Helsinki Weather in January
Thinking of visiting Helsinki in January? Expect very low temperatures reaching -1°C (30°F) during the day, dropping to -7°C (19°F) at night, with some snowfall likely.
Rainfall in Helsinki in January
Typically around 20 days of snowfall are expected, averaging 57 mm (2.2 in) for the month. This is a month with many wet days but modest rainfall totals, so showers are generally light and easy to manage.
Temperature in Helsinki in January
Daytime temperatures in Helsinki reach -1°C (30°F) in January, dropping to -7°C (19°F) at night. Experience the winter season in January. Even daytime conditions remain cold, making layers, a warm coat, and winter accessories a good idea. With overnight lows of -7°C (19°F), temperatures fall below freezing at night. An extra thick blanket can make a real difference if your accommodation runs cold. This month is particularly chilly, so wearing layers is necessary to stay warm and comfortable.
Sunshine in Helsinki in January
The area experiences limited sunny days, amounting to roughly 39 hours of sunshine. This makes it perfect for those who lean towards cooler, cloudier settings rather than intense sunlit days.
Wind Speed in Helsinki in January
Wind speeds average 4 m/s (8 knots) during January. At this speed, expect moderate winds that can raise dust and move small branches. Since this is an average, some days have gentle light winds while others experience stronger breezes that are quite noticeable.
Average water temperature in January
The water sits at 0°C (32°F) this month, which is well below what most people consider swimmable. Wetsuits help, but expect it to still feel cold.January in Helsinki can still be great, but if you prefer pleasant temperatures along with dry and sunny conditions, our weather planner can help you explore other options in the world.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Finland, check out our Helsinki's climate page.
Helsinki Temperature in January
Min Temperature
-7°C (19°F)
Max Temperature
-1°C (30°F)
Water Temperature
0°C (32°F)
Chance of Rain
67%
Precipitation
57 mm (2.2 in)
Rainy days
20 days
Humidity
88%
Windspeed
4 m/s (8 knots)
Sunshine
39 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
51-year average (1976-2026)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Helsinki typically stay consistent throughout January, with daily highs averaging around -1°C (30°F). Nights are very cold, with lows typically ranging from -10°C (14°F) to -6°C (21°F).
Average temperatures in January
Daily Historical Precipitation
51-year average (1976-2026)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in January
Historical weather for Helsinki in January
Browse day-by-day weather records for Helsinki spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Helsinki historical weather extremes in January
The extremes listed below come from historical weather data collected in Helsinki from 1976 through 2025.
- The warmest day in January was on January 15, 2020, with a maximum of 8°C (46°F).
- The heaviest January precipitation occurred on January 11, 1979, when 27 mm (1.1 in) of precipitation fell.
Best Places in Finland in January
Find out more about the weather in Finland and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Finland in January →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
What to Wear in Helsinki in January
Winter clothing is essential for visiting Helsinki in January. If you have a heavy coat, waterproof boots with good traction, and plenty of warm layers it's smart to bring them. Pack cloths like thermal underwear, wool socks, and insulated gloves. Rain gear is recommended, you can expect wet weather on multiple days. With water temperatures around 0°C (32°F), the water is quite cold for swimming. You can skip the swimwear unless you're particularly tough. With limited sunshine expected, sunglasses aren't a priority for packing.What To Do in Helsinki in January
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Finland, check out our Helsinki's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp
See the full Helsinki climate overview or explore weather in Finland.
