Climate and Weather of Finland
Finland has a temperate continental climate with a fairly even distribution of precipitation throughout the year. In the southwest, summers are warm, while the rest of the country experiences milder summers. Despite its northern position, Finland is warmer than many other countries situated at the same latitude, primarily due to the proximity of warm seawater and the absence of high mountains.Winter in Finland lasts from December to March. February is typically the coldest month, with average maximum temperatures ranging from a brisk -8°C in Kilpisjärvi to a slightly milder 1°C in Mariehamn. Snowfall in February is significant, with Nellimö receiving an average of 31 mm and Kilpisjärvi registering 56 mm. The limited sunshine during this period, especially in Helsinki with its approximate 72 hours of sunlight, contrasts sharply with the bright summer months.
The summer season runs from June to September. By July, Finland basks in moderate to warm temperatures. Climate data from 1990 to 2020 indicates that Kilpisjärvi averages a daytime high of 15°C, while Laukkoski can climb to 24°C. Rainfall varies during this month, with Kökar witnessing an average of 49 mm and Kilpisjärvi receiving a considerable 109 mm. Helsinki, in July, enjoys its wettest and warmest conditions, though it also benefits from about 291 hours of sunshine.
For travelers, the best time to visit Finland is from May to September. Remarkably, a quarter of Finland's landmass lies within the Arctic Circle, granting visitors the unique phenomenon of the midnight sun during this period. At Finland's northernmost tip, the sun doesn't set for an astounding 73 consecutive days in summer. In stark contrast, the sun remains below the horizon for 51 days in winter, a time when the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis graces the skies.
Another intriguing aspect of Finland is its increasing land area. Due to the post-glacial rebound that followed the last ice age, Finland's surface area grows by approximately 7 square kilometers (2.70 sq mi) annually.
Are you interested in more detailed information for various cities in Finland?
Please select the city you plan to visit, or one closest to your destination. For each selected city, you will see the following graphs:
1. Yearly average minimum and maximum temperatures
2. Monthly averages of precipitation throughout the year (rainfall, snow etc)
3. Monthly average hours of sunshine throughout the year
Additionally, some pages provide historical weather data such as humidity, wind speed, and water temperature.