Helsinki Weather in May
With daytime temperatures of 16°C (61°F) and nighttime lows of 6°C (43°F), May in Helsinki brings moderate temperatures during the day. Some rainfall is to be expected during the month.
Rainfall in Helsinki in May
Expect around 10 days of rain based on historical data, with 48 mm (1.9 in) average. The rainfall pattern this month is fairly balanced. Showers tend to be moderate rather than extreme.
Temperature in Helsinki in May
In May, expect moderate temperatures in Helsinki, with highs of 16°C (61°F) and lows of 6°C (43°F) at night. The difference between afternoon and evening temperatures is usually noticeable. At 6°C (43°F) overnight, it gets properly cold after dark. On the bright side, cold nights tend to make for excellent sleeping conditions.
Sunshine in Helsinki in May
The month enjoys around 275 hours of sunshine, creating mostly sunny days with good weather conditions.
Wind Speed in Helsinki in May
Average wind speeds reach 3 m/s (6 knots) in May, creating light breezes that feel pleasant throughout the day. Some days are calmer, while others bring slightly more active breezes.
Average water temperature in May
With water temperatures around 4°C (39°F), swimming isn't really an option for most visitors. The cold sets in quickly and a wetsuit won't fully solve it.Our weather planner can help you find worldwide destinations with pleasant weather during this period. June, July and August typically offer the best weather for Helsinki.
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 May
Min Temperature
6°C (43°F)
Max Temperature
16°C (61°F)
Water Temperature
4°C (39°F)
Chance of Rain
34%
Precipitation
48 mm (1.9 in)
Rainy days
10 days
Humidity
65%
Windspeed
3 m/s (6 knots)
Sunshine
275 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Helsinki typically rise from around 12°C (54°F) at the start of May to approximately 17°C (63°F) by the end. Nights are cold, with lows typically ranging from 2°C (36°F) to 8°C (46°F).
Average temperatures in May
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in May
Historical weather for Helsinki in May
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 May
Based on weather observations in Helsinki between 1976 and 2026, these are the recorded extremes during May.
- The hottest May day on record in Helsinki reached 29°C (84°F) (May 30, 1995).
- On May 19, 1980, Helsinki saw its coldest May day with temperatures maxing out at 2°C (36°F).
- Helsinki registered its coldest May night on May 10, 2017, with temperatures dropping to -5°C (23°F).
Best Places in Finland in May
Find out more about the weather in Finland and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Finland in May →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
What to Wear in Helsinki in May
The weather can be unpredictable in May, so pack clothes you can easily mix and match. You could bring jeans, other long pants, and a few t-shirts. A light jacket or light sweater will be pleasant for the cooler moments. Rain is likely on several days, so bring a good rain jacket. Expect water temperatures of around 4°C (39°F), which is definitely too cold for comfortable swimming. Your luggage space is better used for other items. You'll definitely want to pack sunglasses and sunscreen. There will be plenty of bright sunshine this month.What To Do in Helsinki in May
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.
