🏞️ Tampere and the central lakes: summer, thunderstorms, SUP

Tampere is a lovely place to live, with two beautiful lakes (Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi), city piers and forest ridges all within easy walking distance. The summer months are lovely and mild, and the water is lovely and warm in the shallow bays. Thunderstorms are short and sweet, and they come and go in no time. This article is full of useful information to help you plan your SUP or kayak trip, including the typical temperature and water ranges for each month, what to do during a thunderstorm, and which "short loops" are the best in changeable weather.

Climate and seasonality: briefly to the point

By spring, the lakes usually thaw by the end of April or May, and the dry trails on the ridges appear faster than those near the water. During the day, temperatures in summer are between +18 and +24 °C, and at night they're about +10 to +15 °C. In July and August, the water in shallow bays is often between +18 and +22 °C. Autumn is a great time to visit in September as it's comfortable and full of beautiful colours, but by October the weather can be windy and wet. In winter, when the ground is thawing out, the embankments can be slippery, so stick to the officially designated routes on the natural ice.

Air, water and light (May–September)

Thunderstorms and rain: how to plan

Summer showers don't usually last long, and thunderstorms are usually pretty localised. The best pace for the day is to be active in the morning (when the water is calm and smooth), wait out the midday peak in a café or museum, and by evening there is often a dry spell. If you hear thunder or see lightning, get out of the water straight away and get to high ground. Stay close to the coast and find shelter. After the front passes, the coastal paths can get slippery, so it's a good idea to wear shoes with good tread and to bring a walking stick.

SUP, kayaking and swimming: safe rapids

Short routes "for any weather forecast"

• Morning calm: Pyhäjärvi piers, a short SUP loop along the coastline and coffee by the water.
• Breeze 5–6 m/s: Pyynikki ridge (dry and close), then the embankment on the leeward side.
• Rain for 1–2 hours: museum + lunch, often a dry spell between 4 and 6 p.m. — evening promenade and photos of reflections.
• Fog until 10 a.m.: forest trails and observation decks, start paddling after the fog clears.

What to bring

A lightweight, windproof and waterproof jacket, comfy shoes with good tread, sunglasses and SPF (glare on the water). When you're on the water, it's a good idea to have a life jacket (PFD), a whistle and a dry bag. At the start of the season, you might want to think about getting a neoprene or warm layer. For the kids, we've got poncho towels, spare socks and warm drinks after swimming. When it comes to equipment, you'll want to make sure you've got a power bank on hand, as batteries can drain faster when you're out in the wind.

Safety and logistics

Plan your main activities for the morning — the wind is weaker and there are fewer people. Try to only set out on long water crossings when visibility is stable and there are no storms. If the forecast is worrying, it's best to stay on shore. Piers and walkways can be slippery after rain, and in winter there might be black ice. Try to make your journeys during the day, and allow an extra 20–30% of time when fronts are coming through.

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