Heidi That question doesn’t have a simple answer, which is why it’s helpful to compare it to the UK: does it snow in England in winter? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Well, that’s exactly the situation in Stockholm.
While Stockholm is located quite far north, the average winter temperature is usually only a little lower than in most of the UK. This lower temperature does, however, increase the overall chance of snowfall.
Snowfall, slush, and grit
Yes, it does snow in Stockholm during the winter, but it’s not a guarantee. If you want to be certain of a snow-covered winter wonderland, you’d be best off travelling much further north.
Snow can fall in Stockholm from late October onwards. Most times I’ve visited Stockholm in December for the Christmas markets, I’ve had at least a little bit of snow. I have also seen snow as late as late March or early April. Whether the snow remains depends entirely on the prevailing weather conditions. On this site you can check the weather forecast for Stockholm.
Slask (Slush)
The snow in Stockholm tends to melt quite quickly, which can result in a lot of slush, known locally as ‘slask’. This is precisely why you won’t manage with a pair of trainers! In the winter months, I always make sure to take waterproof boots, preferably with a non-slip sole and lined with wool.
To combat the cold, I put a special heat-reflecting insole inside my shoes. Even if it doesn’t snow, it can be bitterly cold, so I use those insoles at home too—I simply can’t stand cold feet.
Sand and ‘grus’
Just like in the UK, things can get quite chaotic in Stockholm when it snows. They don’t sprinkle salt when it’s icy or frozen, but instead use sand and a type of fine gravel known as ‘grus’. It’s more environmentally friendly, but can be quite annoying if the small stones get stuck in the treads of your shoes. After the final night of ice, all the ‘grus’ is swept up again.
Safety signs: “Vinterunderhållas ej”
You will regularly see a sign in Sweden during winter that reads “Vinterunderhållas ej”. This means that the area—which might be a road, a staircase, or a steep slope—is not cleared of snow or ice during the winter. If you see this sign, be extra careful.
Similarly, be wary of the sign “Svag is” (Weak ice) at the edge of a pond or lake, which is a clear warning to keep off.
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