The Best Time to Visit Sweden: Why We Always Recommend May and June

Like most visitors, our first trip to Sweden was in July – right in the heart of the traditional Swedish holiday season. The lakes were perfect for swimming, the forests offered abundant berries, and the long daylight hours seemed to energize everyone.

And still most travelers take their main vacation in July and early August. The province of Värmland, in central Sweden, has become a popular destination, but it always stays quiet all year round – which is why we fell in love with living here.

After three years in Sweden, we've discovered something many travelers miss – May and June are just as wonderful as peak summer, but in with unique advantages that make them our favorite months to recommend.

Why May and June Win Our Hearts

When we moved from Belgium to Värmland in 2022, we arrived at the end of April with a common misconception. Based on every Swedish stereotype, we packed warm clothes and barely brought any summer items. Big mistake!

The temperature hit 25°C, and we had to wait several days for our moving truck to arrive. There we were, sweating in our thick sweaters and winter hiking pants with no access to our summer clothes. Who would have thought we'd need shorts in Sweden in April? We learned our first Swedish lesson before we even unpacked: never trust stereotypes about Swedish weather!

That surprising April warmth was just a preview of what followed. As April turned to May, we watched in awe as nature came alive around us.

In May, everything turns green seemingly overnight. Wildlowers begin blooming everywhere, birds start singing from early morning (starting around 3:30 AM - you'll want a sleep mask!), and the days get remarkably long, with daylight lasting well into the evening.

What makes these months special isn't just nature awakening– it's the perfect combination of conditions:

Pleasant temperatures hovering between 20-25°C – warm enough for outdoor activities
Fewer mosquitoes compared to July and August (trust us, this matters more than you might think!)
Better prices for accommodations since May and June aren't peak season yet
Greater availability for the best holiday homes and cabins.
Clear, clean lakes that have warmed up nicely after the winter thaw
Long warm days and cool nights

The Perfect May/June Week in Sweden

Here's what a perfect week looks like if you visit during this time:

Day 1: Arrive and settle in.

Even after a day of travel, you'll find yourself energized by the extended evening light. Take a short walk in the nearby forest – you'll see many spring flowers in bloom, and the sunlight filters beatifully through the fresh green leaves.

Day 2: Hike in the forest and swim in one of the many lakes.

The hiking trails are at their best, with firm ground after the spring thaw. After your hike, cool off with a swim - there's something magical about having a whole lake to yourself. The water is refreshing and energizing, perfect after physical activity. Swimming in a clean Swedish lake surrounded by forest with literally no one else around is an experience our visitors always find amazing.

Day 3: Visit local attractions at your own pace.

Whether it's Mårbacka (Selma Lagerlöf's home), Rottneros Park, or the Alma Löv Museum of Unexpected Art, you'll have space to explore at your own pace.

Day 4: Meet the iconic Swedish moose

Plan your visit to the moose park in the morning when you can see these majestic animals up close - a highlight for many visitors. In May and June, you might even spot new moose calves.

Afterward, enjoy a traditional Swedish fika outdoors. The weather is perfect for bringing coffee and cinnamon buns to a scenic viewpoint or grilling sausages over an open fire. The spring light is great for photos.

Day 5: Rent a canoe or a kayak.

You can paddle peacefully on one of our lakes or take a kayak trip down a small river where you might spot wildlife like beavers or even moose near the water's edge.

Day 6: Go "loppis" hunting.

These Swedish second-hand markets are fantastic places to find unique treasures, from vintage Scandinavian design to practical household items.

In May and June, many local residents set up these yard sales as part of their spring cleaning, and you can find everything from antiques to handcrafts at great prices.

It's a fun way to experience Swedish culture and maybe take home a special souvenir.

Day 7: Relax and enjoy the long evening light.

In May and June, the sunset creates beautiful colors from around 9:30 PM until almost midnight.

Looking for Other Times to Visit?

While we believe May and June offer the perfect Swedish experience, each season in Värmland has its own magic to discover - from the warm summer days of July and August to the colorful autumn forests, snowy winter wonderlands, and the awakening energy of early spring.

If you're curious about visiting during other months, keep an eye out for our upcoming blog post "Sweden Through the Seasons: What to Expect Year-Round" where we'll share our experiences living here through all four distinct seasons.

We'll cover everything from midsummer celebrations to northern lights possibilities, mushroom picking to ice fishing, and all the seasonal activities that make each time of year special in Sweden.

Insider Tips for Your May/June Visit

Tip 1: Pack for temperature swings

While daytime temperatures in May and June are usually warm (20-25°C), evenings can cool down significantly (10-15°C). Always bring layers, such as a sweater and a raincoat, even though the spring weather is usually very stable. Its' still Scandinavia!

Tip 2: Book accommodation by February

The secret of May and June is getting out! To secure your perfect holiday home, we recommend booking 3-4 months in advance. Many Europeans plan their trips right after the new year, so availability for the best spots starts to go down by March.

Tip 3: Bring quality sunglasses and sunscreen

The extended daylight hours and northern angle of the sun mean UV exposure can be surprisingly high, even when temperatures feel moderate. Many visitors underestimate this and end up with unexpected sunburns.

Tip 4: Try the seasonal food

May brings the first local strawberries and rhubarb, while early June is the start of "new potato" season in Sweden. These small, tender potatoes with dill are a Swedish delicacy you shouldn't miss if you're here during this time.

Tip 5: Prepare for the light

If you're sensitive to light when sleeping, a good eye mask is essential. With daylight lasting from around 3:30 AM until 11 PM in June, it never gets completely dark. Our cabins are equipped with good blackout curtains.

Your Swedish Adventure Awaits

Grab your chance for a fantastic early summer vacation in Sweden and book your cabin now!

We'd be happy to share our favorite spots and activities with you, ensuring you'll go home with lasting memories!

See you soon in Sunne?

Sandra and Laurens

FAQs About Visiting Sweden in May and June

Q: How warm is it really in May and June?

A: In Värmland, daytime temperatures typically range from 18-25°C, with occasional warmer days that can reach 28-30°C. Nights cool down to 8-15°C. Early May tends to be a bit cooler than late June.

Q: Are the lakes warm enough for swimming?

A: If you're used to swimming in the North Sea or Atlantic, you'll find our lakes quite comfortable by late May (around 18°C). By June, most lakes reach 20-22°C. Smaller lakes warm up faster than larger ones.

Q: What's the difference between visiting in May versus June?

A: May offers more spring flowers, slightly fewer insects, and lower prices. June has slightly warmer temperatures, longer daylight hours, and more seasonal activities open. Late June includes Midsummer celebrations (a major Swedish holiday).

Q: Is a car necessary when visiting Värmland?

A: Yes, having a car is essential for exploring Värmland properly. The region's natural beauty is spread out, and many of the best experiences are in locations not served by public transportation. While there are some buses between major towns, their schedules are limited and don't reach many of the lakes, forests, and attractions that make this area special. We recommend renting a car to fully enjoy your stay and have the freedom to discover all that Värmland has to offer.

Q: What should I definitely pack that people often forget?

A: Besides the sleep mask we mentioned, bring water shoes for lake swimming (the natural shorelines can be a bit rocky), binoculars for wildlife spotting, and a power bank for your phone if you're hiking (taking lots of photos in the beautiful light can drain batteries quickly).