Springtime in Stockholm
Publish date: 23 August 2024
Feel Stockholm come to life after a long and cold winter. Here are some of the highlights during spring.
Nobody is happier about the coming of Spring than Swedes, certainly not after an especially harsh and cold winter.
Spring officially arrives in Stockholm on the 16th of March, during the equinox, but is usually visible 2 or 3 weeks later when the first spring flowers start to bloom and the first leaf buds pop out.
Temperatures range between 2-3°C (36°F) to 11-12°C (52°F). So a lighter jacket or coat might still be good to bring, maybe a wool cap for the colder days. Occasional cold snaps might occur, but full-on Arctic gear might be a bit too much.
Spring highlights in Stockholm
- The Liljevalch's Art Hall Spring Salon (February-April), Stockholm Culture Night (March), Stockholm Art Week (May), The Polar Music Prize ceremony (May), and The Tempo Documentary Festival (March). Check out our seasonal events guide (updated before the start of each season), and our concert and exhibition guide for more info about the biggest upcoming events.
- The season for long-distance competitions usually starts in March with the Adidas Prämiärmilen (March). Read our running guide for info about the most popular races and competitions.
- The blooming of the cherry blossoms in Kungsträdgården has become a beloved spring tradition. Thousands of Stockholmers take a detour each day for a fika under the pink foliage.
- The biggest holidays are Ramadan/Eid and Easter. Easter means – besides the holidays – a week-long break for school children. During the week most museums and popular attractions host special activities, guided tours, and workshops for kids.
- Gröna Lund Amusement Park opens for the season in late April-Early May. The park's Summer concert series usually starts in mid-May.
- Although some bars and restaurants have a year patio or garden, April 1st has historically been the start of the outdoor dining season. Many wait a couple of weeks more though, until late April or even the first week of May. Read our guide on restaurants and bars with open-air seating for more info.
- Valborg (Walpurgis) is an old rural tradition celebrated on 31st April in parks across Stockholm. The usual celebration includes choir concerts, various family-friendly activities, fika and food trucks, and the traditional bonfire. May 1st (Labour Day) is a bank holiday. Learn more about the Valborg tradition and find celebrations near you in our guide.
Watching Stockholm's trees and bushes come to life again also makes Spring a lovely time to experience Stockholm's many parks and green areas. Either for a sunny walk or a bicycle trip.