Finland Climate

Climate of Finland

Finland is one of the northernmost countries in Europe. Its geographic location places it within two climate zones. The northern areas manifest a subpolar circumpolar climate, while the rest of the country (the center and south) presents a cool temperate climate.

The far north of Finland (Lapland) has a subpolar circumpolar climate characterized by short but pleasant summers and long and cold winters. In summer, from June to August, it is sunny and the temperature fluctuates between 10°C and 18°C. In contrast, in winter, which lasts from late October to April, frosts can reach -14°C to -20°C. Precipitation in this region is not very high, which is caused by the influence of continental air masses. They amount to about 400 mm - 500 mm per year and mainly occur in the form of snow. This means that Lapland is covered with snow for 6-7 months. Beyond the Arctic Circle (areas north of latitude 66°33'39") in summer the sun does not set for almost 70 days a year, so there are polar days (so-called white nights). In the same region during winter the sun does not rise above the horizon for about 50 days, the polar night, known in Finnish as "kaamos," lasts, and the aurora borealis can be observed then.

The center and south of Finland comprising the Finnish Lake District and the areas on the Gulf of Bothnia (west coast) and the Gulf of Finland (south coast) are characterized by a cool temperate climate. The weather is significantly influenced by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream (Gulf Stream) and the North Atlantic Current causing it to be not so cold, contrary to appearances. In summer in the south (including Helsinki), the temperature fluctuates between 17°C and 19°C, and there are also hotter days above 20°C. The center and western parts of the country are usually a few degrees cooler. On average, winter lasts from November to mid-March, and is relatively mild and snowy. The pillar of the mercury drops to -5°C in the south and -8°C to -10°C in the central part of the country. The days are short, with a nagging shortage of sunlight, making the climate somewhat depressive. Annual precipitation reaches 600 mm - 750 mm. Rainfall occurs throughout the year, with a slight increase in the summer season, while snowfall prevails in winter.

The Åland Islands are considered one of the warmer regions of Scandinavia. Summer is characterized by plenty of sunny and dry days and temperatures of 20°C - 25°C. Autumn is also warm, with temperatures often reaching 15°C - 18°C as late as October. Winters are mild, with snow generally only from January onward, and the mercury column ranges from -1°C to -5°C. The Åland Sea is rarely covered with ice. A characteristic feature of the local climate is also the low amount of precipitation (about 600 mm per year) and strong winds.