Crisp air, shorter days, and steady rain showers really set the tone for fall in Gothenburg. Daytime temperatures drop from around 16°C (61°F) in September to about 6°C (43°F) in November. Nights cool from 9°C (48°F) to near 2°C (36°F). You can feel the shift from the mild end of summer to the damp chill of early winter.
Rain plays a big role in autumn here. Showers get heavier and more frequent as the weeks go by, and November usually stands out as the wettest month of the year. Meanwhile, daylight hours shrink fast, and overcast skies take over, giving the city a totally different vibe compared to those bright summer days.
Cool temperatures, frequent rain, and fading daylight make the season feel brisk and atmospheric. Whether you’re planning to check out the city’s cultural events or just want to know how to pack, it helps to understand what fall in Gothenburg actually brings.
Overview of Fall Weather in Gothenburg
Shorter days, cooler air, and regular rainfall come with fall in Gothenburg. Temperatures slide steadily from mild September weather to chilly November days, while cloud cover and dampness become a regular thing.
You’ll notice a real shift in both daylight and comfort as the season moves along.
What Defines Fall in Gothenburg
Fall in Gothenburg runs from September through November. During these months, the climate shifts from late-summer warmth to early-winter chill.
Daytime highs kick off near 16°C (61°F) in September and sink down to about 6°C (43°F) by November. Nighttime lows go from 9°C (48°F) to nearly 2°C (36°F).
Rainfall picks up compared to summer. On average, you’ll get 70–90 mm of precipitation per month, usually spread over several rainy days.
Unlike those quick summer showers, fall rain tends to hang around longer and comes down heavier.
Daylight drops fast too. September gives you about 12 hours of usable light, but by November, it’s less than 7 hours. This shapes daily routines and makes the season feel darker and wetter.
Transition from Summer to Fall
The change from summer to fall in Gothenburg happens gradually, but you’ll definitely notice it. Early September still has some warmth, with afternoons often reaching the upper teens Celsius.
By late September, cooler evenings and more clouds signal the end of summer-like days.
The sea surface temperature cools from about 16°C (61°F) in early September to around 9°C (48°F) in November. This cooling impacts the air temperature, making things feel damper near the coast.
Winds pick up and stick around more, often blowing in from the North Sea. They carry moisture and add to the frequent overcast skies.
Shorter days and unpredictable weather mean you’ll want to pack layers and waterproof gear.
Key Climate Characteristics
A few features really set Gothenburg’s fall climate apart. The big ones are:
- Temperature trend: a steady cool-down from mild to chilly.
- Rainfall: autumn is the wettest season, with regular showers and the odd storm.
- Cloud cover: overcast skies more than half the time.
- Daylight: sharp decline, especially in October and November.
Here’s a quick look at monthly averages:
| Month | Avg High °C | Avg Low °C | Rainfall (mm) | Daylight (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September | 16 | 9 | ~85 | ~12 |
| October | 12 | 6 | ~80 | ~9 |
| November | 6 | 2 | ~68 | ~7 |
All this makes fall a season of fast change, where you might get mild, pleasant days and then damp, chilly ones just a few days later.
Average Fall Temperatures
Fall in Gothenburg means temperatures drop steadily from mild September days to chilly November nights. You’ll notice cooler evenings, shorter daylight, and a real shift from late-summer warmth to early-winter cold.
Typical Daytime Highs and Nighttime Lows
In September, daytime highs usually hit 18°C (64°F), with nights dropping to about 10°C (50°F). Early fall still feels comfortable for walking the city or sitting at an outdoor café.
By October, highs average around 12°C (54°F), and lows dip to 6°C (43°F). You’ll probably want a light jacket during the day and something warmer at night.
November gets much colder. Highs only reach 7°C (45°F), and nighttime temperatures hover near 3–4°C (37–39°F). Frost starts to show up, and the chill in the air means winter’s not far off.
You’ll want to plan your clothing carefully. Layers are your friend, since mornings and evenings can feel a lot colder than midday.
Monthly Temperature Trends
Temperatures shift gradually but noticeably as fall moves along. September still has a late summer feel, while November is much closer to winter.
- September: 18°C (high) / 10°C (low)
- October: 12°C (high) / 6°C (low)
- November: 7°C (high) / 3°C (low)
Gothenburg’s marine west coast climate keeps things from getting too extreme, but you still get a clear sense of the seasons changing.
Rainfall goes up as temperatures drop, making cooler days feel extra damp. Shorter daylight and lower temperatures give the city that unmistakable autumn atmosphere.
Comparing Early and Late Fall Temperatures
Early fall feels mild, with September bringing pleasant afternoons in the upper teens Celsius. Outdoor dining or light hikes are still totally doable without heavy gear.
Nights are cooler but not really uncomfortable.
Late fall is a different story. November highs barely reach 7°C, and evenings get close to freezing. You’ll spot frost on the ground in the mornings, and wind from the North Sea can make it feel even colder.
If you’re planning a visit, the contrast between early and late fall matters. September calls for light outerwear, but by November, you’ll want heavier coats, scarves, and gloves.
It’s a clear shift from lingering summer to the edge of winter.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Gothenburg’s fall brings steady rainfall without long dry spells. Regular showers shape the climate and can affect your outdoor plans.
Monthly Rainfall Amounts
Rain in Gothenburg during fall is moderate but consistent. September usually gets around 80–90 mm, and October bumps up to 90–100 mm. November matches October, averaging close to 90–95 mm.
The city’s maritime climate means you’ll see both rain and, by late November, the occasional bit of wet snow.
Unlike summer’s quick bursts, fall rain tends to last longer and feels heavier.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| September | ~85 mm |
| October | ~95 mm |
| November | ~90 mm |
So, fall is definitely one of the wetter times of year, even if it’s not always the absolute wettest.
Rainy Days and Frequency
It’s not just the amount of rain, but how often it falls that defines Gothenburg’s fall. You’ll see 12–15 days per month with measurable rain from September through November.
Rain usually comes as light to moderate showers, not heavy downpours. You might get a few damp days in a row, but it’s rare to have a full day washed out.
By November, wet days remain common, but you’ll sometimes get sleet or wet snow as the temperature drops. Waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes make life a lot easier.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Fall’s rainfall pattern stands out compared to other seasons. Summer months like July and August bring 70–105 mm, but with a few less rainy days.
Winter months have similar totals, but colder weather means more snow and sleet.
Spring is drier, with March averaging only 50–55 mm. So, fall feels noticeably wetter than the start of the year.
Gothenburg’s climate spreads precipitation pretty evenly across the calendar, but fall mixes higher totals with lots of cloudy skies. The result? A cool, damp atmosphere that feels just right for the city at this time of year.
Sunshine, Daylight, and Cloud Cover
Autumn in Gothenburg brings a steady drop in daylight and sunshine. Cloud cover becomes more frequent, and the balance between bright days and gray skies changes fast from September to November.
Average Sunshine Hours
September still gives you about 5–6 hours of sunshine per day on average. That’s enough for most outdoor plans, though it’s shorter than in summer.
By October, sunshine drops to around 3–4 hours daily. In November, you’re down to just 1–2 hours.
The change is gradual, but you’ll notice it. Early fall brings a mix of sunny and cloudy days, but late fall is mostly cloudy.
| Month | Avg. Sunshine Hours/Day |
|---|---|
| September | 5–6 hours |
| October | 3–4 hours |
| November | 1–2 hours |
Plan for shorter, dimmer days as November gets closer. Outdoor sightseeing works best earlier in the season when sunlight is more reliable.
Daylight Duration Changes
Daylight shortens fast in Gothenburg during autumn. Early September gives you about 13 hours of daylight, but by late November, you’re down to around 7 hours.
The biggest drop happens in October, when you lose nearly an hour of daylight every two weeks.
- Early September: sunrise near 6:15 AM, sunset around 8:00 PM
- Mid-October: sunrise close to 7:30 AM, sunset about 6:00 PM
- Late November: sunrise near 8:30 AM, sunset around 3:30 PM
This quick change can throw off your daily rhythm, so it’s usually smart to plan activities earlier in the day.
Typical Cloudiness in Fall
Cloud cover steadily increases from September to November. September skies are often partly cloudy, giving you a mix of sun and shade.
By October, overcast days are the norm, and November is mostly gray.
Gothenburg’s maritime location plays a big part here. Moist air from the North Sea brings lots of low clouds and morning mist.
You’ll notice more drizzle and light rain under those heavy clouds. Clear, crisp days do happen, but they’re less common as fall moves on.
Outdoor light levels can feel even lower than the actual daylight hours suggest.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Fall air in Gothenburg usually feels damp, and breezes from the North Sea get more noticeable. You’ll run into high relative humidity and steady winds that really shape how cool or mild the season feels.
Relative Humidity Levels
Humidity stays pretty high through autumn. On average, you’ll see 70–80% relative humidity in September, October, and November.
September sits at the lower end, but by November, humidity can creep above 80% on cloudy or rainy days.
Fog shows up more often in late fall, especially near the coast and in low-lying parts of the city.
The high humidity plus cooler temperatures makes the air feel colder than the numbers say. For example, a 10°C day in October with 80% humidity can feel noticeably chillier.
It’s a good idea to wear layers that handle both moisture and warmth.
| Month | Avg. Humidity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~72% | Mild, less damp |
| October | ~76% | Increasingly moist, more rain |
| November | ~80–82% | Dampest, frequent fog |
Typical Wind Patterns
In Gothenburg, fall winds usually blow steady and stay pretty moderate. Since the city sits right on Sweden’s west coast, you’ll often feel westerly and southwesterly winds rolling in from the North Sea.
These winds bring plenty of moisture inland, which makes the season feel even damper.
Average wind speeds hover around 4 to 6 m/s (9–13 mph). When low-pressure systems pass through, gusts can get much stronger, especially in October and November.
Storms from the Atlantic sometimes barrel in during these months and shake things up.
You’ll probably notice the wind adds to the chill, especially when the humidity is high. Even on a mild afternoon, strong gusts can make everything feel colder.
If you’re near the coast or in open areas, the wind really picks up. Sheltered parts of the city, though, feel much calmer.
It’s smart to expect all kinds of weather. Pack a windproof jacket or bring an umbrella, since sudden showers love to show up with the wind.
Practical Tips for Experiencing Fall in Gothenburg
Cooler days, less daylight, and plenty of rain showers shape how you get ready for autumn in Gothenburg. You’ll want to think about clothing, activities, and how to get around town without too much hassle.
What to Pack for Fall Weather
During the day, temperatures usually sit around 16 °C (61 °F) in September and drop to about 6 °C (43 °F) in November. Nights can get chilly, sometimes falling to 2 °C (36 °F).
Layers really help. A waterproof jacket tops the list, since autumn brings the most rain.
Bring sturdy shoes or boots with a good grip, especially for wet streets or forest paths. A warm sweater, scarf, and hat make windy days much more bearable, particularly if you’re hanging out by the harbor or heading to the archipelago.
If you’re planning to be outside a lot, pack quick-drying clothes and an umbrella. For city outings, you’ll be fine with casual, weather-appropriate clothes. Most restaurants and cultural spots don’t expect anything fancy.
Popular Fall Activities
Autumn in Gothenburg serves up a good mix of culture and outdoor fun. You might check out the Gothenburg Book Fair, wander through exhibitions at the Röhsska Museum, or catch a show at the Göteborg Opera.
Festivals like Kulturnatta (Culture Night) fill the city with free events and a lively atmosphere.
Families often head to Halloween at Liseberg amusement park or try themed activities at the Universeum science center. If you’re into history or just want something different, guided ghost walks in the old neighborhoods can be a fun way to spend an evening.
Nature lovers get plenty of options too. A quick tram ride brings you out to the southern archipelago, where you can hike along the coast and take in the autumn colors.
If you’d rather stay in town, Slottsskogen Park offers a peaceful spot for a fall walk.
Travel Recommendations for Autumn
Rain and wind might slow you down, so give yourself some extra time when you’re getting around Gothenburg. The city’s tram and bus system works well, and grabbing a travel card makes hopping between routes a breeze.
Walking feels nice in the central neighborhoods, but honestly, you’ll want to toss some rain gear in your bag just in case the weather flips.
If you’re itching to see more than the city, you can catch ferries to the archipelago all year. Regional trains also link Gothenburg with smaller towns and hiking spots, making day trips pretty straightforward.
Try booking accommodation with easy access to public transport. Autumn days get short fast, so staying near tram lines or in the city center really helps you squeeze the most out of your visit.