What May feels like in Gothenburg
For Gothenburg, May is late spring on the calendar. Days are on the cool side, the kind of weather that suits brisk sightseeing. After dark the temperature drops clearly: nights are cool. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Gothenburg in May
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 3, with dry spells in between. A rainy day brings about 6.3 mm (0.2 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. That is close to Gothenburg's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 6.4 mm).
Daylight and sunshine in May
On 15 May the sun rises at about 4:51 am and sets around 9:25 pm local time, giving 16 h 34 min of daylight. The days are stretching out — 2 h 19 min more daylight than mid-April. Measured sunshine covers about 75% of the daylight — there are plenty of bright spells.
How May compares to the rest of the year
May is the 5th warmest month of the year in Gothenburg. Compared with April, afternoons are 4.7°C (8.5°F) warmer, with 27 mm more rain. The warm-up continues into June. By June, typical highs are 19°C (66.2°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable enough to explore on foot all day.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — pleasant for gardens, parks and riversides.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
Tips for visiting Gothenburg in May
Versatile Layers
Pack pieces you can take off by noon and put back on at dusk.
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Light Jacket
Cool days — a light jacket or sweater for walking around.
Sunglasses
Frequent sunshine — sunglasses and a light hat.
Quick questions
How warm is Gothenburg in May?
Afternoons average 15.7°C (60.3°F) and nights about 7.5°C (45.5°F) — cool by most people's standards. It is the 5th warmest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Gothenburg in May?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 76 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Gothenburg in May?
The numbers point to versatile layers, rain protection, a light jacket and sunglasses. Add a layer for after dark.
Is May or June better for visiting Gothenburg?
June, narrowly: it ranks #1 of 12 among Gothenburg's months, against #3 for the other. June is warmer and has more rainy days.