Weather and climate in Finland

Credits: Julia Kivelä

What's the weather like in Finland?

As the saying goes, the climate is what we expect, and the weather is what we get. Finland has four unique seasons. The temperature in Finland varies greatly by season and by region as the country is long and has differing coastal and inland climates. The Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Eurasian continent to the east together create the actively changing climate of Finland.

The hottest month is typically July and the coldest is January and February. Due to our country’s location, the weather can also change quickly, which makes predicting a bit tricky as do the effects of climate change. One moment the sun might be shining, and the next rain is pouring down – such is life up North. We recommend checking the weather in the morning before heading out so you'll know exactly how to dress to be as comfortable and as warm as possible.

Summer weather

Summer in Finland is pleasantly warm and filled with incredible 24h light! In southern Finland, the season usually begins in late May and lasts until mid-September. Summer in Lapland starts about one month later and ends a month earlier than on the south coast. The average summer temperature in Finland is around +20°C / 68°F but especially in southern and central parts of the country, it can get much warmer than that.

Credits: Mikko Huotari

Autumn weather

The season of autumn and its beautiful foliage ('ruska' in Finnish) begins around the last week of August in Lapland and about one month later in southwestern Finland. Autumn typically brings a rainier climate to Finland, especially in the coastal areas. The first snow usually falls in Lapland in September and elsewhere in October or November.

Credits: Julia Kivelä

Winter weather

Winter is the longest season in Finland. It lasts for about 200 days in Lapland and 3-4 months in southern Finland. The temperature in northern Finland is typically below zero Celsius degrees for most of winter and a bit warmer down south. The whole country is likely to be covered in snow, which turns Finland into a winter wonderland. The Northern Lights are the most vivid under the dark winter skies.

Spring weather

The short yet distinct spring in Finland revives nature (and people!) back to life with increasing sunlight. The season begins early in April on the Coast and the Archipelago and later in April elsewhere, except for northernmost Lapland, where the season kicks off a month later in early May. The highlight of spring is the 1st of May, when Finns flock to parks all across the country for picnics – no matter the weather!

How to dress in Finland?

Change is the keyword when it comes to the climate and weather in Finland. Changes often happen within a single day – from a rainy summer morning to hot and sunny summer evening – and from season to season.

Our best advice is to dress for the likeliest weather and to wear layers that you can take off or add on, when needed. It's good to always check the day's weather before heading out. We listed the monthly average temperatures in different regions below to give you some indication of what to expect. As a rule of thumb, it’s never a bad idea to pack extra layers to keep you warm and protect you from the rain and the wind. It’s way more fun to explore new places feeling comfortable! Good, weather-appropriate shoes are also a must.

Monthly weather

What to pack in winter: warm gloves, a beanie, a scarf, woolly socks, winter boots, and a thick jacket are essential.

Credits:

Weather in Finland in January

January is the prime time of winter and the whole country is, most often, covered with snow. The coldest day of the season is usually at the end of January in most regions. Our recommendation is to dress (very!) warmly. A layer of woolly undergarments does wonders for extra insulation, and windproof outerwear protects you from that cool winter breeze, especially in the coast. In January, the days are short. In Helsinki, the sun sets around 4pm and in northern Lapland the sun doesn't rise at all during the beginning of January. This season is called 'kaamos' in Finnish – an excellent time to spot the Northern Lights!

The average temperature in January 2021

Rovaniemi -13.1°C / 8.6°F
Tampere -5.4°C / 22.3°F
Turku -4.1°C / 24.6°F
Helsinki -3.5°C / 25.7°F

A view of the Northern Lights at Saariselkä, Lapland.
Credits: Roll Outdoors

Weather in Finland in February

February is a snowy and chilly winter month in all of Finland. The slower cooling of the Baltic Sea typically delays the coldest period on the Coast and the Archipelago until the beginning of February. The days are still relatively short but they are getting longer – on average, the sun stays up for nine hours in Helsinki.

The average temperature in February 2021

Rovaniemi -13.8°C / 7.2°F
Tampere -8.5°C / 16.7°F
Turku -6.4°C / 20.5°F
Helsinki -6.6°C / 20.1°F

Weather in Finland in March

In March, spring is starting to be on its way. After the spring equinox (March 21st) the days get increasingly longer. Warm clothes are still a must, as the month is likely to be cold with the deepest snow cover, especially in the north.

The average temperature in March 2021

Rovaniemi -5°C / 23°F
Tampere -1.2°C / 29.8°F
Turku 0,1°C / 31.8°F
Helsinki 0°C / 32°F

What to pack in spring: layers of clothing (to take off or add on), gloves, scarf, hat, waterproof coat, and sunglasses.

Credits: Myssyfarmi

Weather in Finland in April

After the long winter nature wakes up again in April. Spring begins early in the month in the coastal areas, and later in April elsewhere, except for the northernmost Lapland, where the season awaits itself for a few more weeks. Spring-time skiing in Lapland is a memorable experience. In April, there’s an increasing amount of daylight and the snow starts to melt, yet it is still not summer. Dressing up in layers is still highly recommended!

The average temperature in April 2021

Rovaniemi 0.9°C / 33.6°F
Tampere 3.6°C / 38.5°F
Turku 4.1°C / 39.4°F
Helsinki 5°C / 41°F

The ski season in northern Finland lasts well into the spring months.
Credits: Harri Lindfors

Weather in Finland in May

May in Finland kicks off with the 1st of May (Vappu) celebrations. The temperature in May fluctuates from warm to cool, so be prepared for almost any given weather. What’s certain, however, is the ever-increasing amount of daylight. In Lapland, the month of May marks the start of the Midnight Sun period, which means the Sun just dips in the sky at night until July.

The average temperature in May 2021

Rovaniemi 5.5°C / 41.9°F
Tampere 9.7°C / 49.5°F
Turku 9.9°C / 49.8°F
Helsinki 10.3°C / 50.5°F

Spring weather in Helsinki can range from an occasional snow shower to a heat wave.
Credits: Ants Vahter

What to pack in summer: your favourite summer gear, swimsuit and a pair of sunglasses! For chillier evenings, pack something with long sleeves and a light coat.

Credits: Julia Kivelä

Weather in Finland in June

June is the start of the short, yet beautiful Finnish summer. You may expect sunshine and pleasant temperatures during the day, although occasional rain showers can occur, especially after midsummer. In June, you'll be able to experience the best of the midnight sun as around summer solstice the sun hardly sets.

The average temperature in June 2021

Rovaniemi 15.3°C / 59.5°F
Tampere 18.8°C / 65.8°F
Turku 18.4°C / 65.1°F
Helsinki 19.3°C / 66.7°F

Midsummer ('juhannus' in Finnish) is typically celebrated during the last weekend of June.

Weather in Finland in July

July is the peak of summer and in general, the warmest month of the year. In Finland, July is known as the summer vacation month as most Finns are on their annual leave during this time. This month is all about heat waves – and even thundershowers – but for the most part, the weather in July is the best of summer in Finland.

The average temperature in July 2021

Rovaniemi 17.4°C / 63.3°F
Tampere 20°C / 68°F
Turku 20.3°C / 68.5°F
Helsinki 21.4°C / 70.5°F

Weather in Finland in August

August is the second warmest month in Finland. Although the month is the rainiest on the Coast and the Archipelago, August usually delivers many lush summer days to enjoy across the country. Warm but darkening August nights are full of end-of-summer magic, best experienced in events like Flow Festival in Helsinki.

The average temperature in August 2021

Rovaniemi 12.4°C / 54.3°F
Tampere 14.6°C / 58.3°F
Turku 15.2°C / 59.4°F
Helsinki 15.9°C / 60.6°F

Helsinki's Flow Festival, one of the most famous festivals in Finland, takes place every year in August.
Credits: Jussi Hellstén

What to pack in autumn: scarf, gloves, headwear of your choice, waterproof shoes, and a coat that shields you from potential rain and stretches to fit extra underlayers.

Credits: Julia Kivelä

Weather in Finland in September

The autumn season may start pleasantly crisp and cool, but September can also get quite wet. You can expect cloudy skies and rain some of the time but also charming and cool sunny days. In northernmost Finland, the first snow often falls in September. Overall, it’s time to start dressing up warm again. In autumn, the Northern Lights season begins again when the nights get darker.

The average temperature in September 2021

Rovaniemi 6.1°C / 43°F
Tampere 8.7°C / 47.7°F
Turku 9.7°C / 49.5°F
Helsinki 10.4°C / 50.7°F

Leaves start changing colours and 'ruska' comes in September.
Credits: Emilia Hoisko

Weather in Finland in October

Autumn foliage makes October a beautiful month, yet the weather can be brisk, and the temperature is likely to drop from mild to frosty. Central Finland is likely to get its first snow cover in October. In some of the ski resorts in Lapland, October marks the beginning of the ski season.

The average temperature in October 2021

Rovaniemi 2.5°C / 36.5°F
Tampere 7.2°C / 45°F
Turku 8.1°C / 46.6°F
Helsinki 8.7°C / 47.7°F

Weather in Finland in November

While Southern Finland is likely to have its first snowfall in November, the northern parts of the country usually have lasting snow cover already and it's time for winter activities! Wind, rain, and slush are regular delights of the month, so dressing warmly for the weather is highly recommended. The Northern Lights season is in full swing!

The average temperature in November 2021

Rovaniemi -5.9°C / 21.4°F
Tampere 0.1°C / 32.2°F
Turku 1.4°C / 34.5°F
Helsinki 2.7°C / 36.9°F

Credits: Visit Levi

Weather in Finland in December

The whole of Finland is usually covered in snow at the end of December, turning the whole country into a winter wonderland! The month is quite cold, so adding warm layers underneath your winter gear is a must.

The average temperature in December 2021

Rovaniemi -11.7°C / 10.9°F
Tampere -7.2°C / 19°F
Turku -5.9°C / 21.4°F
Helsinki -5.3°C / 22.5°F

Quick weather info about Finland

When is the best time to visit Finland weather-wise?

How many seasons does Finland have?

What is the coldest month in Finland?

What is the hottest month in Finland?

How is Finland affected by climate change?

Read more about seasons in Finland