Planning a trip to Finland? Find out when is the best time to travel!
The question of the best time to travel to Finland doesn't have a straightforward answer. Finland experiences a definite high tourist season during the summer, with July and early August being the warmest months. Winter, including Christmas holidays, is also a popular time, especially for those wishing to celebrate the New Year in the homeland of Santa Claus. On the flip side, the low season in Finland typically falls in November and March-April.
The colder temperatures, accompanied by strong winds, make November and March-April less comfortable for winter vacations. When deciding when to visit Finland, consider your preferences – whether it's witnessing the northern lights, experiencing the white nights, or meeting Joulupukki. tripmydream can assist you in determining the best time for your vacation in Finland; the key is to choose your preferred season and destination.
Winter Vacations in Finland
Experience the enchanting winter wonderland of Finland, where above the Arctic Circle, the snow reaches up to 40 centimeters in thickness, creating a picturesque setting. In the central and southern regions, though slightly less, a guaranteed 10-15 centimeters of snow cover awaits for skiing enthusiasts. From late fall to early spring, immerse yourself in winter landscapes, frozen lakes, and springs that never lose their magical touch.
Don't miss the mesmerizing northern lights that attract visitors worldwide. Explore Rovaniemi, home to the renowned Finnish Santa Claus, Joulupukki. Winter adventures include visits to the Arctic zoo in Ranua, the husky farm in Vuokatti, and the theme park town of Slowland near Rovaniemi. Ski centers, despite the absence of high mountains, remain open throughout winter, inviting you to discover places like Luosto or Levi.
Experience Finland's spring characterized by damp and cold weather. In March, coastal areas and the southwest archipelago witness a gradual melting of snow. Days are often clear and windy, causing freezing nights to create morning ice. By April, the thermometer reads +7°C, and coastal snow finally gives way. May brings about +15°C temperatures, with young grass breaking through the frozen ground in the southern and central regions.
As the sun returns northward, days become warmer, yet occasional cold spells persist, even into late May. Lapland, in some years, has recorded temperatures as low as -30°C in March and -20°C in April. By late May, forested regions and the north experience thawing. It's a good time for excursions to major cities like Helsinki or Turku, though spring is generally considered the low season in Finland.
Experience the moderately warm summer weather in Finland, with daytime temperatures ranging from +19°C to +21°C. July stands out as the warmest month, especially in the southeast, where average daily temperatures are 3°C higher, reaching up to +30°C due to tropical winds from the Atlantic. The coastal southwest is recognized as the sunniest area in Northern Europe.
During the "White Nights" period above the Arctic Circle, enjoy 20 hours of daylight for 73 days. In the south, nights are darker, resembling twilight. Early summer is relatively dry, with July and August bringing heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Summer is perfect for touring, walking, and exploring Finland. Discover Lemmenjoki National Park near Inari, a nature conservation area in Lapland. Explore Petäävesi for lovers of antiquity, and cities like Turku, Imatra, and Helsinki. Visit the Moomin Valley in Tampere, fish, and hunt on the Åland Islands.
In early September, Finland's fall sets in with increasing winds and the arrival of the first frosts, painting landscapes in gold and scarlet. Enjoy pleasant, moderately warm weather in the south until mid-September, after which a sharp turn to colder conditions occurs. In the north, snowfall begins in September, while in other areas, except the coast, it starts in October.
Serious snowfalls are possible, and by mid-autumn, temperatures drop to +5°C in the south and 0°C in the north. November brings squally winds and snowstorms, often turning into heavy rain near Helsinki. Generally, November is not recommended for travel to Finland, but if you're seeking interesting and timely tours, consider using the services of tripmydream. Some ski resorts, like Piucha and Puyo, can be visited quietly in late fall.
