Month guide · Gothenburg · Sweden
Gothenburg in August
What August is really like in Gothenburg: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Erik031, Public domain
Quick answer
August is one of the best months to visit Gothenburg. Expect average highs of 21°C (70°F), lows of 13°C (55°F), about 13 rainy days and roughly 15.3 hours of daylight. Warm with the best sea swimming of the year, and the city's biggest festivals.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 21°C (70°F) / 13°C (55°F)
- Rainy days
- About 13
- Daylight
- About 15.3 hours
- Sea temperature
- 18°C (64°F)
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in August
August is the 2nd-warmest month in Gothenburg: days average 21°C (70°F) against a yearly average high of 11°C (52°F), and nights fall to about 13°C (55°F). Rain falls on roughly 13 of its 31 days. Compared with July (21°C (70°F)), August is about as warm; by September highs drop to around 17°C (63°F).
- Sunrise (15 August)
- About 05:37
- Sunset (15 August)
- About 20:57
- Daylight
- About 15.3 hours
- Sea
- 18°C (64°F)
Summer (June–August). Close to 18 hours of daylight in June, swimming off the archipelago rocks, outdoor festivals and the busiest, highest-priced hotel period.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, August rates 5 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in June). Book accommodation early: August is one of the pricier months.
Events in August
- Way Out West — music festival in Slottsskogen (usually August)
- Göteborgs Kulturkalas — free culture festival (usually August)
- Crayfish parties (kräftskivor) in late summer
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in August
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Museum · Inom Vallgraven
Maritiman
Moored on the river beside the opera house, Maritiman is a floating museum of historic vessels, including the destroyer HMS Småland and the submarine Nordkaparen.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- History
- Active
Castle · Göta älv estuary
Nya Älvsborg fortress
Treat the boat trip as a harbour cruise in itself and sit on the open deck for views of the Älvsborg Bridge.
- Time needed
- Half a day including the boat
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- History
- Views
- Kids
Religious site · Majorna
Masthugget Church
Completed in 1914 in the National Romantic style, Masthuggskyrkan stands on a rocky hill above the harbour with a tower visible across the city.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Architecture
- Photo spot
Viewpoint · Norra Älvstranden
Ramberget and Keillers park
Take the Älvsnabben ferry to Lindholmen and walk up for an evening view, then return across the river for dinner.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Outdoors
- Photo spot
What to pack
For highs near 21°C, lows near 13°C and 13 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is August a good time to visit Gothenburg?
One of the best months to visit Gothenburg, with 3 notable events on the calendar. The other best months are May–July. Compare every month.
Gothenburg in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is August a good time to visit Gothenburg?
It is one of the best months to visit Gothenburg. Warm with the best sea swimming of the year, and the city's biggest festivals.
+How warm is Gothenburg in August?
Average highs are around 21°C (70°F) and lows around 13°C (55°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Gothenburg in August?
Expect rain on about 13 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.