Oulu Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Oulu.
Climate overview of Oulu
Oulu, in northern Finland, is a coastal city known for its university, innovation hubs, and access to nature. Summers tend to be mild and pleasant, while winters are long and very cold. Rainfall is moderate and fairly evenly spread across the seasons. Let’s take a closer look at Oulu’s climate.
Oulu Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Oulu — and find the best time to visit.
Monthly Temperature in Oulu
Depending on the time of the year, temperatures range from pleasant to very cold in Oulu. Average maximum daytime temperatures range from a pleasant 21°C (70°F) in July, the warmest time of the year, to a very cold -4°C (25°F) during cooler months like February.
At night, you can expect temperatures ranging from 13°C (55°F) in July to around -11°C (12°F) during February.
Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Rainfall in Oulu
Generally, Oulu has a moderate amount of precipitation, averaging 659 mm (26 in) of rain/snowfall annually. Significant seasonal changes in precipitation occur throughout the year. In the wettest month, July it receives moderate rainfall, averaging 84 mm (3.3 in) of precipitation, recorded across 14 rainy days. In contrast, the driest month March brings less snowfall, with 35 mm (1.4 in) over 15 snowy days. For more details, please visit our Oulu Precipitation page.
The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow
The average number of days each month with precipitation
Sunshine Hours in Oulu
Seasonal changes in sunshine hours are quite dramatic in Oulu. While June receives considerable daily sunshine with up to 10.0 hours, December marks the darkest time of the year, where sunshine is scarce with only 0.2 hours of sunlight per day.
Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.
Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Daily percentage of sunshine
Water Temperature in Oulu
The mean water temperature over the year ranges from -1°C (30°F) in January to 17°C (63°F) in July.
Water temperature over the year
Humidity in Oulu by Month
The relative humidity is high throughout the year in Oulu.
The city experiences its highest humidity in November, reaching 88%. In June, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 65%. What does this mean? Read our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Wind Speed in Oulu
The mean wind speed over the year ranges from 3 m/s (6 knots) in May, July, August and September to 4 m/s (8 knots) in January, February, March, April, June, October, November and December. What does this mean?
The mean monthly wind speed over the year (meters per second)
Best Time to Visit Oulu
Rainfall during this time ranges from 64 mm (2.5 in) in June to 84 mm (3.3 in) in July. This means you can expect a mix of sunny days and occasional showers. Need help choosing your next travel destination? We offer a specialized tool that matches you with locations based on your weather preferences. Explore destinations that suit your climate preferences.
Frequently asked questions about the climate in Oulu
What is the best time to visit Oulu?
July typically offers the most optimal weather in Oulu. In contrast, January, February, March, April, October, November and December tend to have less optimal conditions. Oulu has a distinct dry season from February to April.
What temperatures can I expect in Oulu?
Daytime highs range from -4°C (25°F) in February to 21°C (70°F) in July. Nighttime lows range from -11°C (12°F) to 13°C (55°F). Temperatures vary considerably through the year.
How much rain does Oulu get?
Annual rainfall is around 659 mm (26 in). July is the wettest month with 84 mm (3.3 in), while March is the driest with 35 mm (1.4 in).
How sunny is Oulu?
Oulu receives around 1,746 hours of sunshine per year. June is the sunniest month with 299 hours, while December is the cloudiest with just 7 hours.
Oulu 3-Day Forecast
Oulu 3-Day Forecast
Oulu on the map
Oulu is highlighted — select any city to see its climate.
Popular this month
Where to go in July — average daytime high across popular destinations.
Helsinki
23°C (73°F) Tampere
22°C (72°F) Turku23°C (73°F) Vuokatti21°C (70°F) Rovaniemi21°C (70°F) Äkäslompolo20°C (68°F) Ruka20°C (68°F) Levi20°C (68°F) 
Bucket list
Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.
Air Guitar World Championship Finland
This is something you might want to add to your bucket list. August is also the perfect time to visit Finland. The days are long and the temperature is amazing.
Sleeping in a glass iglo in Finland
Sleeping in a glass igloo with the Northern Lights shining above you. The most famous place is in the Iglo village in Kakslattaunen. The idea is amazing and definitely something to add to your bucket list.
See the northern lights
The northern lights, polar light or Aarora Borealis is a true spectacle of nature! Green, sometimes purple, red and yellow streaks of light colors the dark skies.