When
Best time for a visit?

A rainy day
Sarek index

Last update:
21 October 2000

Ulf Mjörnmark

 Best time for a visit? That depends entirely on ones preference. I myself prefer summer time, July - August. I have never made any skiing tours, and I do not feel experienced for doing it either. Others prefer other times, but summer is the most comfortable for me. The recommendations below are my own, though I have only experiance of summer tours. It also true that the length of and weather during the seasons vary from year to year, i.e. the times mentioned are approximate. Sarek has an Atlantic climate, i.e. it rains or snow a lot. At high altitudes are there large snow fields during the whole summer.
November-February There is lots of snow, and it is cold and dark because of the reverse midnight sun. There are problems in getting there with public transportation. The mountain stations are closed, the cabins are closed except for an emergancy room.
March-April/May This is the true winter season, mountain stations are open and cabins are manned on Kungsleden. One must have much experience with winter tours before trying Sarek itself.
May-end of June Now the snow melts, and there is much water around. This makes it rather dangerous to ford the brooks, and the wet snow makes it difficult both to walk and ski.
end of June - July A very nice period, large areas are still covered with snow, the brooks are full with water, most of them one has to ford to get across unless there is snow on top of them. At places where the sun can not melt the snow, may it at the beginning of the period be deep and wet snow. The disadvantage is that mosquitos and gnats can be trying. The advantage is that the midnight sun shines, it never gets dark, and the temperature is most of the time comfortable.
August There is less snow and water, the mosquitos and gnats is no longer a problem, and the nights start to get cold and dark. It is not unlikely that snow falls at high altitudes.
September-October Mountain stations and cabins close in mid september, the snow starts to fall. The automn colours are wonderful. I have not visited Sarek at this time, but have made tours at other areas. The first two weeks of september is recommended if one want to enjoy the "fire" in the vegetation. I hope some year to have the time to take vacation in September.