Finland Travel Weather

April - May

As spring begins in April, gradual warming brings great melt, especially in the south of the country. Days become longer and brighter, however, the temperature can still drop below 0°C. The coldest is in Lapland, where frost and snow persist.

In May you can feel the breeze of warmth, the snow has mostly melted and temperatures in the north oscillate between 2°C - 11°C, while in the rest of the country they range from 5°C - 15°C.

Spring is a very good time for skiing in Lapland. The days are much brighter than in winter, turning the slopes into a veritable paradise for skiers. Lapland is home to four of Finland's largest ski resorts: Levi, Ylläs, Pyhä-Luosto and Ruka. Ski enthusiasts will find trails for both amateurs and advanced athletes. You can also try forest snowshoeing or cross-country skiing on specially groomed trails.

A trip to the south or west coast is best from May onward, as it is warmer, sunnier and the weather tends to be more predictable and less capricious.

June - August

The summer months and the peak tourist season. In the south and center, temperatures reach 20°C, and there are often very warm days with temperatures up to 25°C. Lapland remains slightly cooler but equally sunny, around 10°C - 18°C. In summer, there is no avoiding rain or thunderstorms, which are common on the coasts, while the northern areas are much less rainy.

Behind the Arctic Circle, the sun does not set for almost 70 days a year, so there are polar days. Below the Arctic Circle, the sun moves below the horizon for a few hours at night. That doesn't mean it gets dark - white nights are a fact of life throughout the country. Even in Helsinki in mid-June, nighttime darkness is virtually unnoticeable - between sunset and sunrise you'll see gray and tourists walking around the city.

The best place to experience the polar sun is Lapland. It hosts the "Midnight Sun Film Festival" and the famous folklore festival "Jutajaiset" - both in June. This is a sensational way to enjoy local culture and a polar day. In the southern part, the best time to observe the polar day is during the summer solstice - go to the "Midsummer Party" in Seurasaari, Helsinki.

Summer is the ideal time to relax in the Finnish Lake District, where you can sail, kayak and even swim on many lakes (the water in the not-so-deep ones warms up to 25°C). All kinds of physical activities, from hiking to cycling escapades to lazy relaxation on the coasts or beaches of the Åland Islands, can be enjoyed without problems. You can also take part in numerous cultural events throughout the country, there are plenty of outdoor concerts, shows, festivals, etc.

It is worth remembering that mosquitoes are a big problem in June and July, especially in the northern part of the country.

September - October

The autumn months bring cooler temperatures and more heavy rains. Temperatures fluctuate between 5°C and 15°C, with the south of the country warmer than the north. In the north at the end of October, the bars of the mercury can drop below 0°C during the day. In the central part of the country, the first snow often falls. Frosty nights and mornings can also occur, especially in southern Finland. In the Åland Islands, the summer season is prolonged and temperatures often still reach 15°C - 18°C in October.

Early autumn can be delightfully colorful, and is especially recommended for tourists who like peace and quiet. Days are relatively long and still quite warm. A good time for bicycle tours and long walks, you can pick mushrooms and ripening fruits. It is worth visiting the national parks, which look phenomenal in their autumn appearance. From October onward, many seasonal tourist attractions may be inaccessible or restricted to tourists. Late autumn, when there is still no snow, is gray and gloomy, which can have a somewhat depressing effect.

November - March

Winter in Finland begins and ends at different times depending on the region. It lasts from mid-December to the end of March in the Åland Islands, from mid-November to mid-April in central Finland, from the end of October to the end of April in northern Finland and from the end of November to the end of March on the southern coast of Finland.

Days become shorter, with strong winds and rains. Temperatures gradually drop to -5°C in the south and -8°C to -10°C in the central part of the country. The coldest is in the north - there, frosts can reach -14°C to -20°C. Negative temperatures cause lakes and sea coastal waters to freeze over.

A snowy winter creates ideal conditions for winter sports enthusiasts. The ski resorts of Ruka, Levi, Rovaniemi, Lahti are besieged by tourists. Well-prepared downhill and cross-country ski trails encourage both amateur and professional skiers.

Winter in Lapland (where there is snow for about 200 days a year) attracts tourists with a myriad of attractions. Here you can not only ski, but also skate, take part in dog sled races or go for a sleigh or snowmobile ride. The main winter attraction of Lapland is undoubtedly the aurora borealis (an unusual phenomenon, a light effect in the sky) visible almost every clear night. It's worth going to Luosto, Nellim, Utsjoki and Ivalo, which are among the best spots for aurora watching.

During the winter season, you need to take into account traffic difficulties due to cold and snowy weather. Some trekking trails and roads may not be accessible to tourists. A large number of hotels and guesthouses and tourist attractions (including museums, galleries) on the coasts are closed and operate only during the summer season.