🏙️ Weather in the capital: Helsinki/Espoo/Porvoo — city and sea

The city and the sea: how the breeze changes "comfort"

Even in July, evenings on the waterfront and islands can feel cool, so it's best to wrap up warm! The good news is it's all very simple! Just add a light windproof and waterproof jacket, keep a Buff/thin hat handy, and choose a promenade that is sheltered by buildings or pine trees (Eira, Kaivopuisto, Seurasaari, Espoo Waterfront Walkway). When it comes to swimming, you'll find the water is warmer and much calmer at sheltered bays and piers, making them perfect for a refreshing dip. When you're thinking about going to the sea in Helsinki in July, you can expect it to be between +15...+19°C. If you're in a shallow bay, it'll probably be 1-2°C warmer. If the water cools down after a windy day, just give it a few days to "calm down" before you head to a sheltered strait.

Island trams and ferries: when it's comfortable

If you're looking for a peaceful trip during the summer, then hop on one of our lovely water routes to Suomenlinna, Vallisaari, Lonna and Pihlajasaari. We'll take you there in the calmest weather and with a gentle breeze of up to 6 m/s. But if you're feeling adventurous, you can always go for it and book flexibly, or just wait for the evening when the wind often calms down. Hey, just a heads-up: after fronts, it's important to remember that waves tend to stick around a bit longer than coastal winds. The key thing to consider here is inertia. We know how it is when the weather is bad, you don't want to get stuck in traffic, so please bear in mind that in autumn and winter, schedules can change due to storms. We suggest that you allow extra time and have a "dry" plan in the city.

Where to go "right now": ideas based on the forecast

• Clear calm weather in the morning — Suomenlinna Island and a walk along the bastions, after lunch — Kaivopuisto Park and an evening on the waterfront.
  • Breeze 5–7 m/s — the inner bays of Eira/Katajanokka, cafés by the water; later — the Espoo waterfront, where the paths are shaded by pine trees.
  • Short front — museum + lunch, often "opens up" by 5 p.m.: promenade along Hietaranta or Lauttasaari.
  • Rainy day — old Porvoo: bridges, waterfront and short loops along cobbled streets.

What to take: a "capsule" for the city and the sea

I'd suggest a light windproof and waterproof jacket, fleece/sweater, comfortable shoes with treads (wet granite is slippery), sunglasses and SPF because of the glare on the water. To help you stay safe on the water, we recommend that you have the following items with you:

- life jackets (PFD) for adults and children

- a dry bag for your phone

- thin gloves for windy evenings When the weather is cold and you're not out and about, it's really useful to have compact ice axes and gloves or mittens. And if you can, keep your equipment in a pocket that'll keep it warm – batteries can lose power faster when it's windy.

Safety and logistics

Gusts are more important than average wind speed, as they're what make the waves and can sometimes make it a bit uncomfortable. After the transition from "plus to minus" in the morning, there's a chance of "black ice" – so please drive carefully on embankments and bridges, and be patient with each other on the roads. It's always best to stay safe and go out on the water in closed bays where you can see all around you. And if you're with children, why not go for a swim near the shore and then warm up afterwards? If you're heading out in stormy weather, just a heads-up that ferries and water trams might be a bit slower than usual, so it's always best to allow a bit more time.

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