The climate of Piteå
Piteå,
Sweden, falls under the Köppen climate classification Dfc, indicating a subarctic climate with severe winters, no dry season, and cool summers. The town experiences distinct variations in weather conditions throughout the year, ranging from mild summers to cold, harsh winters.
Temperature variations are considerable. High temperatures range from a chilling -5.8°C (21.6°F) in
January to a milder 19°C (66.2°F) in
July. Low temperatures also follow a similar pattern, spanning from -10.7°C (12.7°F) in
February to 12.1°C (53.8°F) in July. On average, humidity levels remain high throughout the year, going from a minimum of 66% in
June to a peak of 93% in February.
Precipitation comes in the form of both rainfall and snowfall. Rainfall amounts range from a monthly average low of 18mm (0.71") in February to a high of 28mm (1.1") in July. The area also has a notable number of rainfall days, with the highest occurrence typically in
August at 11.3 days on average. Snowfall is another characteristic feature, with significant amounts falling between January to
March and
November to
December.
One of the unique aspects of Piteå's climate is the variation in daylight hours. The longest daylight hours are experienced in June at 22 hours, dropping gradually to a short 3.7 hour day in December. Finally, while cloud cover is a constant feature, it tends to increase towards the end of the year, achieving a maximum of 64% in January and December.
The best time to visit Piteå
Considering the overall weather patterns and climatic conditions, the best time to visit
Piteå would be in the summer months, especially from late
May to early
September. During this period, temperatures are at their warmest with daily highs averaging between 10.6°C (51.1°F) to 19°C (66.2°F), providing a welcome relief from the severe subarctic cold.
Summer also presents excellent daylight conditions, peaking at an impressive 22 hours per day in
June, offering more time to explore the outdoors. Additionally, the relative humidity is at its lowest from May to
July, averaging between 66% to 71%, providing more comfortable conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Piteå
The coldest months, particularly between
November and
March, would be regarded as the least favorable time to travel to
Piteå. During this period, temperatures dip to an average low of -10.7°C (12.7°F) in
February. Moreover, the average high temperatures remain below zero, reaching as low as -5.8°C (21.6°F) in
January.
Winter also brings significant snowfall, with
December receiving an average snowfall of 135mm (5.31") spread across 13.3 days. Additionally, the short daylight hours and high relative humidity during the winter months may deter visitors who are unaccustomed to such conditions.
Spring weather in Piteå
Spring in
Piteå is quite distinct with
March experiencing lingering winter conditions, while a warming trend sets in by
May. High temperatures range from -1.5°C (29.3°F) in March to 10.6°C (51.1°F) in May, with lows improving from -7.1°C (19.2°F) to 4.3°C (39.7°F) in the same period. Rainfall gradually increases from March to May, accompanied by reduced snowfall as temperatures rise.
Summer weather in Piteå
The summer months from
June to
August are quite mild and comfortable in
Piteå. The temperatures during this period see highs fluctuating between 15.6°C (60.1°F) to 19°C (66.2°F), while lows range from 8.7°C (47.7°F) to 12.1°C (53.8°F). Humidity drops significantly during the summer, providing more comfortable weather conditions. The town also experiences its longest daylight hours during this season, with June featuring nearly a full day of light.
Autumn weather in Piteå
Autumn in
Piteå features a quick transition from relatively mild conditions to the onset of a harsh winter.
September sees average high temperatures of 13°C (55.4°F), dropping down to 0.5°C (32.9°F) in
November. Similarly, lows also decline from 7.3°C (45.1°F) in September to -2.2°C (28°F) in November. As winter approaches, snowfall begins to occur, especially in November.
Winter weather in Piteå
From
December to
February,
Piteå experiences severe winters, as defined by its subarctic climate classification. High temperatures dip below freezing ranging from -2.7°C (27.1°F) to -5.8°C (21.6°F), while low temperatures vary between -6.4°C (20.5°F) to -10.7°C (12.7°F). The season is characterized by heavy snowfall, with December receiving an average of 135mm (5.31"). Combined with significantly reduced daylight hours and high humidity, conditions can be quite challenging during the winter season in Piteå.
Weather in January
The weather in
Piteå famously kicks off the year with maximum snowfall.
January has the unenviable record of being the coldest month in the area with lows plummeting to -10.5°C (13.1°F) and highs barely touching -5.8°C (21.6°F).
Weather in January »Weather in February
Moving into
February, conditions remain largely cold, but there is a slight improvement in temperature compared to
January. February notches up remarkable snowfall with 101mm (3.98") accumulation, making it the second highest after January.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March signals a subtle transition from the harsh winter to the upcoming spring in
Piteå. Dominated by snowfall events equal to
January's tally, March stands out with snow layering averaging 154mm (6.06"). However, the weather gets a little gentler with an increase in the average high and low temperatures.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings clear signs of Spring. Snowfall significantly reduces to just 61mm (2.4"), heralding the onset of warmer months. With an exciting leap in temperature and longer daylight hours,
Piteå beautifully transitions from wintry landscapes to colourful spring vistas.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May presents more idyllic weather conditions in
Piteå. The snow disappears entirely, making way for increased rainfall and more hours of daylight. A significant characteristic of May's weather is the welcome rise in average high temperatures, reaching a comfortable 10.6°C (51.1°F).
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is heralded as the gateway to summer in
Piteå. An impressive count of sunshine hours peaks during this month, courtesy of the longer daylight hours. It offers the warmest sea temperature of the year, reaching up to 10.1°C (50.2°F), finally signalling safe and comfortable conditions for potential swimmers.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the heart of the summer season in
Piteå. Boasting the highest average temperature, with a high of 19°C (66.2°F), July basks in the glory of the Swedish summer. The city experiences the maximum and the most consistent daylight hours, ensuring the summer vibe lasts longer each day.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August presents an extended version of
July's summer charm. While the temperature slightly drops from July's peak, it is still pleasurably warm. An interesting feature of August is the highest recorded humidity levels, with an average of 74%.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks the subtle onset of autumn in
Piteå. The return of snow marks the transition into colder months, with 25mm (0.98") recorded. Lower temperatures accompany this transition, contributing to a noticeable chill in the air.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October solidifies the autumn season in
Piteå, leading into the initial phase of winter preparation. There is a significant drop in average high temperatures, following
September's cooler trends. This drop is accompanied by an increased cloud percentage, which paints a typically overcast autumnn sky.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November ushers in the prelude to winter in
Piteå. Considering the 70mm (2.76") snow recorded, it is clear that winter is silently whispering its frosty greetings. This is reinforced by the sharp decline in temperature, leading to a wintry atmosphere.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December reveals
Piteå in all its winter magnificence. With snowfall at 135mm (5.31"), December stands as the third snowiest month. A significant drop in average high and low temperatures confirms winter in all its icy splendour.
Weather in December » [Resources]