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Finland

Finland is a year-round destination – with much to see and do beyond visiting Lapland. Winters are great for outdoor activities like downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, skating and ice-swimming. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to see the Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland. Helsinki is the perfect combination of urban and outdoors, lively and laid-back – perfect for a short-break.

What you’ll love most about Finland

  • Explore Helsinki, Finland’s stylish capital, where modern design meets historic charm in landmarks like the Helsinki Cathedral, Suomenlinna Fortress, and the lively Market Square
  • Witness the magical Northern Lights in Lapland, where you can stay in glass igloos, take a husky sled ride, and experience the untouched Arctic wilderness
  • Discover Finland’s thousands of lakes and islands, perfect for kayaking, fishing, and relaxing in traditional lakeside saunas
  • Visit Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, where you can meet reindeer, cross the Arctic Circle, and embrace the festive spirit year-round
  • Experience the tranquility of the Finnish countryside, with vast forests, wooden cottages, and endless opportunities for hiking, foraging, and connecting with nature
  • Cruise through the stunning Turku Archipelago, hopping between scenic islands, exploring medieval castles, and enjoying fresh seafood by the Baltic Sea

Please note that the estimated temperature, rainfall and recommended months of when to go are based on Helsinki’s weather patterns

Where to Book

  • Nuuksio National Park

  • Ice skating on Taipalsaari's Lake Saimaa - Visit Finland/Mikko Nikkinen

  • Enjoying a sauna experience - Visit Finland/Harri Tarvainen

  • Bear family in the Finnish Taiga

  • Mother and daughter relaxing in a Finnish hut

  • Meat board - Visit Finland/Elina Manninen/Keksit

  • Pallas Yllästunturi, autumn - Visit Finland/Julia Kivela

  • Northern lights, Nanguniemi Lake, Inari, Lapland - Visit Finland/Pertti Turunen

  • Ice floating - Visit Finland/Icebreaker Sampo

  • Traditional lakeside holiday cottage in Uurainen - Visit Finland/Jaakko Tahti

  • Mountain biking - Visit Finland/Roll Outdoors

  • Arctic Guesthouse & Igloos - Visit Finland/Jari Romppainen

  • Crossing the Arctic Circle at Santa Claus Village, Lapland - Visit Finland/Rovaniemi

  • Glass igloo interior - Visit Finland/Levi Igloo

  • Lapland fire hut - Visit Finland

  • Snowland Ice Restaurant in Rovaniemi, Lapland - Visit Finland

Average temperature

Information below is based on average highest temperature for each month.

  • -2℃
  • -2℃
  • 2℃
  • 7℃
  • 14℃
  • 19℃
  • 21℃
  • 20℃
  • 15℃
  • 9℃
  • 4℃
  • 1℃
  • 16
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 14
  • 17
  • 15
  • 17
  • 15
  • 20
  • 17
  • 16

Information above is based on the average number of days which experience some form of rainfall for each month.

Rainfall

When to Visit

Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.

January

January in Finland is a winter wonderland, with snow-covered landscapes and magical moments under the Northern Lights. Daytime temperatures typically hover between around -5°C and -15°C, depending on the region.

February

February continues the icy charm, with average temperatures between -6°C and -10°C. This is a perfect time for winter sports like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and dog sledding.

March

March sees temperatures beginning to rise slightly, averaging around -3°C to 2°C. The days are getting longer, and the snow-covered countryside offers stunning opportunities for exploration.

April

April brings a slow transition into spring, with temperatures averaging 2°C to 5°C. While snow may linger in northern areas, cities like Helsinki start to see their first signs of thaw and blooming nature.

May

May introduces milder weather, with daytime highs reaching 10°C or more. Finland’s lakes and forests come to life as nature begins to awaken, and outdoor activities become more inviting.

June

June is a magical time in Finland, with long days and average temperatures around 15°C. The midnight sun creates unique opportunities to explore cities like Helsinki or the countryside without darkness.

July

July is warm and pleasant, with daytime temperatures averaging 20°C. Finns and visitors alike make the most of the lakes, beaches, and outdoor festivals during this perfect summer month.

August

August brings cooler evenings, with temperatures averaging 17°C. While summer’s warmth lingers, there’s a noticeable shift as autumn begins to approach. Hiking and exploring Finland’s national parks are popular activities.

September

September introduces the first signs of autumn, with average temperatures of 10°C. The forests turn vibrant shades of orange and red, offering breathtaking natural landscapes for exploration.

October

October brings cooler days and shorter daylight hours, with temperatures averaging 5°C. Finland begins its journey into the colder months, with cosy atmospheres and seasonal festivals becoming common.

November

November is cold and quiet, with average temperatures of 0°C. Snow begins to fall across the countryside, and the days are short, with only a few hours of daylight. The perfect time to experience Finnish saunas and hygge-like moments.

December

December transforms Finland into a winter wonderland, with temperatures ranging from -5°C to -10°C. Cities are beautifully lit for the holidays, and the snow-covered forests make for picture-perfect winter scenes. This is the ideal time to spot the Northern Lights.

Our Ratings

  • Most Recommended
  • Recommended
  • Highly Recommended
  • Not Recommended

Where to book


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