When does autumn start in Finland?
When autumn arrives in different parts of Finland and what it brings.
Short answer
The Finnish Meteorological Institute says autumn begins when the daily mean temperature stays below 10 °C. This happens in the last week of August in northern Finland and about a month later in southwestern Finland. Autumn brings the ruska colours, cooler nights and the return of dark skies for northern lights.
Why
- FMI says autumn starts in the last week of August in northern Finland.
- According to FMI, autumn arrives about a month later in southwestern Finland.
- Visit Finland says ruska begins in Lapland in late August.
Details
Autumn ends when winter starts, in mid-October in Lapland and in November in most of Finland, so autumn in the north is short.
Tip
For autumn colours and mild weather together, visit the Lakeland in mid-September.
What may differ
In calendar terms Finns often call September to November autumn, but the weather follows the thermal seasons.
Common misconception
Autumn starts in September everywhere in Finland.
What actually happens
In the north autumn can begin in late August, a month before the southwest.
People also ask
- Is September autumn in Finland?
- When is the best time for autumn colours?
- How long is autumn in 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 & SeasonsRelated questions
-
When does the snow melt in Finland?
Visit Finland says snow melts first on the southern coast, while Lapland keeps its snow into May.
-
What is the weather like in Helsinki in winter?
Visit Finland gives typical winter temperatures of -3 to -8 °C in Helsinki.
-
When is the best time for skiing in Lapland?
Late winter and spring are the best time.
-
Can the northern lights be predicted?
Only to a limited degree.