Gällivare – month by month
Are you planning to visit Gällivare but are a little unsure about what time of year to visit? Here is a short guide to the months in Gällivare to help you plan your trip.
January
Darkness, snow and calm winter days
January is the most typical winter month of the year in Gällivare.
It is cold, lots of snow and dark evenings.
But it is also a time when nature feels extra calm.
This is January in Gällivare
- Midwinter
- Snow guaranteed
- Short days
- Good for Northern Lights
What can you do?
See the Northern Lights
Dark and cold evenings provide good conditions.
Swedish fika outside
Cold coffee and a fire work just as well in January as in the middle of summer. Just don't forget to dress warmly.
Alpine skiing at Dundret Gällivare
Ski slopes close to the community.
Northern Lights
See the magical dance across the sky, on your own or through organised tours.
Read more here
February
More bright and stable winter.
Now the light is starting to come back for real.
It is immediately noticeable outside.
This is February in Gällivare
- Longer days
- Cold temperatures
- Stable snow
What can you do?
Cross-country skiing
The trails are often at their best in February.
Dog sledging and winter tours
Long winter days are great for excursions.
Ice fishing
Many lakes are accessible throughout the month.
Dog sledding
Dog sledging tours in the countryside have become a favourite activity for visitors who want to combine the intense beauty of the Northern Lights with a journey through the fairy-tale forest landscapes.
Read more here
Dundret
Close to nature all year round. Dundret is one of the most accessible nature areas in Gällivare. Here you can get out quickly, regardless of the season. You don't need to plan much. Just get there and start the adventure.
Your next adventure
April
Bright spring-winter and late evenings outside.
April is still winter, but with lots of light.
It is one of the best months of the year for longer days outside.
This is April in Gällivare
- Long days
- Sun and snow at the same time
- Good snow crust, mainly in the mornings
What can you do?
Snowshoe hiking
Easy way to get off the ski or snowmobile trails.
Mountain tours
Long days give you more time.
Barbecue and cooking outside
April is perfect for lunch outside in the snow. The best month for snow pits.
Cooking
Simple, sturdy and made to work outdoors. In Gällivare, people often cook outside. Not because it's advanced, but because it's practical.
Take a bite
May
Transition between winter and summer.
In May, nature begins to change rapidly.
The snow disappears first within the city area.
This is May in Gällivare
- Bright evenings
- Melting snow
- Spring floods and ice thaw
What can you do?
Birdwatching
Migratory birds return during the month.
Shorter hikes
More trails begin to become available.
Cycling close to the community
Roads and trails are drying up more and more.
Culture Trail
The Cultural Trail in Gällivare is a nature-friendly and easily accessible hike that follows the Vassara River through central parts of the community. Along the path, you will encounter stories about Gällivare's history, culture and social transformation, where nature and human traces are woven together into a living experience.
Start the hike
Midnight sun in Gällivare
When it never really gets dark. In Gällivare, summer is special. Not because it's hot all the time, but because it never really gets dark.
Put on your sunglasses and enjoy
July
Summer in the mountains and forests.
July is high summer and vacation time.
Many people take the opportunity to take longer trips.
This is July in Gällivare
- The warmest period
- Good hiking weather
- Bright nights
What can you do?
Hiking in Laponia
Shorter and longer trips in the mountains.
Mountain biking
Many roads and trails are well-suited for cycling.
Swimming and sauna
Lakes and rivers become a natural part of the summer.
World Heritage Site Laponia
The World Heritage Site of Laponia, located in the majestic mountains of Gällivare and Jokkmokk municipality, offers exceptional experiences all year round.
Your next adventure
August
Late summer and a calmer pace.
The air becomes clearer and the evenings darker.
Nature begins to change again.
This is August in Gällivare
- Late summer
- Clear air
- Calmer pace
What can you do?
Pick berries
Cloudberries, blueberries and lingonberries are found in many areas.
Fishing
Good period for many waters.
Photograph nature
The light becomes softer during late summer.
Fishing in Gällivare
Easy to get out, plenty of water to choose from. Fishing in Gällivare is not complicated. There is water everywhere, lakes, rivers, small ponds and mountain water. You don't have to be an expert. Whether you fish occasionally or often, there are plenty of places that work for a day trip.
What do you fish for?
Rallarstigen - The Navvy Trail
Since the 18th century, the Rallarstigen (The Navvy Trail) has been an important trail, first for locals, and later also for tourists and hikers. Along the trail, you can see hearths, bark deposits, marks in the trees and other traces that show that people have walked here long before us.
Start the hike
October
First snow and calm nature.
In October, autumn is on its way out.
Winter is starting to appear again.
This is October in Gällivare
- First snow
- Shorter days
- Cold air
What can you do?
Photograph autumn and winter at the same time
Nature changes quickly.
Sauna and cold baths
Common when the temperature starts to drop.
Shorter excursions
Good time for calmer trips close to the community.
RE form - part of Welcome House
A place for stories, exhibitions and urban transformation. Right in the middle of central Gällivare is RE-form. It is a place where you can get to know Gällivare a little better. Here, history, present and future meet through exhibitions, stories and digital experiences.
Your next adventure
November
Winter and darker days.
November is quiet.
The snow is coming back, and nature is getting quieter.
This is November in Gällivare
- Winter
- Snow and darkness
- A leisurely pace
What can you do?
The first cross-country ski trip
When the snow is deep enough, towards the end of the month, the winter season starts.
See the Northern Lights
Dark evenings provide great opportunities.
Brew coffee outdoors
A simple activity that works all year round.
Boiled coffee
A break that belongs. In Gällivare, coffee is a natural part of being outdoors. Whether you're fishing, hiking or just taking a walk in the forest, sooner or later it's coffee.
Take a sip
Kaamos - the midwinter solstice
In the northern parts of Sweden, the midwinter solstice marks an extraordinary time when Gällivare is swept into an enchanting winter's tale. The midwinter solstice occurs when the sun is at its lowest point in the sky.
Discover more