Weather in Umea

Get the latest weather information in Umeå. Here you will find up-to-date data, forecasts, and useful charts to help you plan your day.

The city of Umeå in Sweden is characterized by a subarctic climate (sometimes classified as a humid continental climate with cool summers), which means there are distinct seasons with significant temperature fluctuations. Winters here are long, cold, and snowy, while summers are short and comparatively cool, yet sunny.

The winter period typically lasts from November to March, with average temperatures significantly below zero. January and February are the coldest months, when the average temperature hovers around -6°C, and the minimum can drop to -9°C. Summer, occurring in June, July, and August, brings milder weather. The average temperature in July, the warmest month, is around 16°C, with maximum values reaching nearly 20°C. Spring and autumn are short transitional seasons with rapidly changing weather conditions.

Regarding precipitation, it is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year in Umeå, although the total amount is small – averaging 1-3 mm per month. Interestingly, the number of days with precipitation is quite high, especially in July, August, and December (14-15 days), indicating frequent but generally light rain in summer or snowfall in winter. Thus, when planning a trip, it is worth considering the cool nature of the weather for most of the year, while the summer months offer the most comfortable conditions for exploring the city.

The climate in Umeå is characterized by significant seasonal temperature variations. The coldest month is usually January, when the average temperature is -6.4°C, and nightly lows can drop to -9.0°C. February is also frosty, with an average temperature of -6.0°C. The warmest month is considered to be July, when the air warms up to an average of 16.0°C, with daily highs reaching nearly 20°C. Thus, the annual range of average temperatures extends from severe winter frosts to pleasant summer warmth.

Winter in Umeå is quite severe and prolonged. From December to March, the thermometer typically stays below zero. In December, the average temperature is -4.4°C, in January it drops to -6.4°C, and in February it rises slightly to -6.0°C. March still remains cold, with an average temperature of -2.9°C, and only in April does the daily average temperature cross the zero mark. Nighttime temperatures in winter are consistently negative, dropping to -9°C in January and February. Daily highs during these months also rarely rise above -3°C. Snow cover during this period is a common occurrence.

The summer months in Umeå bring pleasant warmth, but without exhausting heat. In June, the average temperature is 13.9°C, with daily highs around 18.1°C and nightly lows around 9.7°C. July is the warmest month, when the average temperature reaches 16.0°C, and during the day the air can warm up to 19.8°C. August is slightly cooler than July, with an average temperature of 14.8°C. Summer nights are quite fresh, with temperatures around 10-12°C. The transitional seasons, spring and autumn, are characterized by gradual temperature changes. By May, the arrival of warmth is already felt (average temperature 7.9°C), and in September (average 10.2°C) autumn takes hold, bringing coolness that intensifies by November (average -0.9°C), heralding the onset of winter.

In Umeå, precipitation falls throughout the year, but the total amount is small, indicating the predominantly light nature of the precipitation. There is no clearly defined rainy season or prolonged dry period here, but the intensity and frequency of precipitation vary by month. In winter, this is typically snow, especially from December to March, when temperatures are consistently negative. In the warm period, from late spring to early autumn, precipitation falls in the form of rain.

The highest amount of precipitation, about 3 mm per month, is recorded in July, August, October, and December. At the same time, July and December are also the months with the maximum number of days with precipitation – averaging 15 days each. In July and August, these are typically summer rains, while in December, they are snowfalls. October, with its 13 rainy days, can bring both rain and early snow.

The "driest" months, in terms of total precipitation volume, are March, April, and May, when only about 1 mm falls. April also stands out with the fewest number of days with precipitation – averaging 7 days. In March (9 days with precipitation), snowfalls are still possible, whereas in May (8 days with precipitation), it is predominantly rain. Despite the small amount, precipitation in these months is also light in nature.

When planning a trip to Umeå, it is important to remember its northern location in Sweden, which results in harsh and long winters. From November to March, average air temperatures drop significantly below zero (for example, around -6.4°C in January), so your suitcase must contain very warm clothes. We recommend taking thermal underwear, several fleece or wool sweaters, insulated trousers, as well as a high-quality windproof and waterproof winter jacket or down coat. Do not forget a hat that covers your ears, a warm scarf, mittens or gloves, and, of course, waterproof winter shoes with non-slip soles. The principle of layering in clothing will be your best ally, allowing you to feel comfortable both on the frosty streets and in warm indoor spaces.

The summer months in Umeå, from June to August, delight with milder weather: the average temperature ranges from 13.9°C to 16.0°C. During the day, it can be warm enough for t-shirts and light trousers or shorts. However, evenings can be cool, so a light jacket, windbreaker, or cozy fleece will not be amiss. Despite the total amount of precipitation in summer being low (2-3 mm per month), it is worth noting that in July and August, for example, there are up to 14-15 rainy days. Therefore, a compact umbrella or a light raincoat will help maintain comfort during walks.

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) in Umeå are transitional periods with quite changeable weather. The temperature gradually rises in spring and drops in autumn, so layering clothes once again comes to the forefront. Combine light items with warmer ones, and don't forget a waterproof jacket. Regardless of the season, comfortable walking shoes are an extremely important element of your gear, as Umeå is perfect for long walks. Given that the number of "wet days" is significant almost year-round (from 7 to 15 days per month), choose water-resistant shoes or bring a spare pair. In summer, sunscreen will be useful, and if the plugs of your electrical appliances differ from the European standard (Type C/F), do not forget the appropriate adapter.