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    When do lakes freeze in Finland?

    When lakes freeze, how thick the ice gets and when it melts.

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    Short answer

    According to the Finnish Meteorological Institute, lakes freeze in late November or early December. The ice grows through the winter and is thickest in early April, at about 50 to 65 cm. In Lapland lakes freeze earlier and melt later than in the south.

    Weather & Seasons

    Why

    1. FMI says lakes freeze in late November or early December.
    2. According to FMI, lake ice is thickest in early April, at 50 to 65 cm.
    3. FMI says winter starts in mid-October in Lapland and in November in most of Finland.

    Details

    These are average figures. Ice thickness varies across one lake, and currents, springs and river mouths keep some spots thin all winter.

    Tip

    Only walk on ice where locals do, such as marked ice roads, ski tracks or guided trips, and carry ice picks.

    What may differ

    The sea freezes later and less reliably than lakes. In mild winters the Gulf of Finland near Helsinki may stay open.

    Common misconception

    Once a lake is frozen, the ice is safe everywhere.

    What actually happens

    Ice thickness varies within the same lake, and early and late winter ice is often weak.

    People also ask

    • Is it safe to walk on frozen lakes in Finland?
    • When does the ice melt in Finland?
    • Does the sea freeze in Helsinki?

    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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