to vacation during this month so it’s a great time to visit if you’re looking for more authenticity.
• Festivals and events: November is a quiet month but there are still some interesting festivals happening to capture your imagination. Usually in the first week of November, All Saint’s Day is a calm and respectful holiday for people to remember their loved ones that have passed. It’s a beautiful time to visit the cities’ cemeteries, where people decorate graves with wreaths and candles. Thousands of movie buffs descend on the capital for the Stockholm International Film Festival. Snag tickets to watch over 150 innovative films from around the world. Or become a connoisseur at the Carlstad Beer and Whisky Festival. It’s a wonderful chance to sample different wines, craft beers, spirits, and local delicacies.
• Christmas markets: At the end of the month, adorable Christmas markets spring up across the country. Get in the festive mood early by browsing stalls for hot wine, gingerbread, and handcrafted goods. The largest is in Gothenburg where you’ll be treated to thousands of lights and a sparkling ice rink. There are also plenty throughout Stockholm in pretty historical settings like the Stockholm Old Town Christmas Market.
• Winter fun: The weather in Sweden in November is an excuse to take part in classic winter activities. Go dog sledding or take a wildlife safari and meet some reindeer. Sweat it out in saunas across the country or stay at the famous Ice Hotel in Kiruna. Ski resorts, like Åre and Kläppen, open for the winter by the end of the month so you can cruise on pristine slopes without the crowds. Why not try ice skating on enchanting frozen lakes? Many of them are open to visitors by the middle of November. Hellasgården is a natural ice rink in a reserve just 30 minutes from Stockholm and Bureälven is a northern river that freezes into a giant ice path.

Some of the best things to do in Sweden in November are in Kiruna, Sweden’s most northern city. Enough snow settles by mid-November for this arctic wilderness to kick off its winter adventures. Race across the slopes on skis, husky sleighs, and snowmobiles. Or throw yourself into the rich traditions and sustainable outlook of indigenous Sami cultures. Reindeer, handicrafts, and hearty food around the campfire will put you in a festive mood. The highlight of your trip will be an attempt to see the Northern Lights. The highest chances of witnessing the elusive AuroraBorealis span from November to February.

Wintry scenery and the laid-back low season create an idyllic setting to indulge in the Swedish concept of mysa, relaxing and placing all your senses at the moment. Unwind with a glögg (mulled wine) or in a bastu (a traditional bathhouse). Try the historic Centralbadet bathhouse, a sanctuary in the heart of Stockholm.

Despite the chill outside, the cities’ indoor attractions show off vibrant art, design, and history, so culture buffs will have a fabulous time. In Stockholm, you can escape the cold at the impressive Royal Palace or enter a winter fairytale in the charming old town of Gamla Stan. You won’t notice a rainy day in Malmö, its trendy contemporary art and design scene includes the huge indoor Malmö Konsthall Art Museum. Meanwhile, Gothenburg is a dreamy world of cobbled streets and historical delights. The atmospheric architecture and growing buzz of the Christmas markets make it an underrated destination for an early winter city break.

Overwhelmed with ideas? This handy travel guide on how many days to spend in Sweden gives you insight into how to organize your time.

A visit to Sweden in November will plunge you into heartwarming traditions and expose you to landscapes sprinkled with icy magic, and with fewer crowds, you can have a relaxed break and an authentic local experience.

If inspiration has struck, why not plan a custom trip to Sweden? If you don’t know where to start, reach out to our knowledgeable travel experts in Sweden for insider tips and guidance.