Finnland: Climate and Best Time to Visit – Unlocking the Secrets of the Nordic Seasons

In the realm of travel wisdom, a common narrative often points to Finland's summer months, from June to August, as the prime time to explore this Nordic gem. With long days and abundant sunlight, it seems like the ideal window for immersing yourself in the enchanting landscapes.

Yet, let's challenge this notion! The optimal time to experience Finland goes beyond a calendar date; it's intricately linked to your travel aspirations and the specific region you choose to explore. After all, Finland's weather is as diverse as the breathtaking scenery that graces its lands.

In this article, we unveil travel tips that transcend seasons and span the diverse regions of Finland. Moreover, gain valuable insights into the country's distinct climate zones, providing you with essential information for planning your Finnish adventure.

---

Table of Contents

1. Decoding Finland's Climate: From Arctic Chill to Summer's Warm Embrace

2. Best Finland Travel Time: finnish Summer

3. Best Finland Travel Time: finnish Autumn

4. Best Finland Travel Time: finnish Winter

5. Best Finland Travel Time: finnish Spring

---

1. Decoding Finland's Climate: From Arctic Chill to Summer's Warm Embrace

The climate in Finland is classified as cold-temperate and is influenced by two climate zones. In the west and southwest, there is a maritime climate, while the north and east experience a continental climate.

The annual average temperature in Finland is just below 4°C. In summer, temperatures can reach over 30°C in the inland areas. In Finland's capital, Helsinki, summer temperatures can reach up to 20°C. In winter, however, temperatures usually stay below freezing throughout Finland.

The lowest temperatures can occasionally drop below -40°C in the north, while lows around -25°C are possible in the south.

The cause of these low temperatures is the phenomenon known as polar nights, which last for several weeks in the northern regions. During this time, the sun remains below the horizon, leading to predominantly dark conditions.

In our climate tables, you will find information on temperatures prevailing during each season.

To give you a first impression of the respective seasons, we have summarized some facts in our overview for each season.

Summer	warm rainy saturated green nature
Autumn	​"Ruska"-time leaves brightly colored
Winter	​lots of snow (especially in the north) Northern Lights
Spring	awakening of nature persistent snow in the north

Wondering what to expect in terms of weather in Helsinki? Our climate chart has all the details you need! It breaks down monthly temperatures, rainfall, and daily sunshine hours, giving you a handy overview of Helsinki's weather vibes.

Consider it your cheat sheet for understanding how the weather plays out in this Finnish city throughout the year. Whether you're a sunseeker or a winter enthusiast, our climate chart is here to help you plan your adventures and choose the ideal time to explore Helsinki.

2. Best Finland Travel Time: finnish Summer

For those who favor long days and milder temperatures, the Finnish summer months are the perfect time to explore. With over 180,000 lakes, Finland becomes an ideal destination for paddle and trekking vacations.

In the summer, the lakes are also great for swimming, warming up much faster than the sea and reaching water temperatures of up to 25 °C.

Sunshine and Polar Days

During summer in Finland, you get to experience the phenomenon known as polar days. At this time, the sun doesn't set, keeping everything bright all day long. In the north, the sun doesn't set for over 70 consecutive days! Throughout this period, even Finland's northern regions enjoy relatively mild temperatures.

While in the north, the sun barely sets during Midsummer, lucky days in southern Finland can offer 18-19 hours of sunshine. On an average summer day, though, the sun tends to shine for about 9 to 10 hours.

Mosquito Season

Thanks to the multitude of lakes and swampy areas, mosquitoes are abundant in Finland during the summer. Especially in central Finland, it's wise to avoid dense forests and swampy grounds if you're sensitive to mosquitoes.

The "mosquito peak season" is from late June to early July. Enjoy mosquito-free times from early June until the trees are in full leaf and again from early/mid-August. In the cities or villages of Lapland, you'll find practically no mosquitoes.

Rainy Days

The Finnish summer tends to be relatively rainy. Nevertheless, it's a rare occurrence for an entire day to be cloudy and rainy.

Travel Tips for Summer

If you're planning a summer trip to Finland, we recommend flying into Helsinki and exploring the wonderful Finnish nature from there with a rental car. You can stay in one of the many cabins or cottages right by the lakes.

By the way, you can find affordable rental cars here.

Average daytime temperatures in summer in Helsinki (South):

Month	Temperature
June	10 °C to 20 °C
July	10 °C to 20 °C
August	10 °C to 20 °C

Average daytime temperatures in summer in Rovaniemi (Norden):

Month	Temperature
June	8 °C to 15 °C
July	10 °C to 20 °C
August	8 °C to 15 °C

3. Best Finland Travel Time: finnish Autumn

Besides the summer months, it's worth considering Finland as a travel destination in the fall. During this time, especially in the north, the autumn leaves take on vibrant hues.

Sunshine Hours

While there are still plenty of sunshine hours at the beginning of autumn, this changes relatively quickly as winter approaches. For example, in Helsinki, there are around 13 hours of daylight in September. However, two months later, in November, the sun shines for less than 8 hours daily.

Rainy Days

In the north of Finland, the first snowfall occurs in the fall, although it doesn't stay for long. In the south, there are about 15 rainy days per month in the fall.

Travel Tips for Fall

If you enjoy collecting mushrooms and berries, this is the perfect time of year! In Finland, it's allowed to gather them in the many forests. Additionally, the Northern Lights are particularly spectacular in the fall, as their reflection on the smooth surface of the sea is especially strong during this time.

In September and October, you can experience fantastic camping and hiking trips in Finland, reveling in the vibrant colors of nature.

Average daytime temperatures in the fall in Helsinki (South):

Month	Temperature
September	5 °C to 15 °C
October	2 °C to 10 °C
November	-2 °C to 2 °C

Average daytime temperatures in the fall in Rovaniemi (Norden):

Month	Temperature
September	5 °C to 10 °C
October	-2 °C to 2 °C
November	-4 °C to -10 °C

4. Best Finland Travel Time: finnish Winter

In the north of Finland, winter lasts from early October to May.

The Finnish winter is chilly and extremely snowy. Particularly in sparsely populated Lapland, it becomes a true winter wonderland and increasingly popular among tourists. During the polar nights (December to mid-January), temperatures can drop to an extreme -40 °C. However, the dry climate makes the cold more bearable than in other regions.

Sunshine Hours

Winter is the dark season in Finland. Especially in the north, there is hardly any daylight in December. In Helsinki, there are just under 6 hours of sunlight in December.

Snowfall

There is always snow in Finland during winter. In the north, snow settles as early as November, while in the south, it typically starts in December. In central and northern Finland, there is a continuous snow cover from November to April, even during mild winters.

Travel Tips for Winter

Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy fantastic, less crowded slopes during the winter months, unlike the Alps, although Finland doesn't have very high mountains, making cross-country skiing particularly popular in this region.

For a more leisurely experience, consider a reindeer sleigh ride or a husky sleigh tour during winter.

We also recommend trying another winter adventure: definitely give a guided snowshoe hike a go or explore the many trails for cross-country skiing - the crisp and clean air during these activities is truly enchanting.

Another exciting option during the winter months is ice fishing, with various tour operators offering experiences.

The Finnish winter is also the perfect time to witness the Northern Lights. Between September and March, you can admire them in Lapland about every two days.

After marveling at the wonderful Northern Lights, warm up in a Finnish sauna.

Another highlight for Christmas enthusiasts is undoubtedly a visit to Santa Claus in Rovaniemi, in the enchanting winter setting.

Average daytime temperatures in winter in Helsinki (South)

Month	Temperature
December	-5 °C to 0 °C
January	-10 °C to -2 °C
February	-10 °C to -2 °C

Average daytime temperatures in winter in Rovaniemi (Norden):

Month	Temperature
December	-15 °C to -5 °C
January	-17 °C to -8 °C
February	-17 °C to -8 °C

5. Best Finland Travel Time: finnish Spring

In the north of Finland, winter lasts from early October to May.

The Finnish winter is chilly and extremely snowy. Particularly in sparsely populated Lapland, it becomes a true winter wonderland and increasingly popular among tourists. During the polar nights (December to mid-January), temperatures can drop to an extreme -40 °C. However, the dry climate makes the cold more bearable than in other regions.

Sunshine Hours

Winter is the dark season in Finland. Especially in the north, there is hardly any daylight in December. In Helsinki, there are just under 6 hours of sunlight in December.

Snowfall

There is always snow in Finland during winter. In the north, snow settles as early as November, while in the south, it typically starts in December. In central and northern Finland, there is a continuous snow cover from November to April, even during mild winters.

Travel Tips for Winter

Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy fantastic, less crowded slopes during the winter months, unlike the Alps, although Finland doesn't have very high mountains, making cross-country skiing particularly popular in this region.

For a more leisurely experience, consider a reindeer sleigh ride or a husky sleigh tour during winter.

We also recommend trying another winter adventure: definitely give a guided snowshoe hike a go or explore the many trails for cross-country skiing - the crisp and clean air during these activities is truly enchanting.

Another exciting option during the winter months is ice fishing, with various tour operators offering experiences.

The Finnish winter is also the perfect time to witness the Northern Lights. Between September and March, you can admire them in Lapland about every two days.

After marveling at the wonderful Northern Lights, warm up in a Finnish sauna.

Another highlight for Christmas enthusiasts is undoubtedly a visit to Santa Claus in Rovaniemi, in the enchanting winter setting.

Average daytime temperatures in winter in Helsinki (South)

Monat	Temperatur
March	-5 °C to 1 °C
April	0 °C to 7 °C
May	5 °C to 15 °C

Average daytime temperatures in winter in Rovaniemi (North):

Monat	Temperatur
March	-13 °C to -3 °C
April	-5 °C to 4 °C
May	1 °C to 10 °C

---

As you can see, Finland offers so much more than long summer days. Regardless of the season, each month has its unique charm and is worth a visit! Feel free to let us know in the anonymous survey which season you prefer!

Zu welcher Jahrezeit möchtest du nach Finnland reisen?

• Frühling
• Sommer
• Herbst
• Winter

If you're looking for more inspiration for your vacation in Finnish Lapland, these articles can surely help!

• Finland & Lapland Packing List: Gear for Your Winter Adventure

• How to Spend 7 Days in Finnish Lapland!

• The Best Time to Travel to Finland and Lapland

Would you like more insights into our travels? Check out our Instagram channels  tom_rbg_ and anna_mser! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about the routes through these channels!

---

*This post contains affiliate links. Purchasing through these links won't incur any extra costs for you; it's a way to support and reward our efforts.