March in Sweden is a snowy month and the ideal time to try snow sports in the center and north, with significantly increased sunshine making outdoor winter activities more enticing. This is an excellent month for discovering Sweden's culture at museums in the cities, without the crowds that will begin descending as of April.

Weather

Spring may be blooming in most of Europe this month, but it's still distinctly wintry in Sweden. Even in Southern Sweden, mean temperatures for March are 34°F (1°C), while the average in the Arctic north is still 18°F (-8°C). Despite this, the weather is still far sunnier than in February: average sunshine hours are up to five in Southern Sweden, so spending time outside feels far more pleasant.

Deep snow still lingers, however, especially in central and northern forests. It's another dry month (in most places, it is too cold for the rain to fall), although the preceding icy months have cooled water temperatures right down to the coldest of the year. In the far north, it's another glorious month to watch one of the planet's most incredible natural shows, the northern lights.

Crowds & Costs

Crowds are few and far between in most of the country this month. The big cities have not yet completely shaken off their sleepy, wintry feel, and the only places in the full swing of tourism are the winter sports centers, such as ski resorts. Surprisingly, this is not the best time of year to find good deals on accommodation as hotels often fill with business travelers.

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Where to Go

The spotlight is once more on winter sports destinations in March. Ski resorts remain popular, and none more than Sälen, where one of Sweden's most popular races, the Vasaloppet cross-country ski race, takes place at the beginning of the month. Hundreds of cross-country ski tracks are in the surrounding forests for you to try the sport yourself. Meanwhile, journey north above the Arctic circle to catch more great sightings of the northern lights: Abisko has some of Europe's best and most consistent aurora viewing.

In the south, Stockholm is an especially lively place to be this month, with the largest indoor carnival in Northern Europe taking place at the beginning of March and a festival celebrating licorice at the end. With the continued cold weather, it's also worth discovering some of the museums in which to learn about Sweden's varied culture while staying warm simultaneously. Other great places to go in Southern Sweden this month are the famous traditional spas such as 19th-century Sturebadet in Stockholm, 300-year-old Sätra Brunn, not far from the capital, or Loka Brunn, further to the west.

What to Do

Skiing remains just as popular an activity this month as it has throughout winter, but in March, the focus shifts more from downhill skiing to cross-country, with the hotspot for cross-country skiing being Sälen. Cross-country skiing is a national obsession in Sweden because the sport offers perfect solitude as you glide over the snow on remote tracks, impossible to find in the big downhill skiing centers. However, there's still plenty of downhill skiing to be had. Åre in Central Sweden has the best downhill facilities, while the snow continues to pile thickly in Arctic resorts like Riksgränsen (Sweden's northernmost resort).

If you are journeying through the north of Sweden this month, look for displays of the northern lights brightening the skies in vivid colors. And consider a stay in Sweden's most unique accommodation: the world's first and largest hotel made only from ice and snow, Ice Hotel Jukkasjärvi near Kiruna. It's open throughout March. Alternatively, if you find yourself in Southern Sweden, consider museum visits such as Stockholm's Skansen Museum, Europe's oldest open-air museum, or Konstmuseum in Gothenburg, sporting one of Europe's finest art collections.

March is also a good month for seeking out one of Sweden's traditional spas. Though for an even more classic Swedish experience, head out to the Swedish countryside to sweat in a wood-fired sauna, where afterward, plunge into an icy lake to cool off! Birdwatching is also possible in Southern Sweden this month as migratory species return. Lake Hornborga, 85 miles (137 km) northeast of Gothenburg, is worth visiting for the cranes.

Events in March

Vasaloppet, Dalarna province. This annual cross-country ski race, the oldest of its kind in the world, starts in Sälen and ends in Mora, both in Dalarna province. The race happens on the first Sunday in March.

Stockholm Carnival, Stockholm. The biggest indoor carnival in Northern Europe brightens up the capital.

Licorice Festival, Stockholm. Celebration of Scandinavia's famous licorice this month (though sometimes in April)

More Helpful Information

Sweden in February
Sweden in April
Best Time of Year to Visit Sweden
How Many Days to Spend in Sweden