Weather and climate 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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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