Stockholm in October

May through September gives you the best of Stockholm. June brings white nights — sunset around 10 PM, sunrise at 3:30 AM. Perfect for long dinners on Strandvägen's terraces. July and August see peak crowds but also peak prices. Hotel rates jump 40% and restaurant reservations get scarce. September offers sweet spot timing: fewer tourists, comfortable 15-18°C temperatures, and golden light perfect for photography. May can be unpredictable — pack layers for 8-20°C swings. Winter has its own magic. December's Christmas markets in Gamla Stan create fairy-tale atmosphere, while January's frozen archipelago offers unique beauty. But daylight runs 9 AM to 3 PM, and many outdoor attractions close. Museum season, basically. Here's the thing: avoid late March and early November. Weather's miserable and nothing compensates for the gloom.