Kiruna, located 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, has a very special climate. In fact, Swedish Lapland is a very special A destination that requires special preparation for those who want to go there, especially during the winter months.
In this guide, we detail the essential information you need to know, season by season, to decide when to go to Kiruna.
The essentials before choosing when to go to kiruna?
The route
Kiruna is a small town with links to airports in northern countries such as Stockholm , and stopovers can sometimes be very long (up to a day)!
We advise you to use a flight comparator to optimize your travel time and choose when to leave.
The climate
As mentioned above, the climate in Kiruna can be very peculiar at times.
From icy winters to rainy summers, here’s what you need to know to prepare for your trip to Swedish Lapland.
Sunshine
Kiruna’s geographical location gives it a very specific type of sunshine, typical of the far north.
From the midnight sun to the polar night, this article details the best times to leave.
The northern lights
A climatic phenomenon only visible at the Earth’s two poles and much sought-after by travelers in the far north, you’ll find all the tips you need to know before going hunting in Kiruna.
Things to consider
If you’re taking a trip to the province of Kiruna, you’ll be aware that this region has a sometimes extreme climate. Here’s what you need to know before booking your vacation in Kiruna:
Traffic
Depending on the season, Kiruna offers a wide range of outdoor activities . In summer, the region is ideal for hiking. But in winter, you can enjoy dog sledding or snowmobiling.
Swedes are very fond of this destination during the summer months. June, July and August are the busiest months for hotels and accommodation in Kiruna.
However, the region also attracts many foreign tourists during the winter months. It’s clearly during this season that people generally choose to visit Kiruna. They come to enjoy the snow-covered landscapes and related activities.
Kiruna enjoys moderate influence on average, with peaks in July and December. However, don’t delay in booking your accommodation and activities, as you may not be able to do everything you’ve planned!
Sunshine
Located at the 68th parallel, 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, Kiruna has its own unique seasons. The Sami people, originally from Lapland, have 8 seasons a year.
In fact, the sun doesn’t rise for around twenty days in December. This phenomenon is known as the polar night, and forces locals to adapt to the absence of sunshine.
Conversely, for around 40 days between late May and mid-July, we witness the phenomenon of the midnight sun or polar day. During this period, the sun never sets.
What’s more, from mid-April to the end of August, there are sleepless nights. Although the sun is setting, it’s never completely dark.
Temperature and rainfall
Kiruna enjoys a cold continental climate, with icy winters and mild summers. Occasionally swept by arctic winds, the region can experience extreme temperatures.
Over the course of a year, temperature variations are very significant. During the coldest months, from December to February, temperatures are strictly negative, fluctuating between -5°C and -20°C.
By way of example, the coldest temperature on record was -42°C in 1996! Between June and August, on the other hand, you can enjoy milder temperatures, between 5°C and 20°C.
Beware, however, that despite very dry weather, the Kiruna region becomes quite rainy in summer. See if it’s something that might bother you before you book your trip!
The best time to go to Kiruna to see the aurora
First of all, what is an aurora borealis? Called Aurora Borealis, it’s a physical phenomenon explained by the collision of electrically-charged sun particles in the atmosphere. The colors then depend on the level of oxygen in the atmosphere, from green to violet to red.
Of course, the appearance of these luminous trails depends on a whole host of conditions: clear skies, geomagnetic activity, luminosity… To have a chance of seeing them, however, you need to travel to Kiruna between September and March.
The best time to see them is between 7pm and 2am. In theory, the most impressive appearances take place between 10pm and 11pm.
Note that the best way to see them is to check their probability of appearance on the Internet or on an application (there are several free of charge). Then go outside, in an open area with as little artificial light as possible, to hope to catch a glimpse. If so, enjoy the show, because sometimes they don ‘t last very long!
To find out more, take a look at our guide to watching the Northern Lights in Kiruna.
Because of these special conditions, we advise you to think carefully about your travel dates when choosing when to go to Kiruna. They will be decisive in organizing your program.
So, if you want to go hiking or rafting, go during the summer months. But prefer the winter months if you want to go snowmobiling or hunt for the northern lights! In any case, whatever the season, if you want to enjoy outdoor activities on the Swedish plains, Kiruna and the surrounding area, especially Abisko, is the perfect destination!
