The climate of Luleå
Luleå is situated in the northern part of
Sweden and falls under the Köppen climate classification Dfc, which indicates a subarctic climate characterized by a severe winter, with no dry season and a cool summer. The weather patterns follow distinct seasons, with evident variations throughout the year.
The highest temperatures in Luleå range from -5.7°C (21.7°F) in
January to a peak of 17.3°C (63.1°F) in
July, affirming the cooler overall climate typical for northern regions. Low temperatures, predictably, are in the negatives for the majority of the year, dipping to as low as -10.6°C (12.9°F) in
February. The highest recorded humidity level is usually 93% in February, and the lowest hovers around 70% between
June and July. In terms of rainfall, Luleå receives a moderately high volume throughout the year, peaking at 46mm (1.81") in
December.
One particular weather pattern that stands out is the prevalence of snowfall in Luleå; it starts in
October at 21mm (0.83"), escalates to 178mm (7.01") in December before dropping to zero from June to
September. Correspondingly, the number of snowfall days ranges from 16.3 days in January to none from June to September.
In terms of sunshine hours, June boasts the longest daylight hours at 22.5h, with the shortest day length of 3.5h recorded in December. Similarly, the highest volume of sunshine at 12.8h is seen in July and drops to a yearly low of 1.3h during December.
The best time to visit Luleå
The preferable time to visit
Luleå depends on an individual's weather preference. For visitors desiring more sunshine, warmer temperatures, and low humidity, the period between
June and
August is often considered the best. During these months, average high temperatures range from 13.3°C (55.9°F) to 17.3°C (63.1°F), coupled with the year's maximum daylight hours (up to 22.5h in June) and sunshine hours (12.8h in
July). Moreover, the sea temperature peaks at a refreshing 16.3°C (61.3°F) in July, making it suitable for water-related activities.
The worst time to visit Luleå
The period from
November to
March is typically considered less favorable for visiting
Luleå, primarily due to challenging weather conditions. This period has the coldest temperatures, with highs from -2.1°C (28.2°F) to -5.7°C (21.7°F) and lows dropping as low as -10.6°C (12.9°F) in
February. Along with typically Scandinavian long winter nights and less sunlight, it can be particularly prohibitive for outdoor activities. Visitors not fond of snow might want to avoid this period, as snowfall is highest during these months.
Spring weather in Luleå
Spring in
Luleå runs from
March to
May. During this time, temperatures graduate from the winter lows into warmer conditions. The average high temperatures ascend from -1.7°C (28.9°F) in March to 8.6°C (47.5°F) in May. The low temperatures similarly rise from -6.8°C (19.8°F) to 4°C (39.2°F) over this period. Spring also brings a decrease in snowfall, going from 163mm (6.42") in March down to 5mm (0.2") by May. The increase in daylight is notable, with day length rising from 11.8h in March to 19.1h in May.
Summer weather in Luleå
Summer, from
June to
August, brings the warmest conditions to
Luleå. The high temperatures go up to 17.3°C (63.1°F), while low temperatures go up to 13°C (55.4°F). Summer also marks the disappearance of snowfall, with zero recorded from June to August. Daylight hours and sunshine hours peak during this period, providing plenty of daylight for activities. The relative humidity drops to its lowest in summer, making these months the driest of the year.
Autumn weather in Luleå
The autumn months of
September to
November in
Luleå indicate a gradual shift from the balmy summer to the harsh winter. Temperatures drop consistently, with highs decreasing from 12.5°C (54.5°F) in September to 1.5°C (34.7°F) in November, and lows dropping from 8.6°C (47.5°F) to -1.4°C (29.5°F). Snowfall reoccurs, starting at 5mm (0.2") in
October and rising to 76mm (2.99") in November.
Winter weather in Luleå
Winter is characterized by harsh weather in
Luleå, extending from
December to
February. During this period, temperatures are remarkably low, with average highs ranging from -2.1°C (28.2°F) to -5.7°C (21.7°F), and average lows from -5.7°C (21.7°F) to -10.6°C (12.9°F). These months also record the highest snowfall, the highest being in December at 178mm (7.01"). Combined with the longest nights of the year, it creates a distinct winter landscape, known for its snow-covered charm.
Weather in January
January in
Luleå,
Sweden, bears the brunt of winter with temperatures plunging markedly from
December. The sea temperature of -0.3°C (31.5°F) is the coldest recorded all year. Simultaneously, sharp chills cause regular snowfall, and the city is usually covered in abundant snow.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February presents a slightly ameliorated picture of
Luleå's harsh winter. It provides a brief respite from
January's intense cold, even if the relief is relatively minor. Despite the overcast skies, locals enjoy an increase in daylight from January to February with snowfall continuing to blanket the ground.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March marks the onset of spring in
Luleå with a commendable increase in temperature from
February. One of the notable characteristics of the month is the drastic drop in snowfall from February's 138mm (5.43") to March's 163mm (6.42").
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April experiences a major shift in
Luleå's weather, as winter tapers off and spring takes hold. Appreciable changes take place on the weather front, with snowfall being replaced by rainfall. The city starts to brim with life as longer daylight hours ensue and, despite it being the driest month, rainfall begins to be a regular occurrence.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The warmth of mid-spring in
May provides a pleasant contrast to
Luleå's extremely cold winter months. Temperatures rise steadily, bringing with them a tangible feel of summer, although the last vestiges of winter can still be sensed.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June offers the welcome heat of the early summer in
Luleå. The city enjoys its highest sea temperature of 10.8°C (51.4°F) this month. Sunshine is abundant, and radiant daylight hours extend as summer progresses, providing a stark contrast to the dark winter days.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Luleå sees the peak of the Scandinavian summer with warmer days. Among the notably warm months of the year, July outshines others in this respect. Despite the humidity, the summer weather provides ideal conditions for outdoor activities.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Luleå brings the mild weather characteristic of late summer. The city sees a slight dip in temperature from the peak in
July, yet it remains pleasantly warm. Changes in weather conditions represent the onset of a period of transition leading into autumn.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Luleå is synonymous with the start of autumn. Autumnal coolness begins to set in with noticeable temperature dips from
August's warm climate. Despite the decrease in temperatures, a significant amount of daylight from summertime remains, giving way to distinctly clear skies.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October carries autumn's coolness well into its weeks, deepening the contrast with the preceding warm months in
Luleå. One of the most noticeable trends this month is the return of snowfall, setting at 21mm (0.83") from the previously recorded no snowfall.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Luleå paves the way for the onset of winter. Temperature and daylight hours decrease rapidly from
October as winter looms closer. As the first snowflakes fall, the city dons a white blanket augmenting the charm of the pre-winter month.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Luleå is marked by the return of a full-fledged winter season. A notable aspect is the drastic increase in snowfall to 178mm (7.01") in comparison to
November's 76mm (2.99"). Accompanied by the biting chill, daylight hours dwindle down considerably, making it the darkest month.
Weather in December »