Spring in Stockholm feels like a slow but steady escape from the cold, gray months. You’ll see average daytime temperatures creep up from near freezing in early March to the low 60s Fahrenheit by late May.
This change makes spring one of the most refreshing times to experience the city.
As the weeks go by, the skies open up more, daylight stretches past 18 hours by the end of May, and rain starts to show up more often than snow.
The water warms a bit too, so waterfront walks get a lot more pleasant, though swimming? Still not a great idea until summer rolls around.
These shifts shape everything in Stockholm, from outdoor festivals to your daily plans.
If you know what to expect with temperatures, rain, and daylight, you can plan for both sightseeing and local traditions that make spring in Sweden’s capital unique.
Overview of Spring Climate in Stockholm
Stockholm’s spring comes with rising temperatures, longer days, and a switch from snow to rain.
You’ll notice more clear days as time goes on, winds calm down, and the city’s landscape wakes up for the growing season.
Defining Spring Months in Sweden
Swedes think of spring as March, April, and May.
These months bridge the gap between the harsh winter and the gentle summer.
March stays chilly, with highs around 35°F (2°C) and lows near 24°F (-4°C).
Snow’s common at first but fades fast.
By April, daytime highs climb into the mid-40s to low 50s °F (7–11°C).
Nights still hover near freezing, but rain replaces snow.
This is when the growing season really kicks off in southern Sweden.
May stands out the most.
Highs average 59–63°F (15–17°C), and nights stay above freezing.
Daylight stretches over 18 hours by the end of the month, so evenings feel endless and sunrises come early.
General Climate Characteristics
Spring in Stockholm means warmer days, more rain, and longer daylight.
Cloudy skies become less common, dropping from about 69% in March to under 50% by late May.
You’ll get more clear or partly sunny days as the season goes on.
Rain picks up, too.
Early spring brings around 0.5 inches of precipitation in a 31-day stretch.
By late May, it’s up to about 1.7 inches, almost always rain instead of snow.
Wind slows down from about 7 mph in March to 6 mph in May.
Humidity stays low, so muggy days are rare.
Water temperatures in the sea nearby rise from near freezing in March to around 48°F (9°C) by the end of May.
It’s still too cold for swimming, but you can feel the seasonal warming.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Compared to winter, spring feels lighter and more unpredictable.
Winter in Stockholm is dark, with short days and highs that often don’t get above freezing.
In spring, daylight jumps by more than seven hours from March to May, a huge change from the gloom of December and January.
Summer is warmer and more settled, with highs near 70°F (21°C) and long, sunny days.
Spring, though, can flip between chilly mornings and mild afternoons.
Autumn shifts again, with cooling temperatures, shorter days, and more rain.
Spring marks the start of the growing season, while autumn signals its end.
You really notice Stockholm’s climate cycle during these two in-between seasons.
Average Temperatures During Spring
Stockholm’s spring brings a steady warm-up as winter fades and the city edges into milder, more comfortable weather.
Cold air and occasional snow stick around early on, but late spring brings warmer days, long daylight, and hardly any freezing nights.
March Temperature Trends
March in Stockholm often just feels like more winter.
Average highs start near 1°C (34°F) and can reach around 4°C (39°F) by month’s end.
Overnight lows usually fall between -5°C (23°F) and -2°C (28°F), with the odd cold night dropping below -10°C (14°F).
Snow is still possible, and you might see mixed precipitation as March moves along.
Chances of all-snow days drop as April approaches, and rain starts to show up more.
Daylight ramps up quickly, adding about an hour each week.
March feels brighter, even if the air stays cold.
You’ll still want warm clothes, especially after dark, but afternoons hint at spring.
April Temperature Trends
April brings a real shift toward milder weather.
Daytime highs often range from 7°C (45°F) to 12°C (54°F), and nighttime lows sit between 0°C (32°F) and 4°C (39°F).
Freezing nights get less common, though frost can still sneak in during early April.
Rain takes over from snow.
By late April, the chance of a rain-only day rises to around 15–20%.
Snowfall drops to almost nothing, and most days lose that wintry edge.
You’ll get longer days, with over 14 hours of daylight by mid-month.
The sun sets later, and the city feels more alive.
You might still need a jacket, but lighter layers usually work during the day.
May Temperature Trends
May feels warm compared to earlier spring months.
Average highs reach around 15–17°C (59–63°F), and lows stay near 7–9°C (45–48°F).
Freezing is rare, and evenings get milder.
Rainfall picks up, with about a 20–22% chance of a wet day by late May.
Snow is gone, and most rain is light to moderate.
Daylight pushes past 18 hours by the end of the month, so days feel almost endless.
Outdoor activities get easier, and locals flock outside.
A light sweater or jacket is usually enough, even after sunset.
Precipitation and Rainfall Patterns
Spring in Stockholm shifts from drier late winter to wetter early summer.
Rain increases steadily, and you’ll notice not just more total precipitation but also more frequent rainy days and changing humidity.
Monthly Rainfall Averages
Stockholm’s spring rainfall is moderate compared to the heavier summer months.
March is usually the driest, with about 25–30 mm of precipitation.
April bumps up slightly, averaging 30–35 mm.
May sees a bigger increase, often reaching 40–45 mm.
This rise comes as warmer air holds more moisture.
Precipitation falls as light rain, drizzle, or an occasional late snow in March.
By May, it’s almost all rain.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| March | 25–30 mm |
| April | 30–35 mm |
| May | 40–45 mm |
These numbers are averages, so some years will be wetter or drier.
Number of Rainy Days
Rain in Stockholm during spring usually comes in small doses spread out over many days, not big downpours.
You can expect 10–13 days with measurable rainfall each month.
March brings 9–11 wet days, sometimes with sleet or a bit of snow.
April averages about 11–12 days, while May goes up to 12–13 days.
Rainy days get more common as it warms, even if the total rain is still less than in summer.
Showers are usually brief, and long stretches of steady rain are pretty rare.
If you’re out and about, light rain gear is a good idea, especially in April and May.
Humidity Levels in Spring
Humidity in Stockholm is moderate in spring but drops as the season goes on.
March brings relative humidity around 75–80%, thanks to the cool air.
By May, it’s closer to 65–70% as things warm up.
This change makes late spring feel more comfortable than the damper days of early spring.
Drier air in May also means better visibility and fewer gray, cloudy days.
You might notice changes depending on wind direction.
Air from the Baltic Sea can bump up humidity, while inland winds dry things out.
It’s a typical pattern for coastal northern Europe.
Daylight and Sunshine Hours
Stockholm’s spring brings longer days, more sunlight, and fewer clouds.
The jump from short winter days to bright spring evenings is honestly one of the best parts of the season.
Length of Daylight by Month
Daylight grows fast in spring.
March gives you about 11 to 12 hours.
April stretches that to 14 to 15 hours.
By May, you’re looking at 17 to 18 hours of daylight.
Stockholm’s northern latitude does the trick—sunrise comes earlier, and sunset drags on late.
By late May, twilight lingers, so you can enjoy outdoor plans well into the night.
Compared to winter, the difference is huge.
December gives you just 6 hours of daylight, while May nearly triples that amount.
No wonder spring feels so energetic here.
Average Daily Sunshine
Longer days also mean more direct sunshine.
March averages about 4.5 hours of sun per day.
April bumps up to around 6.5 hours, and May nearly hits 9 hours daily.
So, not only are days longer—they’re brighter too.
Sunshine hours show how much time the sun actually shines, not just how long it’s up.
Early spring can still be cloudy, but by May, skies are much clearer.
By May, you get almost as much sunshine as peak July.
If you’re visiting, late spring is rewarding—long, bright days, but not the midsummer crowds.
Cloud Cover and Visibility
Clouds thin out steadily through spring.
March is overcast or mostly cloudy about two-thirds of the time.
April drops closer to half, and May brings more clear or partly sunny days.
This makes for better visibility across the city and the waterways.
Early spring can still feel gray, but by late spring, you’ll often get crisp, clear skies that show off Stockholm’s architecture and natural beauty.
For photography and sightseeing, May is fantastic.
The mix of long daylight, lots of sunshine, and less haze makes views from places like Djurgården or the waterfront especially vivid.
Sea Temperatures and Outdoor Conditions
Spring in Stockholm warms up the land and brings longer days, but the Baltic Sea stays chilly.
The water takes its time to catch up, so onshore conditions improve way before the sea does.
Still, it’s a great time for outdoor activities.
Spring Sea Water Temperatures
The sea around Stockholm stays cold through spring.
In March, average water temperatures sit near 33°F (1°C), barely above freezing.
April warms up a bit to about 36°F (2°C).
By May, it reaches around 46°F (8°C)—still way too cold for a swim.
Even late in spring, the Baltic keeps its chill because of the northern latitude and shallow water.
Don’t expect beach weather until summer.
The coastline in spring is better for walking, taking photos, or just enjoying the views of the archipelago.
Here’s a quick look:
| Month | Avg. Sea Temp (°F) |
|---|---|
| March | 32–33°F |
| April | 36°F |
| May | 45–46°F |
So, spring isn’t for swimming in Stockholm, but the waterfront is still a great spot to visit.
Suitability for Outdoor Activities
Even though the sea stays cold, conditions on land get better fast.
Average daytime temperatures climb from the upper 30s°F in March to the upper 50s°F in May.
Nights are still a bit chilly, but daylight jumps from about 10.5 hours in March to nearly 18 hours in May.
Expect a mix of sun and clouds.
Rain is light—just 1–2 inches per month and only a handful of rainy days.
You’ll often have dry weather for walking tours, biking, or exploring parks.
Layered clothing is key since mornings and evenings can still feel cool, even in May.
With a little planning, you can enjoy outdoor cafés, city strolls, and nature trips without worrying about extreme weather.
What to Expect: Practical Tips for Spring Visitors
Spring in Stockholm brings longer daylight, shifting temperatures, and a mix of sunny and damp days. You’ll want to prepare for cool mornings, milder afternoons, and those sudden showers that seem to come out of nowhere.
Try to make the most of the extended daylight hours—it’s honestly one of the best things about spring here.
Recommended Clothing and Packing
Pack layered clothing because mornings usually start around 5–8°C (41–46°F). By late spring, afternoons can climb to 12–15°C (54–59°F).
A light sweater or fleece under a windproof jacket usually does the trick.
Bring a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket for those passing showers.
Shoes matter a lot in Stockholm’s spring, so pick comfortable waterproof footwear for those cobbled streets and sometimes soggy park paths.
In March or early April, you’ll probably want a scarf, gloves, and hat since cold winds still blow in from the Baltic Sea.
By May, lighter clothes work fine, but evenings might still surprise you with a chill.
A small daypack is handy for carrying layers, water, and snacks during long days out.
Planning to explore the archipelago? Toss in a windbreaker and sunglasses—the glare off the water can be pretty intense, even when it’s cool.
Typical Weather Surprises
Spring weather in Stockholm loves to change its mind. You could wake up to gray drizzle, then find yourself squinting in bright sunshine by afternoon.
Rain usually comes in short bursts, so you rarely lose a whole day to storms.
Snow doesn’t really show up after March, but sometimes you’ll catch a light flurry early in the season.
By May, the weather settles down a bit, though you might still get caught in a sudden shower.
Daylight increases fast. In March, you’ll get about 11 hours of light, but by May, it stretches to 17–18 hours.
If you’re sensitive to bright evenings, it’s a good idea to pack an eye mask for sleeping.
Humidity stays moderate, but those cool breezes near the water can make it feel colder than the numbers say.
Check the daily forecast before you head out—conditions can really vary across neighborhoods and the nearby islands.
Best Times for City Exploration
Stockholm’s long daylight hours mean you’ve got more time to wander and explore. In early spring, late mornings or early afternoons usually feel the nicest for walking tours since that’s when the temperature peaks.
By May, evenings turn mild enough for outdoor dining or a relaxed waterfront stroll. Popular spots like Kungsträdgården get crowded during cherry blossom season in April.
If you’re hoping for a quieter vibe, try visiting early in the morning while the city still feels calm. Museums and indoor attractions work well when it’s rainy out.
A lot of them stay open late, so you can squeeze in both indoor culture and some outdoor exploring in one day. Public transport ramps up in late April, with more ferries and buses heading out to the archipelago.
That makes spring a great time to mix city sightseeing with quick island trips. If you’re into photography, the soft spring light in the late evening really brings out Stockholm’s waterfront and historic streets.