In this article we will tell you about the climate in Finland. So, this is the northernmost European country, a quarter of whose territory is located beyond the Arctic Circle. Despite this location, it is blown by the warm winds of the Atlantic, heated by the Gulf Stream. According to the climate classification of W. Koeppen, the territory of this state should be attributed to the zone of forests and snows, with cold and wet winters. The average annual air temperature in the capital is +5 degrees. The summer maximum in the north reaches 30 degrees, and in winter the thermometer often drops below -20.
But nature is allowed to break records. In 1999, a winter minimum was recorded in the Kittila community in Lapland, and it was -51 degrees. In the summer of 2010, it was +37 in Liperi in North Karelia. Cold air in winter and sultry summer, penetrates into the territory of this state also from Russia. Therefore, in Imatra and Lappeenranta, in winter, it is several degrees lower than in the city of Helsinki. It is over the territory of Suomi that arctic and tropical air currents meet. Therefore, the climate in Finland is changeable, often with weather surprises.
Finnish meteorologists usually make accurate forecasts for only three days. Because what the weather will be like in the coming week can already be said with a slightly lesser degree of probability. Finland has long winters adorned with northern lights and moderately warm summers. Spring is quite bright, in the southern regions it begins at the end of March, and in the north it starts at the end of April. Autumn pleases with a riot of colors, it comes early and lasts long enough. In the very north of the country, white nights last as long as 73 days. 200 days a year, tourists can observe the unique phenomenon of the Northern Lights.
Snow in the south lies for four months and melts in early April, in the north it lasts up to seven months and begins to melt only by mid-May. In the southern regions, precipitation falls twice as much as beyond the Arctic Circle. Winds play a decisive role in the climate in Finland. They are usually western or southwestern from the Atlantic, with frequent cyclones. Winter in these parts is more like a revived fairy tale and thousands of tourists rush here for magical experiences. Where, if not here, can you take a picture with him and get a real gift from him?
Photo: skeeze / pixabay.com And also have the opportunity to see the northern lights, incomparable in their beauty? There are many ski resorts that are in no way inferior to European ones in terms of comfort and equipment. And the climate in Finland gives no reason to doubt a successful season. Spring is extremely swift, but very bright and memorable. With spring already in full swing in Russia, skiing is still possible in some parts of the country. Summer comes according to the calendar, but it can hardly be called hot.
But it should be noted that the temperature is quite comfortable and averages about 20 degrees. The berry and mushroom season starts from mid-July and lasts until September. This is a great time to travel to admire the local beauties. It is very beautiful here in autumn, although it is already getting cool outside and it often rains. But the palette of colors is amazing and I want to transfer all this beauty to the canvas. Tell me, after reading this, do you still have doubts about going to this amazingly beautiful country and seeing it all with your own eyes?
After all, even the climate in Finland is conducive to doing this. And if you are lucky enough to see all this with your own eyes, then you will probably think for sure that there can be a real fairy tale in our life. Using the link above, you can independently see the weather in Imatra for the next few days. If you need another city, then on the left at the very top, select the settlement you need. In our next article you can, where you will find out how different the time is between Moscow and Helsinki.
In the north of the country and in the central part of the country the climate is temperate continental. The influence of the warm North Atlantic Current is noticeable. The coldest month is January. The average minimum temperature at this time drops to -18...-20 degrees, the maximum reaches -7...-9 degrees. The hottest time of the year is July. The average minimum temperature at this time drops to +8...+10 degrees, the maximum reaches +19...+21 degrees. The least precipitation falls in February and March, in which their monthly amount is from 15 to 25 mm. The rainiest time of the year is July and August, in which the monthly amount of precipitation is from 65 to 80 mm.
In the south-west of the country, the climate has a transitional character from continental to maritime. Therefore, winters are milder here, and summers are warmer and wetter. January remains the coldest month. In it, the average minimum temperature drops to -10...-12 degrees, the maximum reaches -2...-4 degrees. The hottest time of the year is July, August. The average minimum temperature at this time is +10...+12 degrees, the maximum reaches +21...+23 degrees. The least precipitation falls in March, from 20 to 30 mm. The rainiest time of the year is August, with monthly precipitation ranging from 70 to 86 mm.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Finland is late spring. The fishing season runs from May to September.
is a northern European country. Its territory is mostly located beyond the Arctic Circle, so the climate here varies from south to north, from temperate to continental. Despite the geographical location of the country, the northern cold is being replaced by warming. Particular warming is noticeable in the summer.
Summer in this country pleases locals and tourists with warm weather. The summer season here is not characterized by unbearable heat. Very rarely in June in the southern regions of the country the temperature can rise to +27 degrees. In general, the daytime temperature can be +20, and at night it drops slightly. In summer, it is warmest in where the temperature is +22 degrees, but in Lapeerante it is a little colder - the air warms up to +19 degrees. Precipitation is typical in June, up to about 44 mm per month. Sometimes the weather can be distinguished by cool northeast winds, the speed of which can reach 5 m/s.
The weather in Finland in summer is generally conducive to relaxation. June precipitation stops at the end of the month and clear sunny days of July begin. Depending on weather conditions, the swimming season starts in mid-June or early July. Sea water and shallow lakes warm up to about +19 degrees. Also, an ideal condition for relaxation is low humidity - only 20%. The July weather is significantly influenced by the Gulf Stream, which is why the climate here is mild and temperate continental. Also, the weather directly depends on the division of the country by the Arctic Circle. Partly cloudy is often observed in July. Sometimes sunny weather gives way to thunderstorms. In July, southeast winds can declare themselves, which bring pleasant warmth with them. The coolest even in July is Kouvola.
The weather in Finland in summer is ideal for. Time spent with a fishing rod on the shore of a crystal clear lake will give you an unforgettable experience and peace of mind. The water temperature in local reservoirs still remains +19 degrees. The lakes of this country are shallow and warm up very quickly. The weather changes significantly in August: the air temperature drops sharply, humidity rises, and clear days give way to cloudy and rainy. However, in August the weather is also clear and sunny, and allows you to enjoy your vacation.
Finland has always attracted tourists. The weather in this country is unpredictable, so you should stock up on warm clothes for cool evenings, an umbrella and a raincoat for rainy days. In sunny weather, you can have a great time on the water, but in cloudy weather you can visit sights, appreciate cultural programs and excursions.
Weather in Finland
Finland lies in several climatic zones. A temperate climate prevails. The coast is located in the maritime climate zone. The northern regions are dominated by a continental climate. However, the general climatic conditions, characterized by thaws and the presence of fairly warm periods, are much less severe than, for example, in neighboring Scandinavian countries.
The lowest temperatures can be traced in February, when the thermometer drops to -6 degrees, and in the north of the country, in Lapland - to -16 degrees. The most hot days are in July. The air temperature rises to +17 +19. And even in the north, the temperature in summer rarely drops below +12 +14 degrees.
Variety of climatic zones of the country
Finland with its snowy expanses, icy lakes, cold rivers attracts tourists from all over the world who prefer skiing or reindeer safari, swimming in the warm sea and sunbathing on sandy beaches. - these are comfortable ski resorts, hot Finnish saunas, ice fishing and long ski walks between snow-covered hills.
One of the most popular types of recreation in Finland is fishing, thanks to the huge number of rivers, streams and lakes filled with a wide variety of fish. Moreover, lovers of the fishing process itself gather here, when the number of fish caught does not matter. According to the rules of fishing, all fish caught by the fishermen must be released back into the water. You can relax after fishing in specially equipped reservoirs on the banks, which provide everything you need for comfort and coziness.
Monthly weather in Finland
Average t (o C) during the day |
||||||
Fabulous Finland attracts tourists primarily with the beauty of its forests, snow-covered plains, northern lights and white nights. Here you can not only go fishing or go skiing from the mountains, but also visit Santa Claus himself. But going to Finland is well prepared for the cold surprises of the local climate.
Climate zones of Finland
The weather in Finland is quite severe compared to other European countries. A temperate climatic zone of two types passes through the territory of the country.
Continental temperate climate captures the northern, central and eastern parts of the country. Its main difference is cold winters with heavy snows and not hot summers. Winter is characterized by temperatures in the range of -20°C, it begins in the second half of September and ends in early May. Summer is cool, the air heats up to +19°C. Spring is bright and fast. Autumn is almost not felt, winter comes immediately.
To the south and west, the climate gently changes into maritime continental. Thanks to the warm air masses from the Atlantic Ocean and the location near the seas, the weather conditions here are milder. Winter lasts from November to April, the temperature in the cold months is around -7°C. It happens that the Gulf of Bothnia and the Gulf of Finland freeze completely. In summer, the air warms up to + 25 ° C, it often rains. The water in the seas and reservoirs is cold for swimming.
Cyclones come to Finland from the west all year round. They bring strong winds, heavy rainfall and cloudy skies. Therefore, sunny days in Finland are a minority. The amount of precipitation falls more near the coast, and decreases towards the northern territories. The height of the snow cover, on the contrary, increases from south to north.
Beyond the Arctic Circle in the area Lapland polar nights are observed in winter. This is the period when the sun does not rise above the horizon, as a result, it is night during the day. In summer, on the contrary, the celestial body at sunset approaches the horizon and stays like that until morning. Such nights are called white.
Concerning Lapland (Rovaniemi), then this is where the residence of Santa Claus is located. Children and parents can see him and visit Santa Park, where the holiday of fun reigns, and the elves bake gingerbread and prepare gifts for Christmas.
Tourist seasons in Finland
During the year, Finland is visited by up to 7 million tourists. One third of them are residents of Russia. The rest are citizens of Estonia, Sweden, Germany, China, Japan and the UK.
Most visited city - capital Helsinki. In addition to it, excursions are conducted to nature reserves and cultural attractions of cities ( Turku, Tampere, Oulu, Porvoo, Kuopio). The favorable period for this is May, the beginning of June and September, you can go in the summer, but it can be rainy.
Fishing in Finland is the pride of the country. Large specimens of fish are caught in the north (Inari, Kuusamo), south (Turku, Saimaa), west (Oulu, Vasa) and the Aland Islands. To fish, you need to purchase a license. Fishing can be practiced all year round, but there are different seasons for different types of fish.
Lovers come to Finland from October to May ski resorts. The slopes, excellent in quality and service, are well suited for beginners and people of an average level of preparedness, but there are also "black" slopes for professionals. The best resorts are Levi, Puhya-Luosto, Frisky, Vuokatti, Salla, Rovaniemi, Ruka, Ylläs, Uuperinrinteet.
During the Christmas holidays there is a lot of tourist activity, especially in Rovaniemi, the birthplace of Santa Claus.
A bright event in the life of the Finnish people is the holiday Johannus, held annually on Saturday between June 20 and 26 to celebrate the summer solstice. Residents go out on a large scale for picnics, burn huge bonfires, and organize folklore entertainment.
From June to August in the south (Pori, Kotki, Helsinki) and west (Kalajoki, Oulu) the beach season opens. Temperatures are comfortable for sunbathing and relaxing on the coast, but only lovers of coolness can swim in the water (+18°C). It is worth considering that swimming in the waters of Finland is possible only in permitted places, and the Finns strictly monitor this.
Medical resorts and spas located throughout the country are gaining great popularity. They are visited all year round.
The mysterious northern lights - Aurora Borealis - are observed in northern Lapland (Utsjoki, Sodankylä) from September to March. His sudden appearance is visible every other clear night from 9 pm to midnight.
The polar night in the north (Utsjoki) lasts from November 25 to January 16, the closer to the south, the fewer days it lasts. But the white night of Lapland begins on May 17 and ends on July 27, to the south of Finland the period decreases.
Monthly weather in Finland
January
The coldest month. The fallen snow covers the entire territory of the country. The air is frosty (sometimes up to -20°С), frequent cloudiness. Until the middle of the month in the north there is a polar night. In other regions, daylight hours last several hours.
At the beginning of the month, many tourists visit the Christmas markets in Helsinki. After that, winter sales begin, when you can buy quality items at low prices.
Good time for ice fishing for pike, burbot and grayling.
February
The frost is still holding on. It doesn't snow often and the humidity isn't high. Daylight hours are slowly increasing. There are sunny days. On clear nights, you can see the northern lights closer to the northern regions.
The ski season is at its peak (Levi, Ylläs, Vuokatti). Tourists spend time in cozy cafes and Finnish saunas.
March
March is still winter. Temperatures are gradually rising, but the snow cover does not melt. Precipitation practically does not descend. Light day is 9-12 hours. Sometimes a strong wind blows.
A great time for active sports, skiers and snowboarders come en masse (Himos, Ellivuori). As long as the snow stays and the frost is not severe, the guests ride in reindeer and dog sleds.
April
Spring comes to the south and west of Finland. The snow melts, the first bloom appears. There is little precipitation, but the snow turns into rain. Light day from 12 to 15 hours. In the mornings there is ice on the roads.
Snow lies in the north, so skiers do not miss the opportunity to ride. Prices for ski services are falling. The fishing season begins in coastal regions and on the Åland Islands.
May
In May, spring reaches the north. The snow melts quickly, the glades are covered with greenery and flowers. Most sunny days. Temperatures are pleasant for nature walks. Sometimes there are frosts at night.
The ideal time for excursions to the sights of major cities (Helsinki, Tampere, Turku). Fishermen start fishing for salmon.
June
Summer is coming. Days please with warmth and sunshine, only in the north there can be frosts at night. A month of white nights in the north and long daylight hours in other parts. Rain is rare.
There is a large influx of tourists who want to get acquainted with the cities and Finnish nature. Tour prices are on the rise. Since June it is allowed to fish for zander.
Throughout Finland, many festivals and celebrations are held in June. The most popular among them is the international festival Ruisrock (Turku), where you can listen to rock and jazz music, visit the fair and interesting shows.
July
The hottest month. Temperatures in the south sometimes rise to + 30 ° C, in the north it is a little colder. Off the southwest coast, you can sunbathe on the beaches, but the bathing water is cool. From the middle of the month the rains become more frequent.
There is a maximum influx of tourists to the sights of cities and ecological recreation in Finland. Tours are overpriced. A good time to taste strawberries and raspberries.
August
The rainiest month. With heavy rain comes high humidity. But the rains are not long, after them the sun appears. In the north, the first snow falls, frosts occur at night.
Large-scale sales of clothes, shoes and accessories of famous brands begin. It is nice to visit beaches and health resorts, and also get acquainted with the culture of the country on excursions.
September
With autumn comes the cold. In the south, instead of rain, the first snow may fall. It's snowing in the north. Light day is 10-14 hours. There are strong gusts of wind.
The last warm days in the south are conducive to walks around the capital Helsinki. The most interesting in it are the Sveaborg fortress and the church in the rock, and families with children will be curious to visit the zoo, the sea center and the Linnanmäki amusement park.
October
Frosts are falling across the country. Strong winds break, it often rains with snow in the south, snowfalls in the north. The sun sets after 5-6 pm.
But October is beautiful with golden-red landscapes, which by the end of the month are showered with leaf fall. Tourists are leaving the country and prices are dropping. It's time for lovers of peace and quiet. On the Åland Islands, they organize fishing with artificial bait.
November
The Finnish winter is in full swing. Snow is all over the place. There are few sunny days, especially since daylight hours are reduced to 6 hours.
In November, the lull of the tourist season. Visiting tourists spend their time visiting the sights of the cities, alternating them with gatherings in warm cafes. There are snow tracks for skiers in the mountains (Puhä-Luosto, Friski, Rovaniemi).
December
Temperatures are in the minuses, the ground is covered with snow. The air is dry, so extreme cold is easily tolerated. Sometimes the Bothnian and Finnish straits freeze. In the north, the whole month is polar night, and the streets are illuminated by lanterns around the clock. Closer to the south, the sun sets by 15:00.
A lot of tourists come to the Christmas holidays to celebrate the New Year and get to know the country. Santa's Village is especially popular on the eve of the holidays. In the north on a clear night you can see the northern lights.
What to take on a trip to Finland
First of all, a well-chosen wardrobe is important in Finland. Since the country is cold most of the year, you need to take warm clothes with you.
You should dress according to the principle of several layers in order to take off an extra sweater in time if it gets hot. With active actions, the human body heats up and releases moisture, therefore, ideally, thermal underwear should be the first layer of clothing on a person. Then you should put on woolen clothes, as wool retains heat well. Outerwear should be windproof and waterproof. It is better to take comfortable and waterproof shoes, preferably with thick soles.
In the summer, you can walk in shorts with a T-shirt, and in a dress, but you should always have a down jacket at hand.
In winter, lip balm and moisturizer will come in handy when traveling, as the air becomes dry and the winds are strong. In summer and autumn, a raincoat and an umbrella will not hurt.
In summer, mosquitoes appear throughout the country. To avoid contact with them, you can take mosquito sprays, and a fumigator in the room.
For long trips, you need a first aid kit with the necessary set: plasters, bruises, painkillers, medicines for colds and intestinal disorders.
The currency of Finland is the euro, so when I go to the country it is worth taking them. You can pay with credit cards, but if you withdraw currency from them, then ATMs take a decent commission.
Professional skiers, snowboarders or cyclists take their equipment to Finland. If you don’t have one or don’t want to drive, then you can rent it near the ski resorts. Similarly with fishing - special gear and boats are rented.
Weather in cities and resorts by months
Helsinki
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | sen | Oct | But I | Dec | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average maximum, °C | -1 | -2 | 2 | 8 | 14 | 19 | 22 | 20 | 15 | 9 | 4 | 1 | |
| Average minimum, °C | -7 | -7 | -4 | 1 | 6 | 11 | 14 | 13 | 9 | 4 | -1 | -5 |
Vantaa
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | sen | Oct | But I | Dec | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average maximum, °C | -2 | -3 | 2 | 9 | 16 | 20 | 23 | 21 | 15 | 9 | 3 | -1 | |
| Average minimum, °C | -8 | -9 | -5 | -0 | 5 | 10 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 3 | -2 | -6 |
Kuopio
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | sen | Oct | But I | Dec | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average maximum, °C | -6 | -6 | -0 | 6 | 14 | 19 | 22 | 19 | 13 | 6 | -0 | -4 | |
| Average minimum, °C | -13 | -13 | -8 | -2 | 4 | 10 | 14 | 12 | 7 | 2 | -4 | -10 |
Lahti
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | sen | Oct | But I | Dec | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average maximum, °C | -2 | -3 | 1 | 8 | 16 | 19 | 22 | 19 | 13 | 7 | 1 | -1 | |
| Average minimum, °C | -11 | -12 | -7 | -2 | 4 | 8 | 11 | 10 | 5 | 2 | -2 | -8 |
Oulu
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | sen | Oct | But I | Dec | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average maximum, °C | -6 | -6 | -1 | 6 | 13 | 18 | 21 | 18 | 13 | 6 | -0 | -4 | |
| Average minimum, °C | -14 | -13 | -9 | -3 | 3 | 9 | 12 | 10 | 5 | 1 | -6 | -11 |
Loading...
