Typical Finnish weather in winter, spring, summer and autumn. When is the best time to go to Finland? What kind of clothes should I take with me?

What's the weather like in Finland?

• The most pleasant weather in June and July
• Winter in Finland lasts 4 months: December, January, February and March
• The warmest month is July
• Coldest - January
• August has the most rain
• Least rainfall in February

Average air temperature

Average sea temperature

Average monthly rainfall

Winter weather in Finland

Winter is the longest time of the year in Finland. It lasts from 100 days in the south of the country to 200 days in Lapland. Winter in Finland reigns from December to March, in Lapland from mid-September to May. The sea and lakes hold back the temperature drop a little, but in November-December the lakes freeze over, and winter comes into full force.

Winter is one of the most popular seasons in Finland. At this time, there is a very beautiful snow-covered nature around, you can ride in a reindeer or dog sled, on a snowmobile and, of course, see the Northern Lights.

In winter, the weather in Finland will not seem cold only to Siberians. For others, the -30 ° C temperature in Lapland will seem very cold. However, the rest of Finland is much warmer between -5 ° C and -20 ° C. On New Year's Eve in Helsinki it is often only -7 ° C.

But no matter how cold it is outside, the houses of the Finns are warm. Triple glazing, good thermal insulation, central heating, many have underfloor heating, fireplaces and of course saunas.

The climate in Finland is dry in winter, the wind is not strong, and at this time it is more pleasant here than you might have imagined if you learned about -30 ° C. The snow is deepest in mid-March: 60 - 90 cm in Lapland and 20 - 30 cm in the south of the country. Lakes freeze up to 50 - 65 cm, in Lapland up to 1 meter.

The end of December is the darkest place in Finland. In Lapland, there is only about 4 hours of light a day, in the south of the country - 6 hours. But white snow reflects light well, plus all resorts, cities and villages are well lit. So don't be afraid to wander in pitch darkness. In the northernmost part of the country, there is a "polar night" every year, with an average length of 51 days.

Spring weather in Finland

Spring in Finland lasts from April to May. In Lapland, everything is sad as usual - spring comes only in May. The further north you go, the longer to wait for spring, which lasts 45 - 65 days. During this time, temperatures throughout Finland fluctuate between 0 ° C and 10 ° C. At the end of May in Lapland and at the end of April in the rest of Finland, temperatures are firmly fixed above 5 ° C. Flowers appear, trees turn green, nature and the Finns are thawing.

The weather in Finland is pleasant in spring - the air is fresh, the temperature is also tolerable. Many people come to Finland in spring to watch the awakening of nature and go hiking in the mountains.

Lakes thaw in April-May, in Lapland in June.

Summer weather in Finland

In summer, temperatures rise above 10 ° C. The warmth comes to Finland at the end of May and lasts until mid-September. In Lapland, summer starts one month later and ends one month earlier than in the rest of the country.

The standard summer months here are considered to be the period from June to August. At this time, there are "white nights" here, and in Lapland there is a "polar day" of 2 months - here the sun does not set from June to July. And in other parts of the country, it is barely hidden behind the horizon. In the southern part of the country, there are very long days during the summer months - about 19 hours.

In summer, the weather in Finland is also hot - the temperature rises to 32 ° C - 35 ° C. In the coastal part of the country and on the islands, it is cooler in summer, the temperature rarely rises to 30 ° C. There are few such hot days in Finland, 10-15 days in the southern part of the country and 5-10 days in Lapland.

Rains are infrequent in Finland, and there is little rainfall here.

Despite the "northern" nature of the country, the Finns still have time to sunbathe and swim in the summer months. Basically, all beach holidays are concentrated around the lakes, because the water in the sea rarely rises above 15 ° C. However, the water in the lakes is also cool, but still a little warmer.

Summer Finland is popular with tourists, so prices for travel services rise as temperatures rise. If you decide to visit Finland in the summer, then take care of tickets or vouchers in advance.

Weather in Finland in autumn

Autumn in Finland lasts from September to November, in general, like ours. In the north of the country, it begins a little earlier - at the end of August, and in the south, as expected - in September. The foliage of the trees is colored to crimson and gold. The Finns call the golden one "ruska". At this time, mainly photographers come here to have time to capture colorful landscapes. In autumn, Finland has the most rainfall, and nature is gradually preparing for the long winter.

The weather in Finland is relatively warm in autumn, with temperatures ranging from 5 ° C to 15 ° C above zero. This time is ideal for cycling or hiking along the many forest trails. Wild blueberries, raspberries, lingonberries, cloudberries and mushrooms grow in the woods.

The average length of autumn is 180 days in the south of the country and from 100 to 140 days in Lapland. The first snow falls in the north in September, in the rest of the country in October. The days are beginning to get shorter again and the nights are darker.

When is the best time to go to Finland?

From December to mid-January, Finland has an idyllic holiday time. Everything around is burning with lights. But at the same time, a very short day dramatically limits your options and choices of what to do.

There is still snow from February to March, but it is getting much warmer and the days are lengthening. Most likely to see the Northern Lights during the equinox (March 21). March is generally one of the best months to visit Finland.

In spring, the weather is very different in the north and south of the country. There is still snow in the north in April, and snowdrops are in full bloom in the south. On May 1, the whole country celebrates the Wappu holiday, welcomes the long-awaited summer and the approaching June solstice.

In June and July, it is better not to go to Finland without a bag of repellents. It seems to you that there are more mosquitoes in hot countries, but no. Whole flocks of these little critters are out for your blood in northern Finland!

July is the most popular month for tourists. The prices are higher, the best hotels are sorted out. Therefore, if you are going to go to Finland in July - book in advance! By August, the number of tourists is decreasing.

In September and October, it is worth visiting only because of the golden autumn and beautiful nature. Prices at this time are also lower. But most of the rides have already closed, the summer heat is gone, the snow has not yet fallen. In September, you can already see the Northern Lights, if the clouds do not bother you.

Snow falls again in November, and the untouched snow plains glisten in the sun, which is very scarce. But the lights of Aurora shine in the dark with a multi-colored blanket, here and there dog teams, snowmobiles and, of course, hot hours in the saunas scurry about.

What clothes should I take with me?

In winter: warm winter clothing, preferably thermal underwear, clothing with fleece, hat, gloves and warm boots with fur.

In summer, take clothes like in warm spring and autumn, i.e. T-shirt, long pants / skirts with tights, sweater or jacket with you. Plus a raincoat and umbrella.

Due to the location of the country along the Scandinavian Peninsula, the climate in Finland is significantly different and is divided into 2 climatic zones:

• the southern coast of the country with a mild maritime climate, thanks to the warm waters of the Atlantic.
• the central and northern parts of the country, under the rule of a continental climate with sharp temperature fluctuations.

Winter Finland

December

The ski season has continued in Finland since December, and the temperature in the northern regions of the country - in Lapland, remains at the level of -10 to -15 degrees.

In the southern regions of Finland, including in Helsinki, due to warm winds from the Atlantic and the warm current of the Gulf Stream, the temperature does not exceed 2-4 degrees. At night, it drops at least -2 degrees, so sometimes sleet or rain can fall in the capital.

When heading to Finland before Christmas, it is worth bringing waterproof shoes and clothing.

Despite the low temperatures, thousands of tourists come to Lapland in December-January for Christmas markets and festivals, as well as the famous Santa Claus village- Rovaniemi, where dozens of activities are organized for children and adults in summer and winter.

There you can meet the real Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and magical elves and deer.

In the capital, on Christmas and New Years, mass celebrations take place, and all the windows are full of bright lights. However, it is worth remembering that museums and some shops will not work directly on the holidays.

January

Immediately after the holidays until the end of January begins sales season in shopping centers. There is always more rainfall in the inland regions of the country than in the south, so even in January you can comfortably walk, see the sights and engage in active winter activities (dog sledding safaris, ice yachting, ice skating and ice fishing).

Going inland, to spa resorts and ski centers, you can additionally enjoy stunning views of the northern lights.

February

Temperatures even in February in Lapland rarely drop below -15 degrees. In the south of the country, despite the drop in temperatures down to -6 degrees, the weather is generally more favorable than in January, as the air humidity drops and there is practically no precipitation.

Spring Finland

March

In March, on the southern coast, snow continues to lie in a dense layer, although temperatures increasingly begin to rise to 5-7 degrees, little precipitation falls.

Ice often forms in the morning due to cold winds, which can interfere with long walks around the city and sightseeing of architectural and art monuments.

April

In March-April, the northern lights can still be seen, especially in the northern regions of the country. The main event of spring is Easter celebration and other religious holidays with street festivities and fairs in the main city squares.

May

By the end of April-May, the snow melts and in the northern regions of Finland the temperature rises to -3 - 10 degrees. Despite this, all ski resorts can offer alternative types of recreation in the form of rafting, quad biking safaris through the picturesque landscapes of Finland, awakening from winter.

In May, the temperature in the south warms up to 15 degrees and it is an ideal time for organizing long excursion tours and hikes, as well as sightseeing.

However, the weather in late spring can surprise with its unpredictability and sometimes manifests itself in the form of severe frosts. In parts of Lapland, temperatures can drop below freezing, so when heading north, even in May, you should take winter clothes with you.

Summer Finland

June

Starting from June, the season of white nights begins in Finland, and the temperature rises to 15-20 degrees, while there is practically no precipitation. In the north of the country, night frosts are still possible, therefore, even on summer holidays and festivals, it is worth taking warm clothes with you. The most significant event in Finland is Midsummer's Day, when the whole country magnificently celebrates its independence and the middle of summer, and the festivities continue at night, when it practically does not get dark.

July

The hottest and driest weather comes in July. Warm winds from the Atlantic bring high temperatures to the southern and central regions of the country, providing an opportunity for a beach holiday on the Baltic coast and numerous lakes.

It is during this period that the tourist season increases and the cities are quite noisy, and all the lakeside cottages are booked in advance.

In July, the famous opera festival starts in Savolinna, and festivals of chamber and folk music are held in the capital. At the end of the month Kotka invites everyone to celebrate the Maritime Festival.

August

In August, the rainiest month of summer comes, thunderstorms are possible and temperatures slowly begin to fall. But tourist interest in August is fueled mass sales famous world and Finnish designer brands of clothing and footwear.

Autumn Finland

September

If in September it is still warm enough, then at the end of the month the first frosts come to the northern regions of the country.

It is in September that you should go sightseeing or go hiking when nature is especially beautiful and full of bright colors. All types of ecological tourism (hunting, fishing, gathering, hiking, horseback riding and cycling along interesting routes in the south and center of Finland) are especially popular at this time.

October November

In October, the weather changes dramatically on the southern coast, but numerous food and harvest festivals still attract tourists.

In mid-October, the temperature in the south drops to 5 degrees, and in Lapland it drops below 0, and by the beginning of November a thick layer of snow has already formed in the far north, which allows opening the ski season. The south of the country at the end of autumn is subject to strong winds and night blizzards with a sharp cold snap.

Little tourists, snowboarders and shopaholics are more likely to answer. The first dream of visiting a real Santa Claus, who, although he is called Santa Claus in Finland, is reputed to be just as kind and generous in gifts as his own, domestic Grandfather. Winter sports fans appreciate the Finnish ski resorts for their excellent technical equipment and unique freeride opportunities. Finally, sales, which invariably start in other cities of the country of Suomi after Christmas, make it possible to buy inexpensively high-quality clothing and footwear, accessories and equipment for winter sports, which creates a lot of additional work for consular departments that issue visas to Finland for Russian tourists.

A little about the weather

If you look at a map of the world, Finland will be found on the Scandinavian Peninsula, which resembles a huge dog in its outlines, nestled in the northwest. Despite the fairly northern latitudes, the climate in the country is quite moderate and is characterized as transitional from maritime to continental. The formation of the weather is greatly influenced by warm Atlantic currents and westerly winds with frequent cyclones prevailing in the region.
Temperature indicators differ slightly depending on the region of the country, and if in the south of Finland in February the average values ​​are about -6 ° С, then in Lapland it is already -14 ° С. In July, in the north, too, 14 degrees, but already with a plus sign, and in the southern regions, mercury columns quite confidently reach the mark of + 17 ° C. However, intense heat in Helsinki and other cities also happens, and thermometers record + 30 ° C at the height of summer quite often.

Four Finnish seasons

When choosing the best time to relax in Finland, determine for yourself what you expect from the vacation. Here you can have a great vacation in any season if you know everything about the peculiarities of the weather:

• Winter begins already in November, when the snow cover is established in the north of the country. It can last up to four months, and the air temperature during this period, depending on the region and time, is ready to drop even to –30 ° С.
• Spring in the country of Suomi is very short, and even in April there is still snow in some places. Normal spring weather occurs in the first half of May, when the sun begins to warm up, and thermometers show + 10 ° С and even + 15 ° С.
• Summer comes into its own closer to mid-June, when daylight hours increase to infinity, and morning dawn replaces evening dawn quickly and imperceptibly. The air temperature in Lapland in summer rarely rises above + 15 ° C, but residents of the south often enjoy warmth and even 30-degree heat.
• Finnish autumn gives a lot of delight to fans of bright colors, photographers and artists. Hills bloom in all shades of yellow and crimson, and it is at this time that tourists take hiking trips in the national parks. In autumn, fans of mushroom hunting and collection of organic berries come to the country. The average air temperature in September-November in Finland is from + 3 ° С to + 15 ° С.

Every season is rich in holidays, fairs and festivals, so when planning the best time to relax in Finland, check the cultural events schedule.

Colorful calendar

One of the main holidays that fall at the end of June is called Johannus, or Midsummer's Day. Its arrival marks the beginning of a warm summer and the onset of the holiday season. At the same time in Lapland and other northern regions the season of white nights starts, and the midnight sun becomes the most important element and participant of Midsummer's Day. The main Finnish traditions on this day are festive bonfires and going to the sauna. You can take part in fishing, boating, outdoor barbecues and fortune telling. If you are planning to organize a wedding in Finland, Johannus is also perfect for you.
The Autumn Carnival of Colors in Finland takes place annually in the second half of September. Golden autumn is called "ruska" here and it is characterized by exuberant colors and special attractiveness of the dull and even modest Finnish nature for the rest of the time. It was at the time of Ruska that the Kaamos jazz festival was held in Lapland, announcing the arrival of the long polar night.
In winter, at the time of Christmas, the time of festive fairs begins, and their main feature is the aroma of mulled wine, called in Finnish "glögi". At this time, you can come to Finland to enjoy the atmosphere of festive comfort, taste gingerbread cookies, and buy various cute little things for your home. And also winter is the aurora borealis and visits to Santa's residence, not far from which the reindeer racing championship is held in the city of Inari in winter.
The Finns call the main spring holiday Vapunpäivä and is celebrated on May 1. Earlier on this day, ritual bonfires were burned to scare away evil spirits. Modern residents of Suomi remember their youth on the day of spring and gather at the Market Square in Helsinki and in the center of other cities. The main feature of Vapunpäivä is bright costumes and a cheerful mood.

Features of the ski season in Finland

Residents of Suomi spend more than six months annually in sub-zero temperatures and snow captivity, and therefore they had to learn how to benefit from this. About a hundred ski resorts offer trails of various difficulty levels, free backcountry skiing, jumps and snow parks to fans of an active lifestyle.
The season in Finnish resorts begins at the end of October, when reliable snow cover is already established in the northernmost latitudes. The peak of skiing comes in February, but right up to the May holidays, true lovers of snowboarding and skiing continue to iron the slopes of the Finnish mountains and hills.
Do not be afraid that the daylight hours at the height of the season in these latitudes are very short! The organizers of the resorts compensate for the lack of daylight with modern artificial illumination systems, thanks to which fans of outdoor activities can ride from early morning until late at night.
The air temperature in Finnish ski resorts depends on the particular month when you decided to relax in Finland and on the latitude where the slopes are laid. In the north, in the afternoon during the high season, thermometers drop to -10C - -12 ° C. As much as 160 km north of the Arctic Circle, it can be slightly colder, but mostly at night. During the day, even in the coldest time, mercury columns do not fall below -15 ° C. In the southern resorts in January-February, it is about -5 ° C during the day, and therefore skiing seems especially comfortable and pleasant even for young athletes.

Visit Santa Claus

Santa Park in the capital of Lapland is the residence of the real Santa Claus, which tens of thousands of children and their parents from all over the world strive to visit every year.
In the summer, the park is closed and Santa is resting. The residence opens annually in mid-November and you can meet with the main Christmas wizard until early January.

• The exact timetable of the park and the opening hours of Santa's are on the official website of the park - www.santapark.com.

On the territory of Santa Park, you can ride a reindeer sleigh, take a photo with the owner of the residence, take part in New Year's themed contests, dine in a cafe, learn how to make Christmas tree decorations with your own hands, send a postcard to friends and even play an ice wedding.

Watching Aurora Bolearis

This beautiful name hides the aurora borealis, which thousands of enthusiastic tourists fly to the northern countries every year.

• In order not to miss the possible appearance of the mysterious Aurora in the Finnish sky and to plan your trip to observe the aurora as accurately as possible, subscribe to the e-mail newsletter of forecasts regarding a unique natural phenomenon on the website of the Finnish Meteorological Institute - www.aurorasnow.fmi.fi.

When is the best time to come to Finland on vacation if your goal is a sky colored with myriads of multicolored flashes? Focus on the period from September to March. During these months, almost every cloudless night becomes a time for the incomparable play of Aurora Borealis with the night sky. In the south of the country, the northern lights are a rarer visitor and you are guaranteed to be able to see magical flashes only from November to February.