Weather, seasons and when to go
Finland reaches from the southern coast to the Arctic, so the right month depends on where you go and what you want to see. Weather, daylight, prices and packing by season.
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What is the coldest month in Finland?
Late January and February.
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How are the seasons defined in Finland?
The Finnish Meteorological Institute uses thermal seasons.
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What is the weather like in Finland in October?
October is grey and wet in much of Finland.
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What is the weather like in Finland in September?
September is cool and colourful.
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What is the weather like in Lapland in March?
March is one of the best months in Lapland.
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What is the weather like in Finland in December?
December is the darkest month.
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When does summer start in Finland?
By the meteorological definition, summer is the time when the daily mean temperature stays above 10 °C.
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When does spring start in Finland?
Spring begins when the daily mean temperature rises above zero.
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How long is winter in Finland?
Finnish meteorologists define winter as the period when the daily mean temperature stays below zero.
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When do lakes freeze in Finland?
According to the Finnish Meteorological Institute, lakes freeze in late November or early December.
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When are the autumn colours (ruska) in Finland?
Ruska, the Finnish word for autumn colours, starts first in Lapland, where the dwarf birches turn gold in the last weeks of August.
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What should you wear in Finland in autumn?
Bring waterproof layers.
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What should you wear in Finland in summer?
Pack for changing weather.
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How deep is the snow in Finland?
Snow is usually deepest around mid-March.
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Is there snow in Helsinki in December?
It is not guaranteed.
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How long does the snow season last in Lapland?
In central and northern Lapland the ground is covered with snow for more than six months a year, and winter lasts about seven months.