The geographical distribution of sunshine duration is highly dependent on cloud conditions and the length of the day.

During the winter months, when the days are short, latitude is an important factor. The pattern during the summer months is governed by cloud conditions, which means more sunshine along the coast and over the great lakes.

The high mountains and the southern Swedish highlands get least sun. The long summer days in Norrland mean that the total hours of sunshine are more or less the same along the whole of the Swedish coastline.