Västervik has a semi-continental type of the oceanic climate (Cfb) using the -3°C isotherm, and a true humid continental climate (Dfb) using the 0°C isotherm, with vast differences between seasons. The major weather station in the area is in Gladhammar 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) west of Västervik. Differences are likely to be minor, with precipitation normals being available in greater detail for Västervik's station. Overnight lows may be the biggest difference, due Västervik's coastal position.
Climate data for Gladhammar 2002-2016 for temperatures; Västervik 1961-1990 for precipitation
The city still bases much of its industry on its harbour, and on the industries that were established as a result of it in the late 19th century. Västervik has suffered the closure of certain factories, notably Electrolux, with associated job losses. Just outside Västervik, there is the static inverter of HVDC Gotland and Fårhultsmasten, a 335 m tall guyed mast used for FM/TV-transmission, which shares with three other masts the title of Sweden's tallest structure. [citation needed]
Culture
Every year since 1966 there is a folk musicfestival in Västervik, at the ruins of the Stegeholm castle. [citation needed] The area has artistic talent by artists, potters, craft people and painters.
Sport and recreation
Being a summer town popular with yachtspeople, campers, daytrippers, and returning former residents, Västervik experiences an annual revival in July.
Västervik offers an outdoor life of climbing, canoeing and sailing or islands to visit and stay at. Björn Ulvaeus, a member of the internationally successful pop group ABBA who grew up in Västervik, is building a complex consisting of hotel, restaurant, and apartments in the bay near Stegeholm castle, which will be a tourist attraction for Västervik.
On the north western outskirts on the Stora Infartsvägen road, there is a speedway stadium known as the Ljungheden, where the Västervik Speedway team compete.[4][5]
Other uses
Västervik is also the name of a small village 8 km north of Vaasa, Finland. The name just means "western bay", so there could be more minor localities by that name.
