The best time to visit Finland
Summer
The absolute best time to visit Finland is during the summer months of June, July and August, when the climate is warmest, the days are longest and the blooming landscape at its best, and when tourist facilities and transport services are running at full capacity. Late spring, especially May, is also very nice. Summer is almost always sunny and clear, with temperatures rarely stifling: the hottest month is July, averaging 17°C, although maximum temperatures of 26°C are not unheard of, especially inland.
Winter
In winter there are of course also many opportunities for skating, skiing and cross-country skiing. Those who are familiar with the ski areas in Finland will not want anything else. Peace, meters of snow and easy descents, these are the characteristics of ski areas in Finland.
The changing weather in Finland
In contrary to popular belief, the climate in Finland is quite diverse and varied throughout the year. Not surprisingly, July is the hottest month in the country and February the coldest, and those two months are also the wettest and driest months, respectively. The general climate is not as cold as many visitors think. Although it is at the same latitude as South Greenland, the country receives warm air currents from both the Atlantic Ocean and the Baltic Sea. However, the weather is variable and can change quickly, especially in winter. Winters are long and cold, and the northern part of the country can have snow on the ground for nearly half of the year.
April
Spring can be very different in different parts of Finland. While flowers in the south are beginning to bloom, the north is still in the icy grip of winter. This is probably what makes Easter such a peaceful holiday in Finland. More events and tourist sites are starting, such as the April Jazz Festival in Espoo or the Reindeer Racing Championships in Inari, but winter activities in Lapland start to dry up around this time, and the thinning ice can be dangerous. However, most northern ski areas will still be open and will have fewer crowds. Precipitation: 8 days Temperature: 3°C
May
May 1 is Labor Day in Finland and now that the weather is finally clearing up, most residents are using their extra day off to relax, go for a walk or have an outdoor picnic. The end of the long winter is celebrated with fairs, a fizzy fruit drink known as sima and “funnel cake” (the chocolate-covered variety is the best). All in all, it’s a great month to see Finland in its lush greenery and take advantage of the improved weather before the tourist season really kicks in. It is an ideal time to rent a summer cottage before demand increases. Precipitation: 6 days Temperature: 10°C
June
With the sun finally shining, most Finns jump at the chance to spend their long-awaited summer vacation in June. One of the biggest holidays in Finland is midsummer, usually on the weekend closest to June 25. Tradition is to spend the holidays in summer cottages and with bonfires on midsummer evening. Cities almost get deserted during the holiday weekend and the sun doesn’t set at all in Lapland. The weather can still be a bit chilly, especially further north, but this is still a good time of year to visit Finland and partake in an old tradition. Precipitation: 8 days Temperature: 15°C
July
This is when summer really kicks off in Finland, and the whole country comes alive for a month to take advantage of the short period of warmth and sunshine, with festivals and special events across the country. You can generally expect a heat wave this month, but the effects of climate change can also bring sudden and unexpected heavy rains. The Finnish countryside is at its best right now and perfect for cruising, fishing or berry picking as long as you use plenty of insect repellent. The big downside is that the midnight sun can make sleeping nearly impossible without blackout curtains or an eye mask. Precipitation: 10 days Temperature: 17°C
August
In August, children go back to school and summer holidays in Finland end as temperatures begin to drop faster than in the rest of Europe. However, the weather is still generally fine, especially in the south, so it’s a more peaceful and relaxing time for a late summer break. Now is the time to go shopping, as most stores are having huge sales to make room for their Christmas stock. Precipitation: 11 days Temperature: 15°C
September
Finland’s autumn is short but highly underestimated. The weather is cold and wet, but not in such a way as to make accessibility difficult. The towns may be a bit gray and grim, but you can still practice your photography, watch the birds migrate, or enjoy indoor activities as the tourist season is over. The Northern Lights start again in Lapland, especially around the autumn night on September 21, but the increased cloud cover makes it difficult to see at times. Precipitation: 11 days Temperature: 10°C
