Spring in Sweden

When is spring in Sweden?

Roughly speaking, spring in Sweden runs from March through May. However, according to The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI), spring arrives on the first of seven consecutive days with temperatures above 0°C.

As Sweden is a long country, the arrival of spring varies significantly between the north and the south. For an up-to-date report on how far spring has progressed across Sweden, see SMHI's season arrival map.

Average temperatures per month in Sweden

• Kiruna, northern Sweden: -2°C to -13°C in March, -6°C to +3°C in April, 0°C to +9°C in May.
• Stockholm, middle Sweden: -2°C to +4°C in March, +1°C to +10°C in April, +6°C to +16°C in May.
• Malmö, southern Sweden: -1°C to +6°C in March, +2°C to +12°C in April, +6°C to +16°C in May.
  Source: timeanddate.com

Why is spring the best season to visit Sweden?

The beautiful sound of birdsong, the subtle scent of flower buds, bonfires promising a bright future … where do we even begin?

Nature lovers are in for a treat. The melting snow and ice of winter create spring floods, making this the best time to discover Sweden's accessible waterfalls. If you go on a hike, you'll most likely be rewarded with signs of Swedish spring, such as snowdrops, coltsfoot and perhaps even a sea of wood anemones.

If you're planning a city break in Stockholm, Gothenburg or Malmö, you might be lucky enough to catch the cherry blossoms in bloom. Spring also sees the opening of outdoor seating areas at restaurants, bars and cafés, and you'll spot locals flocking there under blankets, sharing a fika while soaking up the sun.

The light is another spring highlight in Sweden. The days grow longer rapidly, and when the clocks go forward for daylight saving time on 29 March, you can expect long, bright evenings. If you visit northern Sweden at the end of May, you'll even be able to experience the spectacular phenomenon of the Midnight Sun.

Another benefit of visiting Sweden in spring is experiencing the country before the summer crowds arrive. Hotels are generally more affordable, there are fewer visitors at attractions and it's entirely possible to have a nature experience all to yourself.

Spring in Sweden – 3 things to do

Watch 27,000 cranes dance together at Lake Hornborgasjön in West Sweden – a true sign of spring that many travel far to see. Most cranes arrive at the end of March and stay for about a week.

Ski above the Arctic Circle. Sweden’s northernmost ski resorts are open until the end of May, and there’s no better time to visit than during sunny spring winter.

Watch a ‘kosläpp’ – the moment when cows are let out to pasture for the first time that year. It’s impossible not to smile at the sight of happy cows skipping and jumping around. ‘Kosläpp’ usually take place in April. Ask the local tourist office to see if there's one happening during your visit.

Spring 2026 highlights

• 1 March: Vasaloppet, the world's largest cross-country ski race, takes place in Dalarna county.
• 25 March: Waffle Day is celebrated in cafés, restaurants and homes across Sweden.
• 2-6 April: Easter in Sweden – a foodie feast with witches, decorative crafts and sweet treats.
• 18 April: Stockholm Culture Night 2026 – a night when the capital’s cultural scene opens its doors to the public free of charge.
• 30 April: Walpurgis Night – the tradition of welcoming spring by lighting bonfires around the country.
• 23 May: Göteborgsvarvet, the world’s largest half marathon, takes place in Gothenburg.