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Headed to Sweden? Here are some packing tips and Swedish style ideas to help you decide what to wear in Stockholm any time of the year!
What to Wear in Stockholm
Written By: Maggie Fogg
Stockholm, Sweden is the most popular city in the Nordic countries. This city of nearly 800,000 people is comprised of 14 small islands.
Weather in Stockholm
With the city being surrounded by water, the climate is relatively humid. You’ll find mild summers and cold, yet fairly mild winters.
The temperature and weather can vary a lot on any given day. When planning what to wear in Stockholm, it’s a good idea to pack layers to adjust to temperature changes and protect against the bitter wind. Be prepared for rain with an umbrella and a wind- and water-resistant coat.
Always, always check the weather forecast before your trip. Once you’ve researched the weather, you can focus on creating a capsule travel wardrobe, which should easily fit in a carryon suitcase with the help of packing cubes to compress your clothing.
Read these tips on what to wear on a rainy day!
Style in Stockholm
Stockholm is the cultural, media, political, and economic center of Sweden. The Stockholm region alone accounts for over a third of the country’s GDP.
Like most big cities, people in Stockholm dress in a range of fashions, but overall, the city is considered very stylish with a generally minimalist aesthetic.
You’ll often find women dressed in monochromatic looks, frequently black and white, and simple yet chic cuts that can err towards avant-garde.
Stockholm is a fantastic city for walking, so regardless of the season, comfortable yet stylish walking shoes are a must.
These are the most cute and comfortable ballet flats for travel!
Dress | V-neck | Top | Coat | Jeggings | Skirt | Bag | Scarf | Loafers | Slip-on
What to Wear in Stockholm in the Spring
Weather:
From March to May, temperature highs hover between 46-57°F / 8-14°C. March is the driest month of the year with an average of 10 rainy days. April and May follow close behind with an average of 12 rainy days.
Start by reading these general tips on packing for spring travel:
- How to Pack for Trips with Mixed Weather
- How to Layer a Summer Dress for Spring
- How to Pack for Europe in Spring
- Best Shoes for Traveling in Spring and Fall
What to do in Stockholm in the spring:
The spring is a perfect time to explore. Discovering new neighborhoods, like trendy Södermalm, is a great way to explore the city.
Södermalm, once a working-class rural district, has seen increased gentrification within the past 20 years and is now a favorite area for 20- and 30-somethings and trendy young families. The area is a truly remarkable mix of bohemian vibes and trendy, up-and-coming hot spots, like unique shops, health food stores, and cafes.
Södermalm is the perfect place to grab feeka, a traditional mid-morning coffee and sweet treat (usually a cinnamon bun) with friends, friendly locals, or even solo.
Spring packing list for Stockholm:
In the spring, your essentials should include a pair of comfortable loafers or slip-on shoes, dark jeans that work for day and night, and a crossbody bag.
Find out why crossbody bags are the best travel purses!
An easy overcoat and a nice scarf are perfect additions for cooler days and nights.
For a dressier evening, a stylish silk cami and a super-chic leather pencil skirt are great choices for the wide variety of bars and bistros all over Stockholm’s city center.
Still chilly outside? Here’s how to wear a skirt in cold weather!
Dress | Sweater | Dress | Tank | Jean | Romper | Shorts | Espadrille | Tote | Sunglasses
What to Wear in Stockholm in the Summer
Summer is my favorite season to visit, with July being the warmest month of the year. Not only does the season have the best weather, but there are so many lovely things to do outdoors in Stockholm and the surrounding area.
Weather:
From June to August, temperature highs hover between 68-73°F / 20-23°C, which is fairly mild for the summer months.
However, the temperature certainly cools down at night. Summer lows can reach 54°F / 12°C overnight. Don’t forget to pack a sweater or jacket when planning what to wear in Stockholm, particularly because much of the city sits on the water and the wind can be wicked.
Start by reading these general tips on packing for summer travel:
- Capsule Wardrobe for Summer
- Top Summer Dresses Perfect for Europe
- Lightweight Jackets for Easy Layers
- Best Walking Shoes for Europe’s Cobblestone Streets
What to do in Stockholm in the summer:
If you’re up for an adventure, take a day trip to Landsort, a village located at the Southernmost point of the archipelago.
This quaint village has the oldest lighthouse in existence (in the modern day sense) and even boasts its own brewery. A variety of cafes and restaurants are available on the island of Oja, and it’s also a great spot for bird watching.
Summer Packing List for Stockholm:
To fit it with local style, pack lots of simple silhouettes in neutral colors, like black, white, cream, gray, and light blue.
The trend is minimalistic yet chic cuts, and an overall fresh feel.
What are the neutral colors? Read this!
In the summer, you can’t go wrong with a few simple dresses, a cute pair of espadrilles that are comfortable for walking around, and at least one pair of shorts. Also long-legged pants or jeans and a range of simple, yet nice tops are a good addition to your packing list.
Store away your heavy winter boots; it’s time to free your feet with stylish espadrilles for long walks. From Europe to South America, these shoes are easy to pack and cute. (Try these chic espadrilles from Nine West).
Here’s our top picks for stylish espadrilles for your summer getaways!
Stockholm has lots of lovely restaurants and bars. For an evening look in the summer, go for a simple slip dress with lace accents and some dressier platform sandals.
Find out the top ten wedges for summer travel!
Understated and delicate jewelry is a popular way to dress up the look. Pack less clothing and more jewelry for beautiful travel outfits!
Check out these summer accessories that will add style to your vacation wardrobe!
Trench Rain Jacket | North Face Jacket
Rain is a possibility even in the summer, so consider packing a light rain jacket or an umbrella just in case, especially if you’re taking a day trip outside the city.
Read these tips on what to wear on a rainy day!
Sweater | Blouse | Dress | Jacket | Backpack | Jeans | Camisole | Sweater | Boots | Earring
What to Wear in Stockholm in the Fall
Fall is quite picturesque. You’ll find beautiful sunsets over the waterfront skyline, highlighting the historic architecture of old-world Europe.
An interesting thing about Stockholm is that before 1964, there was a height restriction on buildings–none were taller than 6 or 7 floors. While there’s no longer a restriction today, lower buildings are still the standard, providing vast views of the entire city.
Weather:
From September to November, weather can range from 41-57°F / 5-24°C to lows between 23-46°F / 0-8°C. The fall tends to be rainy, windy, and chilly, so when deciding what to wear in Stockholm, it’s best to pack clothes you can bundle up with.
Start by reading these general tips on packing for autumn travel:
- How to Pack for Trips with Mixed Weather
- How to Layer Clothes
- Use a Summer Dress to Pack Light in Fall
- Best Shoes for Traveling in Spring and Fall
What to do in Stockholm in the fall:
Strolling through the streets of the Old Town, Gamla Stan, is a perfect way to spend an afternoon in Stockholm in the fall.
The area of Gamla Stan dates back to the 13th century and consists of medieval alleyways, cobbled streets, and charming historical architecture. It’s home to beautiful landmarks such as the Stockholm Cathedral, the Nobel Museum, and the Riddarhold Church, as well as many cozy bars, pubs, cafes, bistros, and artisan shops for you to explore.
Fall Packing List for Stockholm:
In the fall, your essentials should be chic ankle boots and an awesome pair of dark denim jeans that work for day or night.
Find out why ankle boots are some of the best travel shoes for Europe!
During your daytime strolls, opt for layers of natural, warm fabrics like wool. Neutral colors are popular in Stockholm, so if you’d like to fit in like a local, stick to cream, black, beige, and khaki colors.
How to choose the best fabrics for travel? Read this post!
Mini Daypack | Julian Backpack
A backpack is your best friend while exploring Stockholm. Whether you’re working in cafés with your laptop or exploring on foot, a minimalist backpack is the perfect carryall to tote around your necessities. Try this cool black backpack from Mango for days exploring Stockholm.
Check out these gorgeously designed cute backpacks for travel!
Remember: rain is very frequent in the fall–September is actually the wettest month. It’s best to always be prepared with a raincoat, umbrella, and scarf for the varying whether conditions.
Cardigan | Dress | Sweater | Jacket | Hat | Scarf | Top | Jeans | Boots | Leggings
What to Wear in Stockholm in the Winter
Weather:
During the winter months, Stockholm will typically hover around a high of 32°F / 0°C with an average low of 24°F / -4°C.
Start by reading these general tips on packing for winter travel:
- Capsule Wardrobe for Winter
- How to Pack for Cold Weather
- How to Stay Warm in Cold Weather (without the bulk)
- The Best Travel Shoes for Winter
What to do in Stockholm in the winter:
Despite the cold, there are still many things to do and see in Stockholm in the winter. In fact, there are numerous museums worth a visit, including the famed Vasa Museum.
The Vasa is a maritime museum boasting the only almost fully-intact 17th century ship that has ever been salvaged. The Vasa sank on her maiden voyage in 1628.
Stockholm is also home to the ABBA museum, celebrating the Swedish band. There, you can experience life as the fifth member of ABBA in their interactive exhibit. You can see what it would be like to wear their costumes, sing with 3D versions of the band, and even record your own track to take home.
Winter Packing List for Stockholm:
In the winter, what to wear in Stockholm definitely includes a warm, waterproof coat–ideally with a hood.
Take a look at these stylish and Insta-friendly water-resistant jackets!
A wool beanie and infinity scarf are great additions as well as waterproof boots. Since winter weather can hover around freezing on a good day, you’ll want to have footwear that stands up to both rain and snow.
Discover the best waterproof leather boots for travel!
Round out your wardrobe with comfortable fabrics and chic silhouettes in a variety of pullover sweaters, oversized cardigans, jeans, leggings and tops. This oversized cardigan from Nordstrom in winter white is a wonderful all-purpose piece for Stockholm winter.
These are the best travel leggings, as voted by our readers!
Sweater Dress | Fit and Flare Dress
For a dressier night, try a sexy, yet understated, long-sleeved black or dark colored dress.
Read these tips on how to avoid a boring all-black wardrobe when you travel!
What to Wear in Stockholm: Key Takeaways
Whatever season you visit the beautiful city of Stockholm, come armed and prepared with these must-haves:
- Pack stylish, well-tailored pieces in neutral colors and minimalist silhouettes.
- Pack rain gear: an umbrella, a rain coat, and extra layers for warmth when it gets chilly or windy.
- Pack comfortable walking shoes for strolling around the cobbled streets and walkways between the city’s many islands.
Tip: Worried about theft, add items like a money belt or Secret Bra Pocket to your packing list for Stockholm.
What are your tips on what to wear in Stockholm? Share in the comments!
Please note: Most of Europe’s budget airlines have this carryon bag allowance: 55cm x 40cm x 20cm. Always check your airline’s individual baggage rules and regulations in advance.
For more tips, please read these Europe packing lists:
- Athens
- Amsterdam
- Budapest
- Copenhagen
- Cologne
- Dublin
- Edinburgh
- Italy
- London
- Lithuania
- Paris
- Rome
- Spain
- Zurich
Suggested travel resources:
- Lonely Planet Europe on a Shoestring
- Lonely Planet Switzerland ( Country Guide )
- Travel Shoes for Europe
- The Best Carry-on Suitcases for Europe
Please read our Ultimate Packing List for Europe featuring stylish outfits and travel tips for 9 countries.
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I hope this packing list helps you plan what to wear in Stockholm. Don’t forget to share the love on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
Author Bio: Maggie Fogg is a full-time traveller and writer. She left Toronto with a one-way ticket to Spain and has been making her way around the globe ever since. Currently, you can find her dancing and hiking her way around South America. Follow Maggie on Instagram.
Useful to have all seasons listed as we figure out when we can go. Love the winter jackets recommended!
This list is going to be super helpful for my trip to Stockholm in October!
This list is going to be super helpful for my trip to Stockholm in October!