Uppsala in May

May through September gives you the best of Uppsala. The city comes alive when students return in late August – suddenly every café terrace fills up, street musicians appear, and the whole place hums with energy. June and July offer the classic Swedish summer experience: 18-hour days, outdoor concerts in Stadsträdgården park, and locals making the most of every sunny moment. But here's the catch – many students leave for summer break, so some bars and restaurants close or reduce hours. September might be the sweet spot. Students are back, the weather stays mild (15-20°C), and autumn colors paint the surrounding forests. Plus, hotel prices drop from their summer peaks. Winter has its charm – Christmas markets, cozy pubs, northern lights if you're lucky – but expect short days and temperatures around -5°C.