The climate of Umeå
Umeå, located in
Sweden, expresses the characteristic weather patterns of the Dfc predominate climate according to the Köppen climate classification. This Subarctic severe winter, no dry season, cool summer climate zone typifies weather patterns of short, mildly warm summers juxtaposed with long, snow-packed winters.
Throughout the year, Umeå experiences a wide range of weather variability from month to month. The city is defined by its significant seasonal temperature fluctuations, with monthly average high temperatures ranging from -3.5°C (25.7°F) in the deep winter months to 18.4°C (65.1°F) in
July. Correspondingly, the low temperatures vary between -7.6°C (18.3°F) in
February and 12.4°C (54.3°F) in July. The humidity maintains a fairly consistent high gradient from 70% in
June to 91% in February.
The city encounters a considerably high amount of precipitation over the year with the monthly average rainfall ranging from 22mm (0.87") in
April to 46mm (1.81") in
December. In contrast, Umeå experiences substantial winter weather, with snowfall occurring from
November through to April, reaching its peak in
March at 199mm (7.83"). This period also correlates with the highest number of snowfall days, reaching up to 17.4 days in
January.
Additionally, daylight hours fluctuate dramatically due to the city's northern latitude. The shortest days occur during winter with only 4.5 hours of daylight in December, increasing to an abundant 20.6 hours in June, characteristic of a Scandinavian summer.
The best time to visit Umeå
The most favorable period to visit
Umeå runs from
June through
August, mirroring the city's summer season. During this time, average high temperatures reach between 14.8°C (58.6°F) and 18.4°C (65.1°F), and low temperatures stabilize between 8.9°C (48°F) and 12.4°C (54.3°F). Coupled with these mild temperatures is the decreased humidity, lowering to 70% in June from the year's highest in
February.
Advantageously, this period also exhibits the greatest daylight hours with June boasting an impressive 20.6 hours per day, offering ample opportunity for sightseeing and other daytime activities.
The worst time to visit Umeå
The most challenging period to visit
Umeå might be during the frigid winter months, particularly from
December through
February. During these months, the city experiences its lowest average high and low temperatures, descending to -3.5°C (25.7°F) and -7.6°C (18.3°F) respectively.
In addition to the cold, the city receives hefty snowfall, with amounts reaching 188mm (7.4") in December and 160mm (6.3") in February. Corresponding with this high snowfall, the city also sees an increase in snowfall days reaching up to 17.4 days in
January. Furthermore, daylight hours are considerably shorter, dipping as low as 4.5 hours during December.
Spring weather in Umeå
The spring months of
March through
May in
Umeå display a gradual rise in temperatures and increased daylight hours but also bring an abundance of rainfall. The average high temperatures progressively climb from -0.3°C (31.5°F) in March to 10.1°C (50.2°F) in May, while the low temperatures rise from -5°C (23°F) to 4.6°C (40.3°F) in the same period.
Interestingly, rainfall totals peak during spring, recording up to 37mm (1.46") in May. The number of rainfall days also hit a peak during this season, reaching as high as 13.5 days in May. However, snowfall commences its decline from 199mm (7.83") in March to barely 21mm (0.83") by the end of May.
Summer weather in Umeå
Summer in
Umeå, running from
June through
August, is typified by mild temperatures, extended daylight, and reduced snowfall. With average high temperatures ranging from 14.8°C (58.6°F) to 18.4°C (65.1°F) and low temperatures between 8.9°C (48°F) and 12.4°C (54.3°F), this season offers the warmest conditions.
Altogether, summer weather is marked by a decrease in precipitation when compared to spring, with rainfall values reducing to 30mm (1.18") in June and subsequently rising to 37mm (1.46") in August.
Autumn weather in Umeå
The autumn months from
September through
November bring a plummet in temperatures and an increase in precipitation. Average high temperatures drop from 13.3°C (55.9°F) in September to a chilly 2.2°C (36°F) in November, while low temperatures follow suit, dipping from 8.4°C (47.1°F) to -0.3°C (31.5°F) in the same period.
During this time, rainfall values fluctuate, reaching a peak of 38mm (1.5") in November. Additionally, an initiation of snowfall is witnessed from November, marking the advent of the winter season.
Winter weather in Umeå
The winter season in
Umeå from
December through
February is characterized by its frigid temperatures, heavy snowfall, and scarce daylight. The average high temperatures remain below freezing point, from -3.5°C (25.7°F) to -0.9°C (30.4°F), while the low temperatures range between -7.6°C (18.3°F) in February and -4°C (24.8°F) in December.
Notably, these months record the heaviest snowfall, with December and February seeing 188mm (7.4") and 160mm (6.3") respectively. Concomitantly, the number of snowfall days also increase, peaking at 17.4 days in
January. All these factors contribute to a truly wintry experience in Umeå during these months.
Weather in January
Starting off the year in
Umeå,
Sweden, chilly temperatures prevail. Comparing
January to its neighbouring months, there's a slight increase in the cold with both the highest and lowest temperatures reaching their lowest points of -3.5°C (25.7°F) and -7°C (19.4°F) respectively.
Weather in January »Weather in February
The weather in
February in
Umeå is an extension of the winter conditions experienced in
January. February seems to lean towards the brighter side as there's a marginal increase in daily daylight hours. However, the days are often dominated by overcast skies leaving less room for sunshine.
Weather in February »Weather in March
During
March,
Umeå slowly transitions towards spring, yet the wintry influence is distinctly present. One of the notable shifts in March is the increase in daylight hours. These lengthened days coincide with a minor rise in the average temperatures.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April sees a significant shift in weather conditions in
Umeå. The month is noticeably milder than
March, leading to a discernible change in flora and fauna. Snow, while still present, dramatically decreases by this month. The days continue to grow longer, offering more lead to enjoy outdoor activities.
Weather in April » Weather in May
As
Umeå transitions through
May, a distinct shift is experienced towards a more spring-like climate. The rise in average temperatures paves the way for a more inviting atmosphere to explore the city. Experiencing an increase in daylight hours, May offers more opportunities to witness the splendour of Umeå's natural beauty bathed in sunlight.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June in
Umeå is synonymous with the arrival of summer. Comparatively warm and generous with daylight hours, June invites outdoor exploration. It provides the best opportunity to engage in recreational activities without worrying about rainfall.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The weather in
July in
Umeå reiterates the favourable conditions observed in
June. As the warmest month of the year, residents enjoy the best of Swedish summer with temperatures peaking at 18.4°C (65.1°F). July is notable for its high relative humidity, a characteristic of this month's weather pattern.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August marks the end of summer in
Umeå with a gradual decline in average temperatures. It's a period of transition as the weather transitions from summer to early autumn. The conditions remain generally warm but with an occasional coolness creeping into the early morning and late evening hours.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Umeå is characterised by the onset of autumn. The change in season is signified by a moderate drop in temperatures compared to
August. Leaves turning vibrant hues of orange, red and yellow make the city a picturesque sight.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The weather in
October in
Umeå emphasises the steady encroachment of winter. Though October experiences a significant drop in temperature from
September, it is not as harsh as the impending winter months. The autumn foliage reaches its zenith creating a colourful canopy.
Weather in October »Weather in November
As
November rolls in,
Umeå embraces the early winter with cold temperatures. With a significant increase in snowfall to up to 89mm (3.5"), November showcases a white transition. Relative humidity ascends tiding with the gradual decrease in daylight hours.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December in
Umeå sees the winter conditions at their most intense. The drop in temperature from
November is noticeable with the highest and lowest temperatures reaching extremes of -0.9°C (30.4°F) and -4°C (24.8°F) respectively.
Weather in December »