The Weather and Climate in Finland

Finland’s weather is quite diverse. Because it is located in the Eurasian continent’s coastal zone, the climate is considered both maritime and continental. It is also where tropical and polar air masses meet, so Finnish weather tends to change quickly, especially in the winter months.

Finland’s weather is not as cold as many think: The Finnish average mean temperatures are higher than that of other regions in the same latitudes, such as south Greenland. The temperature is raised mainly by warm airflows from the Atlantic, and also by the Baltic Sea. With climate changes, Finland’s temperatures in both winter and summer have also been increasing annually.

In the Finnish South and central areas, summer weather is mild and warm, just like in other parts of southern Scandinavia. Winters are long and cold; in northern parts of Finland, you can find snow on the ground for upwards of 90 days each year. The mildest weather in winter is found in southwestern Finland amongst the countless islands in the Baltic Sea.

It’s important to consider Finnish weather when planning your trip. It’s warmest in July and coldest in February. February is also the driest month in Finland, while August weather is the wettest time of year.

Popular Areas in Finland

Helsinki

Considering how far north it is, Helsinki is much warmer than many people think, thanks to the currents of the Baltic Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. Average temperatures during January and February are around 23 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 5 degrees Celsius). Located in the southern part of the country, Helsinki’s snowy season is much shorter than other parts of the country. The city also experiences a heat island effect, which results in slightly higher temperatures. Like much of the country, Helsinki experiences very little sun during the winter and then very long summer days. The average summertime temperature is 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius).

Tampere

Tampere is an inland city in southern Finland. Its climate varies between a humid continental climate and a subarctic climate, with mild summers and winters that are below-freezing from November through March. The snow season typically runs from late November through early April. The daily mean temperature is 62 degrees Fahrenheit (17 degrees Celsius) in July and just 21 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 6 degrees Celsius) in January.

Oulu

Oulu is one of the northernmost large cities in the world. The subarctic climate lends itself to cold, snowy winters and short, warm summers, with an average annual temperature of just 37 degrees Fahrenheit (3 degrees Celsius). The city receives approximately 18 inches of rain each year, typically during July and August. Summers are long, but winters are extremely dark with an average of eight hours of sunshine total during December.

Finnish Lapland

Finland’s northernmost region has a subarctic climate with frigid winters and mild summers. December through February is the peak travel season here, as the region is popular with travelers looking to see the Northern Lights and reindeer. Temperatures average around 16 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 9 degrees Celsius) in December, but can occasionally drop as low as minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 30 degrees Celsius) with the windchill. The snowy season lasts from October through mid-May. Summertime is warmer, with temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 15 degrees Celsius).

Spring in Finland

Finland’s average temperature begins to rise during the spring, hovering around 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) in most parts of the country. By mid-April, most of Finland is experiencing spring even though there is typically snow still on the ground in the country’s northern reaches. Lakes usually fully thaw by May in the interior reaches of Finland. The days also start to get longer during the spring, which makes being outside much more enjoyable.

What to pack: Spring in Finland is finicky, and you’ll still need most of your heavy winter gear, especially if you’re traveling in the northern part of the country. Bring warm layers that you can easily put on and take off in case of variable temperatures.

Summer in Finland

The summer offers great weather in Finland. In the Finnish South and Central Finland, summer weather is mild and warm. July is generally the warmest month to visit and is also when you’ll experience the longest days. During summer’s “white nights,” it’s possible to experience upwards of 20 hours of daylight. The beach opens in June, but while locals swim, water temperatures are generally very cold.

What to pack: Finland can be cool even in summer. Long-sleeved shirts with long pants are good to carry along year-round. Bring comfy footwear with good traction, especially if you’re doing outdoor activities.

Fall in Finland

Fall creeps in slowly, starting in September. In the far north, it’s not uncommon to receive snow then. By November, heavy winds and blizzards may occur. October through December are also rainy and cold, with temperatures close to freezing in the north. This is not an ideal time to visit Finland. 

What to pack: Temperatures drop significantly in fall and this season can even be snowy in certain parts of the country. Pack a waterproof layer, as well as a heavy coat, gloves, a scarf, and a hat.

Winter in Finland

Finnish winters are snowy, wet, and cold. Lapland experiences snowy conditions from October through May, while southern Finland is a bit more mild, experiencing four to five months of winter. Despite the weather, winter is one of the most popular times to visit Finland. Travelers flock to the country’s many ski resorts and also take part in wintry activities like snowmobiling, dog-sledding, and ice fishing.

What to pack: Sturdy winter clothing will make your visit to Finland much more enjoyable. In addition to a heavy coat, warm base layers, and insulated pants, you also won’t want to forget lip balm to counteract the dry air, sunglasses (reflections off snow can be quite bright!), and insulated shoes. Soft rubber-soled shoes are warmer than medium- or hard-soled shoes. 

Northern Lights, Polar Nights, and Midnight Sun in Finland

Finland experiences several unique natural phenomena that draw visitors. 

Midnight Sun occurs during the summertime and results in near continuous daylight above the Arctic Circle. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Finland also experiences polar nights, called kaamos, when these same regions experience virtually no daylight during the winter months.

Finland, especially Lapland, is a popular destination to see the Northern Lights and reindeer. This colorful natural light show, also called the Aurora Borealis, is visible nearly 200 nights out of the year in Finland as long as conditions are clear. In Finland, they have even built accommodations that feature sleeping under the Northern Lights.