Gothenburg is located on the coasts of the Kattegat Strait of the North Sea and its weather conditions are formed under direct influence of the Gulf Stream. Hence there are exceptionally mild seasons with smooth transitions.

Through whole time of meteorological observations highest temperature was 34 °C (93 °F) and lowest was -27 °C (-17 °F). Range of average temperatures is way narrower and lies between 22 °C (72 °F) and -2 °C (28 °F).

Seasons

Contents:

• Spring
• Summer
• Autumn
• Winter

Spring in Gothenburg

Between seasons weather in Gothenburg is rather unpredictable with sudden gusty winds and precipitation. However amount of sunny and bright days gradually increases through the season. As well as temperature range. Daytime average of March is about 5 °C (41 °F) while at May it hits 16 °C (61 °F). This also applies to nighttime temperature. It grows from -1 °C (30 °F) to formidable 7 °C (45 °F).

At April snow begins to thaw filing local bodies of water to brims. Snow-melt flood causes no damage but visitors should be ready for spring weather. It is highly recommended to pack raincoat, umbrella, warm jacket as well as shoes and some hat.

Climate of the Spring Months

March Max average t°: +10 °C (50 °F) Min average t°: -4.5 °C (24 °F) Water t°: +2.5 °C (36 °F) Sundial in the day: 6 hours Rainy days: 3 days Precipitation: 29 mm (1.1")

April Max average t°: +17 °C (62°F) Min average t°: +1.5 °C (35 °F) Water t°: +6 °C (43 °F) Sundial in the day: 7.5 hours Rainy days: 4 days Precipitation: 44 mm (1.7")

May Max average t°: +22 °C (72 °F) Min average t°: +8 °C (46 °F) Water t°: +11.5 °C (53 °F) Sundial in the day: 10.5 hours Rainy days: 4 days Precipitation: 46 mm (1.8")

Spring Holidays

Variable dates of March, April and May – Easter celebrations.
April – A Beer & Whiskey Fair, The International Science Festival (Vetenskapsfestivalen).
April 30 – Walpurgis Night and Birthday of the King of Sweden.

Summer in Gothenburg

As for northern city summer Gothenburg is unusually shiny and warm. There is comfortable range of daytime temperature around 20 °C (68 °F). At night air cools down to 11-13 °C (52-55 °F). Bright days are attracting visitors.

At the heist of warm season they explore the city, visit Liseberg theme park or explore architecture and numerous sights. Weather is rather warm but you would want to pack couple of sweaters for layering at cool evenings.

Climate of the Summer Months

June Max average t°: +28.5 °C (70 °F) Min average t°: +13 °C (83 °F) Water t°: +16 °C (61 °F) Sundial in the day: 11 hours Rainy days: 5 days Precipitation: 61 mm (2.4")

July Max average t°: +31 °C (72 °F) Min average t°: +16 °C (89 °F) Water t°: +18 °C (64 °F) Sundial in the day: 11.5 hours Rainy days: 4 days Precipitation: 54 mm (2.1")

August Max average t°: +30 °C (68 °F) Min average t°: +15 °C (87 °F) Water t°: +18 °C (64 °F) Sundial in the day: 9 hours Rainy days: 8 days Precipitation: 95 mm (3.7")

Summer Holidays

June-July – Metaltown Festival, Summerburst.
June 6 – National Day (Sveriges nationaldag).
June 23 – Midsummer Day (Midsommar).
August – Way Out West, Gothenburg Culture Festival.

Autumn in Gothenburg

Fall bring fogs, rains and decreasing temperature. Between September and November daytime averages are dropping from 16 °C (61 °F) to 6 °C (43 °F) and nighttime temperature goes from 9 °C (48 °F) to 2 °C (36 °F). Autumn months are the rainiest time in a year. Most of time there are thick clouds over the city and sunlight is not able to penetrate them.

Amount of daylight hours gradually decreases to the point in November where the month become more like winter than autumn. Hence raincoat, umbrella and some layering are necessary for comfort while visiting Gothenburg at fall.

Climate of the Autumn Months

September Max average t°: +25 °C (77 °F) Min average t°: +9 °C (48 °F) Water t°: +16 °C (61 °F) Sundial in the day: 7 hours Rainy days: 7 days Precipitation: 85 mm (3.4")

October Max average t°: +19 °C (66 °F) Min average t°: +2 °C (46 °F) Water t°: +12 °C (54 °F) Sundial in the day: 5 hours Rainy days: 7 days Precipitation: 80 mm (3.1")

November Max average t°: +9.5 °C (49 °F) Min average t°: -5 °C (23 °F) Water t°: +9 °C (48 °F) Sundial in the day: 3 hours Rainy days: 6 days Precipitation: 68 mm (2.7")

Autumn Holidays

October – Kulturnatta festival.
October 4 – Day of cinnamon buns (Kanelbullens dag).
November 6 – Gustav Adolf's Day.
November 11 – St. Martin’s Day.

Winter in Gothenburg

At winter Gothenburg is uncomfortable to certain degree. Weather is cool, humid and windy. Daytime averages of the season are between 4 °C (39 °F) and 1 °C (34 °F) while at night temperature lies within range of -2 °C (28 °F) and 14 °C (25 °F). So winter in the city is rather moderately cool than cold.

North Atlantic cyclones are bringing significant amount of precipitation thus visitors would want to have warm and preferably waterproof clothing for the trip to Gothenburg at winter. Christmas is charming and especially cozy in the city covered with blanket of thick clouds.

Climate of the Winter Months

December Max average t°: +1 °C (34 °F) Min average t°: -3 °C (27 °F) Water t°: +1 °C (34 °F) Sundial in the day: 3 hours Snowy days: 3 days Precipitation: 46 mm (1.8")

January Max average t°: -1 °C (30 °F) Min average t°: -5 °C (23 °F) Sundial in the day: 2.5 hours Snowy days: 2 days Precipitation: 39 mm (1.5")

February Max average t°: -1 °C (30 °F) Min average t°: -5 °C (23 °F) Water t°: +1 °C (34 °F) Sundial in the day: 3 hours Snowy days: 2 days Precipitation: 27 mm (1.0")

Winter Holidays

December 13- St. Lucius Day.
December 25 – Christmas.
January – Gothenburg Sound Festival, The Abyss Underground Festival.
January 1 – New Year.
January 13 – St. Knut’s Day.
February – Gothenburg Horse Show and Eurohorse.