The climate of Kiruna
Nestled in the region of Norrbotten County,
Kiruna finds itself in the subarctic category per the Köppen weather classification. With no dry season, severe winters, and cool summers, the Dfc climate type defines the city. Long, cold winters are presented with a sizeable amount of snowfall, contrasted by short cool summers that offer significantly more daylight and less precipitation.
Fluctuations are common in weather parameters throughout the year in Kiruna. Temperature changes are particularly profound, with average highs ranging from -9.9°C (14.2°F) in
January to 16.8°C (62.2°F) in
July, while average lows deviate between -15.7°C (3.7°F) in January and 8.9°C (48°F) in July. When looking at precipitation, rainfall ranges from 20mm (0.79") in
March to 53mm (2.09") in July while snowfall reaches peak volumes of 204mm (8.03") in
December. With an eye to the sky, daylight averages stretch from a mere 3.4 hours in January to an abundant 24 hours in
June. Edifying, the sunshine varies as well, from 0.6 hours in June to 9.2 hours in
August.
Some uncommon weather patterns become evident upon inspection, including snowfall in
September and highest rainfall in July. Despite being in the summer season, July hosts the highest rainfall of 53mm (2.09"). Interestingly, this coincides with the warmest average high temperature of 16.8°C (62.2°F). Uniquely, September, which is a month of the fall season, experiences a sudden reappearance of snowfall at 40mm (1.57").
The best time to visit Kiruna
Considering the breadth of weather parameters, the ideal time to visit
Kiruna is from
June to
August. During these months, the temperature rises to an amiable extent, with average highs varying from 13°C (55.4°F) to 16.8°C (62.2°F) and lows resting between 5.7°C (42.3°F) and 8.9°C (48°F). Amid this time, there is a feast of daylight with an average of 24 hours in June which gradually decreases to 17.3 hours by August. With such ample time under the sun, opportunities proliferate to explore the city and its surroundings. It is also important to note that this period furnishes the lowest overall chance of encountering snowfall, which is only 5mm (0.2") in June.
The worst time to visit Kiruna
Unsurprisingly, the harsh winter months from
December through
February qualify as the least inviting for visitors. The temperature plummets drastically, with highs falling to -7.2°C (19°F) to -9.9°C (14.2°F) and lows stretching from -12.6°C (9.3°F) to -15.7°C (3.7°F). Precipitation predominantly appears as hefty volumes of snowfall, rising from 155mm (6.1") in
November to a sizable 204mm (8.03") in December. Accompanying these daunting conditions, daylight becomes a scarcity, dwindling from five hours in November to a scarce 0.6 hours in December. Travel plans during these months can easily be disrupted due to potentially unmanageable weather conditions.
Spring weather in Kiruna
Spring in
Kiruna extends from
March to
May, characterized by an increasing amount of daylight and pervasive cold temperatures. Average high temperatures inch up from -5.3°C (22.5°F) to 4.9°C (40.8°F), while lows sluggishly leap from -13.1°C (8.4°F) to -1.8°C (28.8°F). Precipitation tends to be a mix of rain and snow, with rainfall voluminously shifting from 20mm (0.79") to 36mm (1.42") and snowfall reducing noticeably from 111mm (4.37") to 112mm (4.41"). Daylight rises significantly, improving from 11.8 hours in March to an impressive 20.8 hours in May.
Summer weather in Kiruna
Summers in
Kiruna, encompassing
June through
August, are relatively cool and feature extended daylight hours. High temperatures accommodate the season, reaching between 13°C (55.4°F) and 16.8°C (62.2°F), while low temperatures oscillate from 5.7°C (42.3°F) to 8.9°C (48°F). Rainfall is highest during this time of the year, with volumes ranging between 39mm (1.54") and 53mm (2.09"). Conversely, snow disappears completely from
July to August. The high altitude of Kiruna bestows the city with prolonged daylight, topping at generous 24 hours in June.
Autumn weather in Kiruna
Autumn months in
Kiruna, running from
September through
November, are characterized by a substantial drop in temperature and reduced daylight. High temperatures fall staggeringly from 9.5°C (49.1°F) in September to -4.5°C (23.9°F) in November. Correspondingly, low temperatures descend from 2.9°C (37.2°F) to -9°C (15.8°F). Rainfall starts to decrease mid-autumn while snowfall re-appears quite suddenly at 40mm (1.57") in September, and escalates to 155mm (6.1") by November. Daylight hours also wane rapidly from 13.2 hours in September to merely 5 hours by November.
Winter weather in Kiruna
In line with the subarctic climate,
Kiruna welcomes a harsh winter from
December to
February. Temperatures plunge with highs oscillating between -4.5°C (23.9°F) and -9.9°C (14.2°F), while lows fluctuate between -9°C (15.8°F) and -15.7°C (3.7°F). The city becomes a winter wonderland as snowfall peaks at a hefty 204mm (8.03") in December. With dark dominating the scene, daylight dwindles to a minimal 0.6 hours in December, a formidable reminder of the city’s proximity to the Arctic Circle.
Weather in January
Frigid temperatures define
January weather in
Kiruna,
Sweden, with the snowfall reaching numbers as high as 156mm (6.14"). In contrast to later months, this period offers the shortest daylight hours and a consistently high humidity level.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Due to the persistent winter,
February weather doesn't significantly deviate from that of
January. The month sees a minor increase in daylight hours, though snowfall remains extensive at 153mm (6.02"). The temperature continues to be harsh, and the winds do not let up.
Weather in February »Weather in March
A noticeable shift happens in
March as a welcome rise in temperatures starts pointing towards the arrival of spring. Even though the snowfall continues to be significant, the highest level of 111mm (4.37") illustrates a downward trend.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
As spring takes hold,
April introduces a comfortable climate. Most noticeable is the decline in both snowfall and windy conditions. Moreover, the daytime stretches further, and a significant drop of 122mm (4.8") in snowfall happens this month.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May marks the definitive arrival of spring, leading to a dramatic deviation from the preceding winter months. The temperatures begin to climb up, signifying warmer days ahead. The end of heavy snowfall adds to the attractiveness of this time of the year.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is a breath of fresh air with its significantly higher temperatures and sunny disposition. Given the increase in daylight hours to 24 hours, the month earns the appellation of 'Midnight Sun'. There's a stark absence of snowfall — a first-time occurrence after a long stretch of winter months.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July serves as the peak of summer with the warmest temperatures of the year recorded. Subsequently, this is the month with the highest rainfall of 53mm (2.09"), depicting the arrival of occasional showers. Despite the rainfall, abundant sunshine dominates the days leading to picturesque afternoons.
Weather in July » Weather in August
There's perceptible alteration in
August as weather patterns begin to change. A downward temperature trend from
July becomes evident. Rainfall also decreases slightly to a level of 38mm (1.5"). Towards the end, the onset of the fall season brings a gradual change in the landscape's hues.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September kick starts the fall season, and changes in weather conditions become more apparent. The return of snowfall in September, although only 40mm (1.57"), heralds the onset of the upcoming winter season. Temperatures continue to drop, and daylight hours decrease considerably.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October is marked by significant alterations as the signs of winter become more prominent. The major highlight of this month is the surge in snowfall to 129mm (5.08"). Apart from this, the fall season continues its course with temperature continually declining.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November marks the onset of a harsh streak of winter months, which will continue until early spring. High snowfall levels of 155mm (6.1") and dipping temperatures become the norm this month. The fall-season hues start to fade, replaced by frosty landscapes.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December ushers in the complete winter season in
Kiruna,
Sweden, and records the highest snowfall of 204mm (8.03") on average. As befitting the festive season, the surroundings are beautifully adorned with a snowy mantle. The shortest day of the year occurs this month, with daylight lasting for a mere 0.6 hours.
Weather in December »