Are you planning a trip to Finland and wondering when is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit Finland is from June to August. This is when the weather is at its warmest and most pleasant, with long days of sunshine.
This is a great time to explore Finland’s beautiful natural landscapes, such as the forests, lakes, and beaches that the country is known for.
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to the best time to visit Finland, based on your needs and preferences.
About Finland
Finland is a 5.5 million people country located in Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden to the west, Russia to the east, and Norway to the north.
The country has a long coastline along the Baltic Sea and is home to many lakes and forests, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Helsinki, the capital city, is a vibrant and modern city with a variety of cultural attractions and activities.
Finland is also known for its strong economy and highly developed education system. The country has a rich culture and history, with a vibrant arts scene and a thriving food and dining culture.
Climate in Finland
Finland has a Temperate Climate with cold winters and cool summers.
The country is located in a region with a wide range of temperatures, with the far north experiencing Arctic conditions and the south experiencing more temperate weather.
Average temperature
Number of monthly rainy days
As you can see in the graph below, the number of rainy days in Finland tends to be quite varied throughout the year, ranging from 7 to 20 rainy days per month across the year.
The rainiest months in Finland are November, December, January and February, with an average of 18, 20, 19 and 18 rainy days per month, respectively.
The rest of the year tends to have slightly fewer rainy days, with an average of 7-16 rainy days per month.
The driest months are July, August, and September with an average of 7-8 rainy days per month.
Number of monthly sun hours
In Finland, the late spring and summer months of May, June and July tend to be the sunniest, with an average of 275, 298 and 291 sun hours per month, respectively.
The months with the least amount of sun hours are November, December, and January, with an average of 37, 30 and 39 sun hours per month, respectively.
Seasons in Finland
Finland has four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
Spring (March to May)
The weather in Finland during the spring season (March, April, and May) is generally chilly.
The average maximum temperatures range from 0°C (32°F) to 15°C (59°F) and the average minimum temperatures range from -4°C (25°F) to 6°C (44°F).
The average number of sun hours per month ranges from 132 to 275. There is also a moderate amount of rainfall during this season, ranging from 11 to 15 rainy days per month.
In general, the weather conditions in spring in Finland range from bad in March and April, to tolerable in May.
| SPRING | MAR | APR | MAY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max temperature | 0°C / 32°F | 7°C / 45°F | 15°C / 59°F |
| Min temperature | -4°C / 25°F | 1°C / 34°F | 6°C / 44°F |
| Monthly sun hours | 132 hours | 195 hours | 275 hours |
| Monthly rainy days | 15 days | 11 days | 11 days |
| Weather conditions | Bad | Bad | Tolerable |
Summer (June to August)
In summer (June, July, and August), the weather in Finland is mild and pleasant.
The average maximum temperatures range from 19°C (66°F) to 21°C (70°F) and the average minimum temperatures range from 11°C (52°F) to 14°C (57°F).
The average number of sun hours per month ranges from 230 to 298. There is also a moderate amount of rainfall during this season, ranging from 12 to 15 rainy days per month.
The weather conditions in summer in Finland range from great in June and July, to good in August.
| SUMMER | JUN | JUL | AUG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max temperature | 20°C / 68°F | 21°C / 70°F | 19°C / 66°F |
| Min temperature | 11°C / 52°F | 14°C / 57°F | 13°C / 55°F |
| Monthly sun hours | 298 hours | 291 hours | 230 hours |
| Monthly rainy days | 13 days | 12 days | 15 days |
| Weather conditions | Great | Great | Good |
Autumn (September to November)
The weather conditions in Finland during the autumn season (September, October, and November) are cool and variable.
The average maximum temperatures range from 13°C (55°F) to 2°C (36°F) and the average minimum temperatures range from 9°C (47°F) to -1°C (31°F).
The average number of sun hours per month ranges from 151 to 37. There is also a higher amount of rainfall during this season, ranging from 14 to 18 rainy days per month.
The weather conditions in autumn in Finland range from tolerable in September, to bad in October and November.
| AUTUMN | SEP | OCT | NOV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max temperature | 13°C / 55°F | 8°C / 46°F | 2°C / 36°F |
| Min temperature | 9°C / 47°F | 4°C / 40°F | -1°C / 31°F |
| Monthly sun hours | 151 hours | 90 hours | 37 hours |
| Monthly rainy days | 14 days | 16 days | 18 days |
| Weather conditions | Tolerable | Bad | Bad |
Winter (December to February)
In Finland,the weather during the winter season (December, January, and February) is cold and snowy.
The average maximum temperatures range from -1°C (30°F) to -4°C (25°F) and the average minimum temperatures range from -5°C (24°F) to -7°C (19°F).
The average number of sun hours per month is very low, ranging from 30 to 72. There is also a high amount of precipitation during this season, ranging from 18 to 20 rainy days per month.
Simply put, the weather conditions in winter in Finland are bad.
| WINTER | DEC | JAN | FEB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max temperature | -1°C / 30°F | -4°C / 25°F | -3°C / 27°F |
| Min temperature | -5°C / 24°F | -7°C / 20°F | -7°C / 19°F |
| Monthly sun hours | 30 hours | 39 hours | 72 hours |
| Monthly rainy days | 20 days | 19 days | 18 days |
| Weather conditions | Bad | Bad | Bad |
Best time to visit Finland weather-wise
The best time to visit Finland weather-wise is from June to August. This is when the weather conditions are pleasant and comfortable and you can enjoy longer days.
However, if you enjoy cold weather and outdoor sports such as skiing and ice skating, the winter months of December to February might be the best time to visit Finland.
The country is known for its beautiful snow-covered landscapes and has many resorts that offer a wide range of winter sports activities.
Best time to visit Finland for sightseeing
The best time to visit Finland for sightseeing is during the summer months of June to August.
During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, making it a great time to explore Finland’s beautiful natural landscapes, such as the forests, lakes, and beaches that the country is known for.
However, these months also tend to experience higher tourist traffic, which might make it harder to find a cheaper accommodation and travel options.
FURTHER READING
Best time for Northern Lights in Finland
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a natural light display that occurs in the Earth’s upper atmosphere, typically around the poles. In Finland, the Northern Lights are most visible from late September to late March, when the nights are longest and the sky is darkest.
The Northern Lights are also more visible on clear, dark nights, away from city lights and other sources of light pollution. The best places to see the Northern Lights in Finland are typically in the northern and eastern parts of the country, where the sky is darker and there is less light pollution.
Best time to visit Finland for snow and skiing
The winter months of December to March are normally the best for snow and skiing in Finland. Finland is often chilly and snow-covered at this time of year, making it an ideal destination for skiing and other winter activities.
Finland’s ski resorts typically open in December and close in April, depending on snowfall and weather conditions. The ski season normally peaks in February, when the snow is the thickest and the temperature is at its coldest.
See more guides about Finland
