Last Updated on 8th October 2022 by Sophie Nadeau
As the capital of Sweden, it’s clear that there is no shortage of things to see and do when it comes to exploring Stockholm. And while it’s fair to say that the pastel-hued houses are prettiest when viewed under a clear blue sky, we can’t always choose the weather when we travel! Here’s your ultimate guide on how to spend a rainy day in Stockholm and still have fun!
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How often does it rain in Stockholm?
Typically, there are around 170 days of rain in Stockholm in a year, which typically occur during the fall and winter months. This means that, if you’re not planning to visit the Swedish capital during the summer, it will probably rain at least once or twice during your visit.
The rainiest months in Stockholm is November, while the driest months are May and June. If you happen to be visiting the city between December and March, then there’s a pretty high probability of snow so wrap up warm and pack/ plan accordingly!
Best rainy day activities in Stockholm
Vasa Museum
One of the more fun and exciting cultural offerings in Stockholm comes in the form of the Vasa Museum. This museum is situated on the island of Djurgården and boasts the only fully intact 17th-century ship that has ever been salvaged.
Once inside, there are a number of displays and exhibitions detailing the salvaging of the ship, Vasa, which sank during her maiden voyage in 1628. A typical museum visit lasts for one and a half to two hours.
ABBA Museum
Another key highlight of Djurgården Island is the ABBA Museum. Established in May of 2013, the cultural space is a great way for fans of the music group to gain a greater insight into the band’s formation, tours, and see plenty of paraphernalia related to ABBA. A typical museum visit takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
The Royal Palace
Sweden still has a Royal Family, which is headed by King Carl XVI Gustaf. Their official residence in Stockholm is The Royal Palace, which is known as Stockholms slott or Kungliga slottet in Swedish.
The Palace was constructed in the Baroque architectural style between the 17th and 18th-centuries and can today be visited for a fee. Key highlights include admiring the Royal Jewels, seeing the old apartments, and admiring the incredible chapel ceiling. You need around 3 hours at the Royal Palace if you truly want to savour all of its stunning details.
Nobel Prize Museum
You may not know this, but Stockholm is home to the world’s only Nobel Prize Museum. The museum was founded in the Swedish capital in 2001 to mark the 100th anniversary of the first Nobel Prize.
The space is dedicated to celebrating human achievement over the past 130 years or so and every space is filled with various shelves and exhibitions showcasing information about Nobel Prizes which have been awarded. A visit to the museum takes around 2 hours. Purchase your entry ticket here in advance.
City Hall
Stockholm’s City Hall is the seat of Stockholm Municipality and, while the building is beautiful from the outside, nothing comes close to its interior. The inside of the early 20th-century build City Hall is lavishly decorated with tapestries, mosaics, and murals.
The City Hall can only be visited as part of a tour and daily guided tours in English take place at various times of the day seven days a week. Tours last for around 45 minutes and tickets can be purchased on the day of the tour. Find out more information on the City Hall Website.
Enjoy Fika
The art of the Swedish fika is a particularly cosy activity. Fika means ‘coffee pause’ and is a daily ritual for many Swedish people. If you want to experience a Fika moment for yourself, then you should know it’s all about living in the moment and taking a break from your busy day.
You simply need to head to a quaint coffee shop (Stockholm boasts many!), and purchase a piping hot cup of coffee together with a melt in your mouth pastry. And there is perhaps no better moment to enjoy this activity than when it’s a dark and stormy day and the rain is pouring outside. For an even greater insight into Swedish culture, consider booking a Fika tour like this one.
The Stockholm Public Library
Yet another Stockholm public building that’s quite enjoyable to visit and makes for a great rainy day activity is the Stockholm Public Library. The library is actually always open (yes, all through the day and night!) and is a great way of seeing some Swedish Grace architectural style. As well as being a great place to escape the rain, it’s also free to visit the round building!
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Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A fan of all things France related, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She currently splits her time between Paris and London. Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.