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    When does the snow melt in Finland?

    The spring thaw from the south coast to Lapland.

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    Short answer

    Visit Finland says snow melts first on the southern coast, while Lapland keeps its snow into May. The Finnish Meteorological Institute says spring starts in early April in the southwest, later in April elsewhere and in early May in northernmost Lapland. Lake ice is still thickest in early April, so the thaw on lakes comes later than on land.

    Weather & Seasons

    Why

    1. Visit Finland says snow melts first on the southern coast and Lapland keeps its snow into May.
    2. FMI says spring starts in early May in northernmost Lapland.
    3. According to FMI, lake ice is thickest in early April, at 50 to 65 cm.

    Details

    The melt brings slush, floods in some river valleys and wet forest paths. Spring ice on lakes becomes weak and dangerous even when it still looks thick.

    Tip

    Avoid walking on lakes or the sea in spring. Melting ice can break suddenly.

    What may differ

    The timing varies a lot between years. After a snowy winter Lapland's fells can keep snow patches into June.

    Common misconception

    All snow in Finland melts by March.

    What actually happens

    The south may be snow-free by April, but Lapland keeps snow into May.

    People also ask

    • Is there snow in Lapland in May?
    • When is the ice gone from Finnish lakes?
    • Is April a good month for 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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