Of all the Nordic countries, Stockholm is arguably the most popular city. When visiting in the winter one has to be prepared with what to wear in Sweden in winter. I have already covered things to do in Stockholm in winter. This post is all about Swedish clothing style, What shoes to wear in Sweden in winter, as well as a packing list for Sweden for the winter season.
Stockholm being comprised of many small islands, which means plenty of opportunities to explore. When visiting Stocking or Sweden in winter, you need to come prepared for the ridiculously cold weather. Even when it doesn’t snow in Stockholm it can be really bitterly cold.
How do people dress in Sweden?
The country that gave us H&M is stylish. I love Stockholm street style. Even in winter women’s clothing in Sweden still has a stylish edge to it. I find that the way people dress in Stockholm has an element of minimalist aesthetic to it.
When it comes to how to dress in Sweden, a lot of women have a sense of individuality, and will usually pair their daily style with a statement piece whether that is a jacket, a statement necklace or funky shoes. The key is to just be yourself and let that come across in your sense of style, whether you are thinking about what to wear in Sweden in winter and how that is incorporated in your Swedish winter clothing plans.
Winter Weather in Stockholm
Winter in Stockholm lasts from December to February, and the weather in those three months range from minus three to minus one degrees (Celcius). Winter in Sweden is cold with the average temperature drops below freezing (0 °C or 32 °F).
The winters are harsher in the north with lots of snow, rain, and wind. It mostly snows in December, with January and February being the coldest months in the city. With winters being super cold you need to come prepared with suitable clothing for Swedish weather. Below is a packing list for Sweden and Stockholm in general.
A view of Stockholm’s gamla stan region from across the frozen river in winter time.
Sweden Packing List – What To Wear In Winter in Stockholm
Ready to start packing for your winter vacation to Stockholm? You need to know what to pack and wear so your trip goes as smoothly as possible.
- Winter boots: So, what shoes to wear in Stockholm winter? You want something that can handle the rain, snow and the cold. Waterproof boots are super important as they protect your feet from the rain. Apart from being waterproof, make sure that the boots you pack are also snow proof and comfortable enough to walk fairly long distances in. Shoes like these Sorel women’s explorer waterproof insulated winter boot or these Sorel winter carnival boot.
- A bag or daypack: This can either be a backpack, a handbag, or a messenger bag. I recommend a backpack or a messenger bag so you don’t need to hold it every second. It should be big enough so it can house all the basics you’ll be taking along with you as you go shopping, exploring, and sightseeing. It also shouldn’t be too big so it doesn’t become too much of a burden. The Osprey Daylite daypack or this Zomake small travel backpack is great bags because they’re not too big, and they’re great for day to day use during your trip.
- Thermals: Winter jackets are great for warmth but they won’t do much good if your base layer isn’t also fighting against the cold. You can go with wool tops, or thermal tops to wear beneath your coats and jackets. Wearing these will make your trip a breeze as the cold won’t affect you as much. Check out these soft thermal set by Thermajane and the Fitextreme.
- Warm sweaters/jumpers: These are extremely important because you can’t underestimate the power of layering during winter in Budapest.
- Fleece leggings: Layering is a major player if you hope to have a great trip to Stockholm in the winter months. Fleece leggings are great for layering in the lower part of your body. They can be worn under your winter skirts or under jumper dresses for maximum warmth and protection against extreme cold in Sweden.
- Pairs of jeans: Jeans are great for their versatility. They can be used to create different types of outfits and also worn to different events during your trip, so be sure to pack 2 to 3 pairs depending on the length of your stay. Pack/buy thick jeans so your legs and thighs get to stay warm. For extra protection as I mentioned above, wear Fleece leggings beneath your jeans if you feel they’re not thick enough or offering enough warmth.
- Gloves, hats, and scarves: It goes without saying that these are needed for extra protection during your trip. Gloves serve to keep your fingers and palms warm and shielded from the bitter cold. Scarves will offer your neck and chest area extra protection from the wind, and hats keep your head super warm. Be sure to pack heavy duty gloves, hats whether wool beanie hats or bowler hat, and scarves, and not just flimsy ones so as to get the level of warmth you really need.
- Jumper dresses: You need some smartly tailored monochromatic dresses to fit perfectly into the Stockholm style. Pair your jumper dresses with a pair of leggings and matching boots. Layer over them with a winter coat, and accessorize with a pair of gloves and a scarf if it’s extremely cold. The colors in your look should not be clashing, so it’s advised to pack a lot of blacks and other neutrals. Pack a few more for options like this Brave Soul dress or this New Looker jumper dress.
- Winter coats and jackets: If you’re looking for something classier than a parka or windbreaker, then I advise packing winter coats. Coats are sophisticated, well-tailored, and stylish.
- Wool socks: Wool socks can be worn at night to protect your feet from the cold, and also worn inside your shoes for extra warmth.
- Comfortable shoes like boots and sandals (for indoor wear).
- Other important items to pack include:
- Your electronics, EU adapters, and chargers
- Your makeup, underwear, and toiletries.
- Important travel documents, permits, and licenses if you are going to be driving around the country.
Winter tourists in snowly frozen Stockholm
What To Wear in Sweden In December
Stockholm looks absolutely breathtaking in December, and it’s a great time to visit. As long as you pack the right layers and waterproof/snowproof boots, the snow and cold shouldn’t be much of a bother for you.
Layering matters a lot, and the accessories you pack with you will make all the difference. For a December trip to Stockholm, here’s what to pack/wear:
- Winter jacket
- Winter skirts
- Wool Jumpers/cardigans
- Waterproof boots: These could either be ankle boots, normal length boots, or thigh-high boots depending on your style.
- Leggings or tights
- Tops, blouses, or shirts
- Thermal underwear
- Jeans
- jumper Dresses
- Swimsuits if you plan to go swimming or visit Swedish spas
- Hats, gloves, and scarves for extra protection.
While in Stockholm in December, great places to visit include:
- Hammarbybacken Ski Resort
- The Gamla Stan Area
- The Royal Palace
- Vasa Museum
What To Wear In Sweden In January
January is one of the months considered as off-season for trips to Stockholm, so you’ll find great airline deals and the popular attractions aren’t as crowded as they’d be in most other months.
It’s one of the coldest months in Stockholm, but it’s not as cold as other European cities and even New York are during this time.
Here’s what to wear while on your winter trip to Stockholm:
- Thermal tops and other thermal layers
- Thermal underwear
- Waterproof boots
- A waterproof parka
- Fleece leggings
- Cardigans, sweaters, and hoodies
- Long-sleeved shirts and tops
- Winter skirts
What To Wear In Sweden In February
February is when winter in Stockholm usually comes to an end. Weather in February ranges from one degree to minus three degrees (Celcius). February is one of Stockholm’s driest months, so it hardly rains but it snows a lot. Pack what you’d pack in December and January (as I’ve highlighted above), with a lot of focus on extra layering.
Now, armed with the knowledge of the best things to pack and wear in Stockholm in Winter, here’s wishing you a great winter trip!!!
Last Minutes Buys – Where to buy winter clothes in Sweden
Should you need additional items while in Stockholm, there are plenty of places to buy winter clothes in Sweden. This is a country that is suited to winter weather so there are plenty of places to buy warm clothes, thermals or shoes should you find that you have arrived in Sweden without adequate winter travel clothes.
Firstly there is a H&M on every other corner. You also have department stores and sports shops that sell winter clothes in Sweden. Remember that you have ski slops within an hour’s drive from Stockholm so you will have plenty of options for additional items if you come unprepared. Just note that this will eat into your exploring time if you only have say, a weekend or 2 days in Stockholm, so best come with suitable clothing for the trip.
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