The climate in Finland is quite diverse. Being located in the coastal zone of the Eurasian continent, Finland has a maritime and continental climate.
Finland’s climate is variable and can change very quickly, which is common for the climate in Scandinavia. When there are winds from the west, the weather is generally warm and clear in most parts of Finland. Finland is located in the area where the tropical and polar air masses meet, so the Finnish climate tends to change rapidly, especially in the winter months. And the climate of Finland is not as cold as many think: Finnish average average temperatures are higher than those of other regions in the same latitudes, such as southern Greenland.
The temperature is raised mainly by the warm air flows from the Atlantic and also by the Baltic Sea.
Summer offers good weather in Finland. In southern Finland and central Finland, the summer climate is mild and warm, as in other parts of southern Scandinavia, while Finnish winters are long and cold. In northern Finland, you can find snow on the ground for more than 90 days a year. The warmest climate in winter is found in the southwest of Finland, among the countless islands in the Baltic Sea.
Finland’s weather makes a big difference in which month you want to travel to this Scandinavian country. Finnish weather is the warmest in July and the coldest in February. February is also the driest month in Finland, while August weather is the wettest time of the year.
Popular areas in Finland
Helsinki
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 snow season is much shorter than in other parts of the country. The city also experiences a heat island effect, resulting in slightly higher temperatures. Like much of the country, Helsinki experiences long summer days and very little sunshine during winter.
The average summer temperature is 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius).
Tampere
Tampere is a city in the interior of southern Finland. Its climate varies between a humid continental climate and a sub-arctic climate, with mild summers and winters that are below zero from November to March. The snow season generally runs from late November to early April. The average daily 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 sub-arctic 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 19 inches of rain each year, usually during July and August. Summers are long, but winters are extremely dark with an average of eight hours of total sunshine during the month of December.
Finnish lapland
The northernmost region of Finland has a sub-arctic climate with cold 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. Temperatures average around 16 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 9 degrees Celsius) in December, but can occasionally drop to minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 30 degrees Celsius) with wind chill. The snow season lasts from October to mid-May. Summer 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 of the country. By mid-April, most of Finland is experiencing spring even though there is normally still snow on the ground in the far north of the country. Lakes generally thaw completely in May in inland Finland. The days also start to lengthen during the spring, which makes being outside that much more enjoyable.
What to pack: Spring in Finland is tricky, and you’ll still need most of your heavy winter gear, especially if you’re traveling in the north of the country. Bring warm layers that you can easily slip on and off in varying temperatures.
Summer in Finland
Summer offers good weather in Finland. In southern Finland and central Finland, the summer climate is mild and warm, as in other parts of southern Scandinavia. July is generally the warmest month to visit and is also when you will experience the longest days. During the “white nights” of summer, it is possible to experience more than 20 hours of natural light. The beach opens in June, but while the locals swim, the water temperatures are generally very cold.
What to pack: Finland can be great even in summer. Long-sleeved shirts with long pants are good to wear year-round. Bring comfortable shoes with good traction, especially if you are doing outdoor activities.
Fall in Finland
Autumn creeps in slowly, beginning in September. In the far north, it is not uncommon to receive snow on them. By November, strong winds and blizzards can 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 the fall and this season it can even snow in certain parts of the country. Pack a waterproof cape, 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 to May, while southern Finland is slightly more temperate, 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 winter activities like snowmobiling, dog sledding, and ice fishing.
What to pack: Sturdy winter clothing will make your visit to Finland that much more enjoyable. In addition to a heavy coat, warm base layers, and insulated pants, you also don’t want to forget about lip balm to counter dry air, sunglasses (snow reflections can be very bright!), And insulated shoes. Shoes with a soft rubber sole are warmer than shoes with a medium or hard sole.
Northern lights, polar nights and midnight sun in Finland
Finland experiences several unique natural phenomena that attract visitors.
The Midnight Sun occurs during the summer and produces an almost continuous daylight over the Arctic Circle. At 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 for viewing the Northern Lights. This colorful natural light show, also called the Aurora Borealis, is visible almost 200 nights a year in Finland, provided conditions are clear. In Finland, they have even built lodges that offer sleeping under the Northern Lights.
