Best time to visit Sweden

Paddling in Sweden

Sweden is a paradise for paddling, especially its West Coast!

Best time: March–September

Paddling
Paddling
Paddling
Paddling

Sweden's western archipelago is one of the most exciting sites for both canoeing and kayaking. Off the Bohuslan, you will find the best conditions for paddling and almost year-round opportunities for this awes​ome activity.

Every month has something great to offer every kind of paddling enthusiast. For a more exciting and dangerous experience, you might choose March when the ice is starting to melt but might be still frozen in some shallow spots. In this time, the wind is particularly strong, and if it is an easterly wind it might make your return difficult, so it is very important to be careful.

Another exciting time is November when the days get shorter (about 5 hours of light) and colder, but there are hardly any boats around, and there is a big possibility of snow. For some intense paddling try April and June with their warmer and more stable weather conditions, and December when darker and colder days also bring snowstorms and silence.

Finally,​ if you are not sure, the best most convenient conditions are in May, August, and September. In most cases, we would also advise not to plan you paddling trip for January, which brings extremely cold water with blocks of ice floating around and very short days.

Practical info

When is the best time to paddle in the West Coast of Sweden?

Paddling in the West Coast of Sweden can be done almost year-round, with the best months being May, August, and September. Some paddlers may find March and November more challenging. However, safety concerns must also be taken seriously during those months. Paddling in December can provide excellent experiences with the snow. Paddling is not recommended in January due to extremely cold water temperatures. Show more

Where is the best location to paddle in Sweden?

Bohuslan's western archipelago is one of the most popular paddling sites in Sweden. The area has both challenging and easy-going routes for paddlers and offers various landscapes, including rocky cliffs and sheltered bays. There are as many as 8,000 islands in the archipelago, making it an exciting and diverse paddling location. Show more

What are the weather conditions in November, and why is it great for paddling?

November is dark and cold in Sweden, with about five hours of daylight. However, the lack of boats and solitude provide unique paddling experiences that some paddlers find appealing. Paddling in November might present challenges such as ice and snow blocks that can make paddling more difficult. It is vital to be aware of safety concerns and bring appropriate equipment for the cold weather. Show more

What are the dangers to watch out for when paddling during March?

March can present a few risks and dangers for paddlers. The ice begins to melt, leaving shallow spots that are challenging to navigate. The wind during March can also be strong and cause difficulties returning, especially during an easterly wind. Additionally, water temperature is cold, requiring proper equipment such as personal flotation devices, drysuits or wetsuits. Show more

Are there any marine life or wildlife that paddlers can encounter while paddling on the West Coast of Sweden?

The West Coast of Sweden is rich in marine and wildlife. Paddlers can encounter a variety of wildlife such as harbor seals, grey seals, porpoises, and seabirds including cormorants and oystercatchers. While paddling, it is crucial to be respectful of wildlife and ensure safety by keeping a safe distance from the animals. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin