Spring in Gothenburg feels like a mix of mild days, cool nights, and those sudden weather swings that keep you guessing. Temperatures climb steadily from early March through May, with daytime highs starting around 5 °C (41 °F) in March and landing near 16 °C (61 °F) by May.
Honestly, spring weather here is unpredictable. You’ll get a bit of sunshine, a splash of rain, and the wind might surprise you.
As the season rolls on, daylight hours stretch out, giving you more time to soak in the city’s coastal vibe. Rain happens often, but usually in quick bursts instead of long drizzles. Packing a light jacket and an umbrella just makes exploring way easier.
By late spring, you’ll notice the air warming up, and outdoor events start to look a lot more tempting. Spring really shows off Gothenburg’s dynamic side, giving you a taste of the bright summer ahead. If you want to see what the city’s weather can do, this is the time. Check Gothenburg weather for the latest.
Overview of Spring Weather in Gothenburg
Spring in Gothenburg moves you from cold winter scenes to brighter, milder days. You’ll notice temperatures rising, frequent rainfall, and longer daylight hours as weeks go by.
Typical Spring Temperatures
Early March brings daytime highs around 5 °C (41 °F), and nights still hover near freezing. By May, average highs reach about 16 °C (61 °F), sometimes a bit more on lucky days.
Spring here is all about transitions. One week, you might need a warm coat, and the next, lighter layers do the trick.
Gothenburg’s coastal spot on the North Sea shapes its climate. The sea keeps temperatures moderate compared to inland Sweden. You won’t see much extreme cold or sudden heat waves, but those back-and-forth chilly and mild days are just part of spring.
Precipitation Patterns in Spring
Rain falls often in Gothenburg during spring, so you’ll want to expect regular showers instead of long dry spells. Precipitation pops up on many days each month, but amounts usually stay moderate.
April and May are a bit drier than March, though rain still sticks around. The maritime climate means weather can flip fast, with light rain giving way to clear skies in just a few hours.
Snow doesn’t show up much after March, but a late flurry might surprise you in early spring. By April, rain takes over and parks start drying out more. If you’re heading outside, a rain jacket or umbrella is just smart.
Sunshine Hours During Spring
Daylight ramps up fast in Gothenburg during spring. In March, you get about 11 hours of daylight. By May, it’s nearly 17 hours—a huge difference for anyone who likes to be out and about.
Clouds are pretty common, but the number of overcast days drops as spring goes on. By May, you’ll catch more sunny breaks, though clouds still hang around.
Longer days and more sunshine help balance out the cool and wet spells. As the season moves forward, parks, waterfronts, and outdoor cafés feel more inviting, so you have more chances to enjoy the city—even if the weather keeps you on your toes.
Monthly Breakdown: March, April, and May
Spring in Gothenburg starts chilly and gradually warms up, bringing brighter days. Temperatures climb, rainfall stays moderate, and daylight stretches out, making it easier to spend time outside.
March Weather Snapshot
March signals winter’s slow exit. Average highs hit about 6–7°C (43–45°F), while lows often slip just below freezing at around -0.5°C (31°F). Frost can still show up at night, so you’ll want warm clothes.
Rainfall stays modest, averaging 40–50 mm over roughly a dozen days. Snow sometimes falls, but it doesn’t stick around long. By month’s end, you get about 11 hours of daylight, which makes outdoor walks way more appealing.
You’ll see variable conditions. Some days feel damp and gray, others are crisp and sunny. If you’re visiting in March, bring layers, waterproof shoes, and a light winter jacket.
April Weather Snapshot
April really starts to feel like spring. Average highs reach 12–13°C (54–55°F), and lows hover around 3–4°C (37–39°F). Parks and gardens finally show those first real signs of life.
Rainfall drops a bit, averaging 42 mm over about 12 rainy days. Showers usually don’t last long, so you can sneak in city time between them. Sunshine hours jump, with 14–15 hours of daylight by late April.
April is a comfortable month for sightseeing. A medium jacket, light layers, and an umbrella should cover your bases. The air feels fresher, and outdoor cafés begin to open, adding a little buzz to the city.
May Weather Snapshot
By May, Gothenburg is deep into spring. Average highs rise to 16–17°C (61–63°F), and lows settle near 8°C (47°F). Evenings stay cool, but most days are great for outdoor activities.
Rainfall stays moderate, with 45–55 mm falling in short showers. The city gets up to 17 hours of daylight, giving you loads of time to explore. Sunshine is more reliable, and those long cloudy spells from earlier months become less common.
Pack lighter clothes, but keep a sweater or jacket for evenings. May is perfect for walking tours, boat rides, and enjoying Gothenburg’s green spaces, thanks to mild weather and all that daylight.
Temperature Trends and Variability
Spring in Gothenburg means steady warming, but the pace is different for daytime, nighttime, and sea temperatures. You’ll see longer days, milder afternoons, and evenings that finally start to feel comfortable. The sea, though, takes its sweet time warming up.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
Daytime temperatures go from about 5°C (41°F) in March to around 15°C (59°F) in May. By late spring, afternoons are often mild enough for outdoor plans. The rise happens gradually, but you’ll definitely feel it as daylight sticks around longer.
Nights stay cooler. In March, you’ll see 1–2°C (34–36°F), which is still pretty chilly. By May, nights warm up to about 9°C (48°F), so frost isn’t really a worry anymore. With this day-night difference, packing layers is just practical.
Gothenburg’s maritime climate (Cfb, Köppen classification) helps smooth out any wild temperature swings. Instead, you notice a steady climb in both daytime highs and overnight lows as spring goes on.
Sea Temperature Changes in Spring
The sea around Gothenburg warms up way slower than the air. In March, the water sits at just 3°C (37°F)—definitely not swimming weather. By April, it creeps up to about 6°C (43°F), and in May, maybe 11°C (52°F).
This slow warming influences local weather. Cold sea surfaces in early spring can keep the air along the coast feeling chilly, especially when it’s windy. By late May, the water’s still cool, but it doesn’t chill the air as much.
Don’t expect to swim in spring, honestly. Still, as the sea warms, evenings feel milder and it’s more comfortable for waterfront walks or boat tours.
Rainfall and Humidity in Spring
Spring in Gothenburg brings steady rainfall and moderate humidity, both shaping the city’s mild maritime climate. You’ll get a mix of wet and dry days, and things get milder as you move from March into May.
Average Monthly Rainfall
Rainfall in spring is pretty consistent, though totals tick up a bit by late spring. March sees about 1.5 inches (38 mm), April about 1.3 inches (33 mm), and May about 1.9 inches (48 mm).
You won’t get as many rainy days as in autumn or winter. March and April average around 3 rainy days, and May bumps up to about 4 days. That means you usually find several dry days between showers.
Rain usually falls as light or moderate showers, not downpours. With longer daylight in April and May, rain showers don’t last long and clear skies often follow. So, spring is still a nice time to explore—even if you need an umbrella now and then.
| Month | Rainfall (inches) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| March | 1.5 | 3 |
| April | 1.3 | 3 |
| May | 1.9 | 4 |
Humidity Levels by Month
Humidity in Gothenburg during spring stays moderate, thanks to the city’s maritime climate. Relative humidity sits between 70% and 80%, but it might feel higher on damp or cloudy days.
In March, cool air doesn’t hold much moisture, so humidity isn’t as noticeable even when the numbers look high. By April, temperatures rise and the air feels milder, but humidity values don’t change much.
May brings longer days and warmer air, so humidity starts to feel a bit more noticeable, especially after rain. Still, it’s comfortable compared to the muggy summer months.
Expect fresh, crisp mornings with a bit of chill in March and April. By May, evenings get milder and a touch more humid. Late spring is honestly a great time for outdoor activities around Gothenburg.
Sunshine, Daylight, and UV Index
Spring in Gothenburg brings steady changes in light and sun exposure. You’ll notice longer days, more sunshine than winter, and a gradual bump in UV strength as summer approaches.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
Sunshine increases from March through May. March brings about 4 to 5 hours of sunshine per day, which already feels like a big win after winter. In April, you get around 6 hours daily, and by May, it’s often 7 to 8 hours.
This shift makes spring brighter and more inviting for outdoor plans. The extra sun helps balance out the cool air, especially earlier in the season.
Clouds are frequent, so those sunshine hours are averages—not a daily promise. Still, the trend is clear: more light, more often, as spring rolls on.
Length of Daylight in Spring
Daylight stretches fast in Gothenburg during spring. Early March gives you about 11 hours of daylight, and by late May, you get more than 16.5 hours.
- March: ~11–12 hours
- April: ~13–15 hours
- May: ~15–17 hours
Gothenburg’s northern latitude causes these quick changes. By May, sunrises come early and sunsets are late, making evenings long—perfect for walking, dining outside, or just hanging out.
Even on cloudy days, you get plenty of usable light. That’s one of the biggest differences between spring and winter here.
UV Index During Spring Months
The UV index in Gothenburg during spring starts low but rises as the season moves on. March averages a daily max UV index of about 2 (low). By April, it’s 3 to 4, and in May, it climbs to 4 to 5 (moderate).
You don’t really need strong sun protection in March, but by late spring, sunscreen and sunglasses are smart—especially if you’re out for hours.
Light skin and sea reflections can make UV exposure feel stronger than you’d think. By May, tossing on some SPF and a hat just makes sense for enjoying those long, bright days.
How Spring Weather Impacts Visiting Gothenburg
Spring in Gothenburg brings mild but changeable weather. Temperatures slowly rise from near freezing in March to around 15 °C by May. Rain is frequent but usually light, and daylight hours increase quickly, so you’ll have more time to explore the city and its surroundings.
Best Activities for Spring Weather
You can really make the most of those longer days by heading to Slottsskogen Park. Locals love to picnic and wander around as soon as the first flowers start popping up.
The Botanical Garden deserves a spot on your list too. It looks especially stunning in April and May, when you’ll see all kinds of seasonal plants opening up.
Outdoor markets and café terraces finally wake up after winter. People start grabbing seats outside, even if they need to keep their jackets on, just to soak up a little sun.
If you’re into that fresh sea air, hop on a ferry through the southern archipelago for a relaxing ride. Sure, the weather’s still a bit cool, but spring winds feel way calmer and make boat trips a lot more pleasant compared to winter.
Rainy days still happen pretty often in March and April, so keep museums like the Universeum or the Maritime Museum in mind. This mix of indoor and outdoor options fits the city’s unpredictable spring climate.
Tips for Packing and Planning
Pack clothing that works for both chilly mornings and those mild afternoons. I always throw in a waterproof jacket, a couple of layered shirts, and comfortable walking shoes. Even in May, evenings can surprise you with a chill, so you’ll want a warm sweater handy.
Spring brings rain about 8 to 10 days each month, so I’d say a compact umbrella is a smart move. If you’re heading out in early March, don’t forget gloves and a hat—you might need them if you’re outside for a while.
Try to keep your schedule flexible. If rain shows up, just swap in some indoor attractions. On those sunny days, take advantage of the extra daylight, since by late May, the sun doesn’t set until after 9 p.m. That gives you plenty of time to wander through the city’s parks or along the waterfront.