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    How are the seasons defined in Finland?

    The temperature rule behind the seasons and why they differ by region.

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    Short answer

    The Finnish Meteorological Institute uses thermal seasons. Winter is when the daily mean temperature stays below 0 °C, spring is when it rises from 0 to 10 °C, summer is when it stays above 10 °C, and autumn is when it falls back below 10 °C. Because temperatures differ so much, each season starts at very different times in the south and in Lapland.

    Weather & Seasons

    Why

    1. FMI defines winter as the time when the daily mean temperature is below 0 °C.
    2. According to FMI, summer is the period when the daily mean stays above 10 °C.
    3. FMI notes that season lengths vary greatly from year to year.

    Details

    Winter is the longest season: about 100 days in the southwest and 200 in Lapland. Spring is the shortest at 45 to 65 days.

    Tip

    When planning a trip, look at the season in your destination, not the calendar month. May is spring in Helsinki and still winter on Lapland's fells.

    What may differ

    In everyday speech Finns also use calendar seasons, and Lapland is often described as having eight seasons, including kaamos and the midnight sun.

    Common misconception

    Finland only has two seasons: a long winter and a short summer.

    What actually happens

    Finland has four clear seasons. Winter is the longest and spring the shortest.

    People also ask

    • Does Finland have four seasons?
    • What is the longest season in Finland?
    • What are the eight seasons of Lapland?

    Sources

    This answer is for reference only. Weather varies a lot from year to year, so check the forecast of the Finnish Meteorological Institute before you travel.

    Weather & Seasons
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