As December unfolds, much of Sweden has been left in the dark, with several regions receiving alarmingly low amounts of sunlight. Preliminary data from the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) reveals that in many parts of the country, the sun has shone for fewer than five hours so far this month.
For residents of Visby and Borlänge, the situation is particularly bleak, with only one hour of sunshine recorded in these areas. But even Stockholm, the capital, has been engulfed by the deep winter gloom.
“Not even an hour of sunlight in Stockholm this December,” notes SMHI meteorologist Linus Falk. The figures are part of a broader pattern of low sunlight across much of Sweden, with certain places, including Umeå, Luleå, Norrköping, and Svenska Högarna, also experiencing fewer than 60 minutes of sunshine during the first 11 days of December.
What’s Behind the Dark Days?
So, what’s causing this lack of sunlight? Falk attributes the widespread darkness to persistent low-pressure systems that have brought overcast skies and damp conditions to large swaths of the country. “The sky has been covered by clouds, and these low-pressure systems prevent the sun from breaking through,” Falk explains.
While the situation is undoubtedly challenging for many, Falk highlights a crucial difference between winter and summer weather patterns. “In the summer, the sun is high in the sky, and its intensity can burn away the clouds. In winter, however, the sun is much lower and lacks the strength to dispel the persistent cloud cover,” he adds.
A Comparison to Last Year’s December
Looking at historical data, the current situation seems even grimmer. In December of 2023, Stockholm recorded 33 hours of sunshine, while other cities like Norrköping (29 hours) and Umeå (38 hours) saw relatively brighter months. In contrast, Luleå, located in the far north, saw just two hours of sunlight for the entire month.
This year, the darkest days have been recorded in the far northern reaches of the country, where the polar night prevails. However, even in southern cities, the numbers are troubling, and residents are grappling with a sense of isolation as daylight hours remain scarce.
Bright Spots in an Otherwise Gloomy December
While the sunshine totals so far are bleak, there have been a few notable exceptions. Karlskrona on the southern coast has enjoyed the most sunshine in Sweden this month, with 11 hours of sunlight. The island of Gotland also saw more sun, with Hoburg recording 10 hours.
However, the general trend is one of extended overcast weather, and meteorologists predict that this may continue for the foreseeable future. The region is still dominated by low-pressure systems sweeping in from the west, ensuring that the lack of sunlight will likely persist.
Is There Any Hope for Sunshine?
While the long-term forecast remains challenging, there are hints of light. “It looks like there will be some breaks in the cloud cover,” Falk says, referencing the potential for sunshine on parts of the west coast later this week. For those living in cities like Gothenburg and Malmö, there may be fleeting moments of sunlight in the coming days.
Still, for many, the advice is clear: don’t expect dramatic improvements. “If you’re feeling the lack of light, it might be time to reach for the vitamin D supplements or a sun lamp to get through the darkest days of winter,” suggests Falk.
A Breakdown of Sunshine Hours (Preliminary Data)
Here’s a snapshot of the preliminary sunshine totals for various Swedish cities so far this month:
- Karlskrona: 11 hours
- Hoburg (Gotland): 10 hours
- Nordkoster: 8 hours
- Ölands Norra Udde: 8 hours
- Östersund: 5 hours
- Växjö: 4 hours
- Göteborg: 4 hours
- Storlien: 3 hours
- Karlstad: 2 hours
- Lund: 2 hours
- Visby: 1 hour
- Borlänge: 1 hour
- Umeå, Luleå, Stockholm, Norrköping, Svenska Högarna: Less than 1 hour
These figures are based on preliminary measurements and may be subject to further revision. In some areas, no sunshine was recorded at all.
A Time to Adapt and Cope
For those living in Sweden’s gloomier regions this December, the short days and lack of sunlight can feel oppressive. Yet, it’s important to remember that this is a typical aspect of Sweden’s winter climate, especially in areas farther north. While there are small bright spots of sunshine here and there, residents will have to make do with minimal daylight for the time being.