Climate and monthly weather forecast
Gothenburg, Sweden

Resting on the west coast of Sweden, Gothenburg, experiences a Marine west coast, warm summer environment, categorized as Cfb according to the Köppen climate classification. This predominate climate signifies that the city experiences a moderate temperature range annually, with no dry season and a warm, but not hot, summer. Given this geoclimatological setting, Gothenburg’s weather fluctuates throughout the year, demonstrating distinct variations in different climatological parameters.

A month-by-month analysis shows that the city undergoes a cycle of climatic changes. The highest average temperature peaks at 22.9°C (73.2°F) in July, while the lowest drops to negative 2.1°C (35.8°F) in February. That is a broad, yet gradual, temperature swing from a chilly winter to a warm summer period. Likewise, the average monthly rainfall varies from 41mm (1.61") in February to 87mm (3.43") in November. Therefore, residents and visitors should expect an augmented amount of precipitation from the late autumn period, but dramatically less rainfall in early spring. December, with an average of 75mm (2.95"), is not to be overlooked, being the month with the second-highest average precipitation.

Gothenburg’s sunshine hours also exhibit a clear annual pattern. They peak at 8.5 hours in June, emphasizing the lengthy and lively summer days. In contrast, December stands out as the darkest month with just one sunshine hour on average each day. The UV index follows this pattern, reaching its highest value in June and July with a moderate 5, while it falls to 0 from November to January.

Owing to the city's climate characteristics, picking the most suitable period to explore Gothenburg mainly depends on the desired activities and temperature preferences of the visitors. June, July, and August are the best months for those who prioritize outdoor activities. Temperatures during this period are not excessively high, staying between 20.1°C (68.2°F) and 22.9°C (73.2°F). Furthermore, the city enjoys the highest levels of daylight, ranging from 15.2 hours in August to the impressive 18 hours in June.

Sea temperatures also reach their peak during these months, escalating from 15.4°C (59.7°F) in June to 18.5°C (65.3°F) in August, making them the most appealing times for swimming. Meanwhile, June boasts the highest average UV index and the longest sunshine hours, making this month an excellent choice for sun-seekers.

If visitors prioritize warmth and extensive daylight, the months of January and February might be less appealing for a trip to Gothenburg. Although the city does not experience harsh winters, temperatures can drop to an average low of negative 2.1°C (35.8°F), while the average high during these months hardly exceeds 2.7°C (36.9°F). Precipitation is relatively low, with 68mm (2.68") in January and just 41mm (1.61") in February, yet these are also the months that receive the fewest daylight hours: 7.4 in January and 9.4 hours in February.

Springs in Gothenburg are notably cool and gradually get warmer as the season progresses. Beginning with an average high temperature of 6.5°C (43.7°F) in March, temperatures rise to reach 12.6°C (54.7°F) in April and further up to 17°C (62.6°F) in May. Correspondingly, the average low temperature increases from negative 0.5°C (32.9°F) in March to 8.4°C (47.1°F) in May. Moreover, the rainfall during the spring months is relatively low, particularly in April with an average of 42mm (1.65") across 12 rainy days.

Summers in Gothenburg are warm without being excessively hot. The average high temperatures oscillate between 20.1°C (68.2°F) in June and 22.9°C (73.2°F) in July before slightly declining to 21.8°C (71.2°F) in August. Meanwhile, the lower range of the temperature scale experiences an average minimum of 11.9°C (53.4°F) in June and goes up to 14.9°C (58.8°F) in July and 14.2°C (57.6°F) in August. Although July sees the highest rainfall amount in the summer, precisely 72mm (2.83"), the city experiences the longest daylight hours amounting to 18 hours in June.

Autumn in the city involves noticeable climatic alterations. The average high temperature presents a substantial decrease from 18°C (64.4°F) in September to 12°C (53.6°F) in October and eventually 7.6°C (45.7°F) in November. Similarly, the average low temperature falls from 10.7°C (51.3°F) in September to 6°C (42.8°F) in October and 3.7°C (38.7°F) in November. Precipitation increases significantly, hitting its peak in November reaching 87mm (3.43").

Throughout the winter months, Gothenburg experiences cold weather with temperatures dropping significantly. December has the highest average high temperature of 3.9°C (39°F) that decreases to 2.3°C (36.1°F) in January and 2.7°C (36.9°F) in February. The average low temperature falls to negative 0.4°C (32.7°F) in December and further descends to negative 2.1°C (35.8°F) by February. Besides the cold, the city witnesses a decrease in daylight hours, reaching its year’s lowest in December with 6.7 hours. Despite these conditions, winter in Gothenburg is not devoid of its charms, offering picturesque snowy scenes and a truly Nordic atmosphere.

The start of the year in Gothenburg, Sweden, sees cold temperatures with thermometers often staying in the negative. Seldom does the mercury rise above freezing; it records a maximum average temperature of only 2.3°C (36.1°F). Weather in January »

Although residents of Gothenburg get most of their rainfall in January, February still encounters frequent spells of rain. Comparatively warmer than January, February brings marginal relief from the cold with a slight upgrade in temperatures. Weather in February »

Gothenburg's March weather signals the approach of spring as temperatures start to rise noticeably. It is not as cold as February, and the city typically experiences a few degrees warmer temperatures. Weather patterns shift towards more balanced harmony as the daily low hovers at about -0.5°C (31.1°F). Weather in March »

April signifies the arrival of spring in Gothenburg. It brings a marked difference in weather conditions from March, with temperatures comfortably reaching up to 12.6°C (54.7°F) at times. Shades of flowers color the city as the season unfolds in full bloom. Weather in April »

May in Gothenburg is characterized by warmer days and lighter rain. A clear departure from the cold days of April, this month experiences increased warmth and plenty of sunlight. Ample sunshine provides longer evenings, making May a popular time for outdoor activities. Weather in May »

As visits to the beaches around Gothenburg become more frequent, the mild and warm weather of June truly begins to set in. A distinctly warmer month compared to May, June also brings slightly more rainfall. It's the time of year when Gothenburg shows off its many attractions amidst extended daylight hours. Weather in June »

July tends to be the hottest month in Gothenburg. The high expectations set by June are comfortably surpassed, with temperatures regularly reaching up to 22.9°C (73.2°F). Despite increased temperatures, July also encounters plenty of rainfall, accentuating the city's lush landscapes. Weather in July »

In August, Gothenburg continues to bask in the warmth of summer, albeit at slightly lower temperatures than July. Although the mercury drops a bit, weather conditions remain generally conducive for a variety of outdoor activities. Weather in August »

With the arrival of September, Gothenburg begins its transition to cooler autumnal temperatures. The warmth of August dissipates, giving way to cooler evenings and moderate rainfall. Weather patterns shift significantly compared to August, with temperatures dropping and more rainfall to anticipate. Weather in September »

The month of October signals the onset of cooler conditions in Gothenburg. A substantive departure from the moderate temperatures in September, October sees a substantial drop in thermometer readings. With the appearance of autumn, falling leaves accompany the shrinking daylight hours landscape. Weather in October »

November's weather in Gothenburg is marked by a significant dip in temperature and an influx of rainfall. Transitioning from the mild season of October, November ushers in the cold Scandinavian winter. The decrease in daylight hours is accompanied by an increasing demand for warm clothing. Weather in November »

December brings the arrival of the cold breath of winter in Gothenburg. It directly contrasts with November, with temperature readings often dropping below freezing points. Snowfall, although not as heavy or frequent as in other parts of Sweden, adds to the winter wonderland aesthetic. Weather in December »