Weather
Sweden reaches its hottest temperatures in July, with average highs in the south of almost 74°F (23°C). Even in Lapland, average highs rise to 64°F (18°C). July in the south also is tied for the highest average number of sunshine hours per day (nine) of any month of the year, while there are almost 24 hours of daylight in the Arctic north. Meanwhile, for those interested in a refreshing dip, the water temperature across Sweden is approaching its warmest of the year: 61°F (16°C) in the Stockholm area.
In the south, the chances of rain are moderate. In the north, however, it is a different story: on average, this is the wettest month of the year. Around 5 inches (11 cm) of precipitation will fall, almost twice the rate or more of most other months. Come prepared with sunglasses, sunblock—and wet weather gear! Mosquitoes also plague outdoor lovers this month, so bringing insect repellent is essential.
Crowds & Costs
July in Sweden is the height of the high season. Most Swedes will take their holidays this month, and many international visitors will also come to the country. Expect accommodation to be at a premium and crowds to be abundant in destinations from south to north. Wherever you travel, booking accommodation and planning your trip at least a few months in advance is strongly advisable.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Where to Go
Malmö is an attractive destination in Southern Sweden this month for its Street Food Festival. At the same time, the city's impressive array of parks tempts urban outdoor lovers for walks and picnics. Stockholm obliges as ever with big festivities, particularly Lolapalooza at the end of July, and offers nearby kayaking in the Stockholm Archipelago.
Western Sweden should also be on your itinerary. Not only can you try some of the most superb kayaking in Europe in the Kosterhavet Marine National Park, but one of the nation's wackiest festivals, Hallifornia (a celebration of all California-related things), also enlivens Varberg, halfway between Gothenburg and Helsingborg. The sunny weather lures Swedes and international visitors to the island of Gotland, where some of the country's loveliest sandy beaches and a July classical music festival are among the attractions.
The spotlight is also on Eastern Sweden in July. The Uppsala area hosts great music festivals celebrating reggae and swing. Meanwhile, the High Coast in the northeast along the northern Gulf of Bothnia stands out for its lovely hiking and has many architect-designed wilderness shelters for you to sleep out in the wilds overnight. In the north, another hike where you sleep in atmospheric shelters out on the trail is the 280-mile (450-km) Kungsleden. The wilderness trail bisects the four national parks of Abisko, Stora Sjöfallet, Sarek, and Pieljekaise, as well as the Laponian Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What to Do
If you are staying in the cities this month, attend a festival such as Malmö's Street Food Festival or Stockholm's Lolapalooza. Relax in a pleasant outside café or bar like those in Gothenburg's Haga neighborhood, or take advantage of the nature close to most of Sweden's main urban areas with a kayak paddle in the Stockholm Archipelago or a gentle boat ride through the Gothenburg Archipelago.
You could head to Western Sweden for watersports, including kayaking, in Kosterhavet Marine National Park. Go wild swimming in one of Sweden's thousands of lakes or take the refreshing lake plunge after working up a sweat in one of the country's traditional wood-fired saunas, such as Kalvshult Fritidsstugor, the lakeside sauna at Lake Örsjön.
Hiking is good throughout Sweden in July: you just have to select your favorite sort of terrain. In the south, the 807-mile (1,300-km) Skåneleden Trail in the southernmost county of Skåne has diverse topography ranging from sandy dunes to cliffs, beech forests, and forested lake country. The Kungsleden trail is a magnet for hardcore wilderness lovers in the Arctic. At the same time, the High Coast promises craggy forest-lined shores and rock formations throughout the 80-mile (129-km) High Coast Trail.
If you prefer pedaling to hiking, try cycling all 400-odd miles (640 km) around the edge of Sweden's biggest lake, Vänern, on a trail which opened in 2022.
Events in July
Street Food Festival, Malmö. The big cities of Malmö, Stockholm, and Gothenburg host the most prominent street food festival in Sweden in three parts, with the first being in Malmö at the beginning of July.
Herräng Dance Camp, Herräng. Three weeks of lindy hop (a type of swing dance, a combination of jazz and Charleston) and swing music take place in Herräng, a small seaside village, 43 miles (69 km) northwest of Uppsala.
Hallifornia, Varberg. A three-day celebration of all things California in the west coast town of Varberg.
Storsjöyran, Östersund. A fun music festival, running since the 1960s in the capital of the self-proclaimed Republic of Jamtland, Östersund, takes place at the end of July.
Lolapalooza, Stockholm. The seventh Lolapalooza music festival to happen worldwide and the first in the Nordic nations, Lolla Stockholm has a world-class, international line-up of established and new acts. It's usually held in late July.
Uppsala Reggae Festival, Uppsala. Scandinavia's largest reggae festival takes place in Uppsala over two days at the end of July.
Gotland Chamber Music Festival, Gotland. At the end of July, a week-long extravaganza of classical music on the southern island of Gotland.
More Helpful Information
Sweden in June
Sweden in August
Best Time of Year to Visit Sweden
How Many Days to Spend in Sweden