Stockholm is the capital and most populous city of Sweden as well as the largest urban area in the Nordic countries.
Approximately 1 million people live in the municipality, with 2.1 million in the urban area, and 2.4 million in the metropolitan area.
The city stretches across fourteen islands where Lake Mälaren flows into the Baltic Sea. Outside the city to the east, and along the coast, is the island chain of the Stockholm archipelago. The area has been settled since the Stone Age, in the 6th millennium BC, and was founded as a city in 1252 by Swedish statesman Birger Jarl. The city serves as the county seat of Stockholm County.
Stockholm, the capital city of Sweden, experiences a temperate oceanic climate. Located on Sweden’s east coast and situated on the shores of the Baltic Sea, Stockholm’s climate is influenced by its proximity to water and its northern latitude. Here are some key characteristics of Stockholm’s climate:
- Seasonal Variation:
- Summer (June to August): Summers in Stockholm are relatively mild and pleasant. Average daytime temperatures during this season typically range from 18 to 25 degrees Celsius (64 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Summer days are long, with the phenomenon of the “white nights” occurring in June when the sun barely sets.
- Winter (December to February): Winters are cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Daytime temperatures in winter average between -3 to 0 degrees Celsius (26 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit). Snowfall is common, transforming the city into a winter wonderland.
- Precipitation:
- Stockholm receives a moderate amount of precipitation throughout the year. The wettest months are July and August, while the driest period occurs in March and April. Rainfall is relatively evenly distributed across the year, and snowfall is common during the winter months.
- Sunlight Hours:
- Due to its northern location, Stockholm experiences significant variations in daylight hours throughout the year. In winter, the days are short, and sunlight is limited, while in summer, the city enjoys extended daylight hours with the sun setting late in the evening.
- Baltic Sea Influence:
- The proximity of Stockholm to the Baltic Sea has a moderating effect on its climate. The sea helps regulate temperatures, preventing extreme heat in summer and extreme cold in winter. However, it also contributes to the potential for sea-level rise, a concern for the city’s low-lying areas.
