Weather in Helsinki

The climate in Helsinki is quite mild - at least, there are no severe frosts. If in summer the thermometer reads above +25ºC, the locals complain about the terrible heat and track the weather in Helsinki for the next 5 days in the hope of coolness. However, no one gives up the traditional sauna, where the temperature reaches +100ºC!

Regardless of what the weather promises in Helsinki for 14 days ahead, know that it will be windy, as the city center is open to the Baltic Sea from all sides.

Here are some recommendations to help you figure out when it's best to go to Helsinki:

Summer.

"High season" in Finland - from the end of May, all museums and excursions open, which means it's time to go to Helsinki. July is very sunny but not hot - up to +21ºC. On the last Saturday of the month, go to Seurasaari Island, where they light a giant bonfire for the Jóhannus Festival. And in the last days of August, Helsinki hosts Art Night - Artists and musicians entertain the city's residents and tourists all night long.

Summer is a cheaper time to visit Helsinki, with weekend rates at hotels. True, it's harder to find a place, too.

At the start of September, outdoor fun stops in the city - the weather is fickle, so be sure to check the weather in Helsinki for 3 days before arriving.

We recommend visiting the Silakkamarkkinat in early October, when fishing boats from all over the country come to Helsinki and the aroma of pickled and smoked fish wafts over the city. And don't forget to visit Stockmann - in mid-October they organize a huge sale Hullut päivät. In November it's best not to come here at all - Helsinki's week-long weather is not without rain, heavy gray skies and freezing winds.

Winter

From December onwards, the city plunges into the pre-Christmas rush. But strangely enough, Christmas is not the time to visit Helsinki. The Finns consider it a strictly family holiday, with all shops and most cafes closing on December 24 and 25, even transport stops running. Temperatures rarely drop below -3ºC.

In spring, the weather forecast in Helsinki is optimistic: sunny days and +6-14ºC in April-May. One of the most colorful is Vappu, a kind of local May Day. Citizens go out in droves to celebrate and enjoy the traditional Finnish mead sima.