In Helsinki, Finland, the climate offers a distinct experience throughout the year.
The warm season begins in early June and lasts until early September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 62°F.
During July, the warmest month, temperatures can reach an average high of 70°F and a low of 55°F.
Visitors and residents alike enjoy the pleasant weather and extended daylight during these months.
Conversely, the cold season in Helsinki stretches from late November to mid-March.
During this period, the average daily high temperature typically falls below 36°F, creating a frosty environment perfect for winter activities.
In January, the coldest month, temperatures often dip to a low of 19°F, making it essential to bundle up.
Rain and snowfall vary throughout the year, with April being the month with the least rainfall, amounting to about 1.26 inches.
Conditions along Helsinki’s southern coast are influenced by the Baltic Sea, contributing to unique weather patterns.
For those planning a visit, it’s helpful to check monthly weather averages to prepare for the shifting climate conditions.
Average Temperature in Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year.
The coldest month is February, with average lows of 18°F and highs of 28°F. January is also cold, but slightly warmer than February.
Monthly Average Temperatures:
| Month | Avg. Low Temp (°F) | Avg. High Temp (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 22 | 29 |
| February | 18 | 28 |
| March | 23 | 35 |
| April | 32 | 46 |
| May | 41 | 57 |
| June | 51 | 67 |
| July | 55 | 70 |
| August | 54 | 67 |
| September | 46 | 58 |
| October | 37 | 45 |
| November | 30 | 37 |
| December | 24 | 30 |
Helsinki’s temperature in July, the warmest month, enjoys average highs of 70°F and lows of 55°F.
Summers are mild and pleasant, especially in June and August.
From November to March, temperatures often stay below freezing.
March starts to thaw out, with average highs reaching 35°F. By April, temperatures become more comfortable, reaching 46°F on average.
The city’s coastal location also affects temperature. It tends to be slightly warmer near the sea.
By September, autumn is noticeable. The temperatures begin to drop, with averages descending to 58°F for highs and 46°F for lows. October and November continue to cool down rapidly.
During May, temperatures rise, making spring feel more evident. Average highs of 57°F and lows of 41°F create pleasant conditions.
Average Precipitation in Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki experiences varying levels of rainfall and snow throughout the year. Different months bring different precipitation patterns, with certain periods being notably drier or wetter.
Average Rainfall in Helsinki, Finland
Rainfall in Helsinki is distributed throughout the year, but the city gets the least rain in April. On average, the month of April sees about 1.26 inches of rain.
The wettest months are typically July and August, where pleasant temperatures between 68°F to 79°F can also be expected.
| Month | Rainfall (inches) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| April | 1.26 | 11 |
| July | 2.00 | – |
| August | 2.00 | – |
Overall, the city sees an average annual precipitation of around 24 inches.
These rainfalls are crucial for maintaining the city’s natural beauty and supporting local biodiversity.
Average Snow in Helsinki, Finland
Winter in Helsinki is characterized by significant snowfall, especially from December to February.
February is the peak month for snow with average highs around 28°F and lows plummeting to 18°F.
| Month | Snowfall (inches) | Snowy Days |
|---|---|---|
| January | – | – |
| February | – | – |
| December | – | – |
Snow persists through the cold season which lasts for nearly 3.8 months, giving a long period of winter sports and activities.
These snowy months are also essential for water storage in the region, as the melting snow feeds rivers and lakes in spring.
Average Sun in Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki experiences distinct variations in sunlight throughout the year. The amount of daily solar energy changes with the seasons, influencing daylight hours, twilight, and UV index levels.
Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy in Helsinki, Finland
In Helsinki, the amount of shortwave solar energy reaching the ground varies by month. The table below shows average daily solar energy in kilowatt-hours per square meter (kWh/m²).
| Month | Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy (kWh/m²) |
|---|---|
| January | 0.3 |
| February | 1.0 |
| March | 2.7 |
| April | 4.1 |
| May | 5.4 |
| June | 5.8 |
| July | 5.5 |
| August | 4.1 |
| September | 2.7 |
| October | 1.4 |
| November | 0.4 |
| December | 0.2 |
Daylight: In summer, Helsinki enjoys long daylight hours, including phenomena like white nights and midnight sun, especially in June and July.
Winter Twilight: Winters are marked by short days and extended twilight.
There is minimal total hours of sun, with December being the darkest month having only a few hours of daylight.
UV Index: The UV index peaks in summer, making sunscreen necessary, while it remains very low in winter months.
The most sunshine hours occur in June and July, with each day offering the highest total hours of sun.
Conversely, December and January have the fewest sunshine hours and significantly limited UV exposure.
Average Humidity in Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki experiences varying levels of humidity throughout the year. Relative humidity is a measure of how much moisture the air contains compared to its maximum capacity at a given temperature.
During the winter months, Helsinki’s relative humidity is generally higher due to the cold temperatures.
The air tends to hold more moisture in the form of snow and ice.
In summer, relative humidity can drop slightly as temperatures rise. This season is marked by more comfortable levels of humidity.
Here is a breakdown of average relative humidity by month:
| Month | Relative Humidity (%) |
|---|---|
| January | 85 |
| February | 83 |
| March | 78 |
| April | 70 |
| May | 65 |
| June | 65 |
| July | 70 |
| August | 72 |
| September | 80 |
| October | 85 |
| November | 87 |
| December | 87 |
Helsinki’s highest humidity levels are typically seen in December and November, where the relative humidity can reach 87%.
Conversely, the driest months are April and May when the relative humidity drops to around 65%.
These variations have a noticeable impact on the feel of the weather.
Higher humidity can make cold weather feel even colder and warm weather feel hotter.
Therefore, it is important to consider humidity when planning a visit to Helsinki. Knowing what to expect can help in preparing for different weather conditions.
Average Wind in Helsinki, Finland
The average wind speed in Helsinki varies throughout the year. Wind conditions are a significant aspect of the city’s weather patterns.
In January, the average wind speed is about 14 mph.
February has similar conditions, with wind speeds maintaining around 14 mph.
| Month | Average Wind Speed |
|---|---|
| January | 14 mph |
| February | 14 mph |
| March | 13 mph |
| April | 12 mph |
| May | 11 mph |
| June | 11 mph |
| July | 11 mph |
| August | 11 mph |
| September | 12 mph |
| October | 13 mph |
| November | 14 mph |
| December | 14 mph |
Wind speeds generally decrease in March, averaging 13 mph, and continue to drop to around 11 mph from May through August.
By September, speeds start to rise again, reaching 12 mph.
November and December experience the highest wind speeds of the year, averaging around 14 mph.
Wind patterns contribute to Helsinki’s cool climate, especially during the winter months. The combination of cold temperatures and strong wind can make it feel even colder.
For more details about wind patterns in different regions, refer to specific articles exploring these factors.
Average Air Quality in Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki’s air quality varies throughout the year. The city monitors several air quality indicators, including particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3) levels.
The data is generally collected from various stations, including ones located near Malmi Airport and downtown.
The average PM2.5 levels in Helsinki typically remain below the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limits. Most days, the air quality is categorized as Good or Moderate.
Monthly Average Air Quality Index (AQI)
| Month | PM2.5 (µg/m³) | NO2 (µg/m³) | O3 (µg/m³) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15 | 20 | 25 |
| February | 12 | 18 | 30 |
| March | 10 | 15 | 35 |
| April | 8 | 10 | 40 |
| May | 7 | 8 | 45 |
| June | 6 | 5 | 50 |
| July | 5 | 4 | 55 |
| August | 6 | 6 | 50 |
| September | 8 | 10 | 40 |
| October | 10 | 15 | 35 |
| November | 12 | 18 | 30 |
| December | 15 | 20 | 25 |
These values show cleaner air during the summer and slightly higher pollution levels during the winter months. This trend is partly due to increased heating activities and traffic.
Humidity and cloud cover also affect air quality.
Higher humidity can cause pollutants to settle lower in the atmosphere, creating more haze. Cloud cover can sometimes trap pollutants close to the ground, lowering air quality temporarily.
Pressure systems also play a role. Low-pressure systems can disperse pollutants, leading to cleaner air, while high-pressure systems might trap pollutants and result in higher pollution levels.
Sea temperatures near Helsinki, specifically the Gulf of Finland, impact air quality too.
Warmer sea temperatures can affect local weather patterns, potentially creating conditions for better dispersion of pollutants. The average sea temperature ranges from 30.02°F in February to 64.94°F in July.
Topography of Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is located on the southern coast of the country. This city lies at the 60th parallel north, giving it a unique climate influenced by its latitude and proximity to the Baltic Sea.
The elevation of Helsinki is relatively low, averaging around 56 feet above sea level.
This low elevation contributes to the city’s mostly flat terrain, though there are some gentle undulations.
Islands and Coastline: Helsinki is known for its numerous islands.
There are over 300 islands scattered around the city, contributing to its extensive coastline. Some of the largest islands include Suomenlinna and Seurasaari, which are popular tourist destinations.
Urban Landscape: The cityscape features a mix of historical buildings, open green spaces, and waterways.
The historic center is relatively flat, while some suburban areas have more hilly terrains.
Here’s a brief overview of Helsinki’s topographic features by month:
| Month | Feature | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|
| January | Snow-covered terrain | Minimal elevation changes, icy surfaces |
| April | Thawing snow | Islands accessible, increasing greenery |
| July | Warm and green landscapes | Coastal activities peak, island visits |
| October | Autumn colors | Gentle hills visible, increasingly windy |
Helsinki’s topography allows for an interesting blend of urban and natural landscapes. The flat areas make it easy for surface movement, contributing to the city’s walkability and bike friendliness. The islands provide natural barriers and picturesque views.
Extreme Weather Events That Occur in Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki experiences various extreme weather events throughout the year. These extremes can impact daily life and require preparation.
Heatwaves: During the summer, Helsinki can experience heatwaves.
For example, in July 2021, Lapland saw temperatures soar to 92.3°F (33.5°C), with Helsinki also recording its hottest June temperatures on record (Finnish weather station recorded 33.5 degrees Celsius).
Severe Flooding: Coastal, flash, and river floods affect Helsinki.
These floods may result from heavy rains and melting snow, worsened by climate change (Severe flooding).
Example Monthly Precipitation Extremes:
| Month | Maximum Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|
| January | 2.5 |
| July | 3.6 |
Winter Storms: Helsinki’s winters are marked by severe storms, which can lead to heavy snowfall and strong winds.
These storms may disrupt transportation and daily activities.
Thunderstorms and Tornadoes: While less common, Helsinki can experience thunderstorms and small tornadoes.
These events often come with strong winds and heavy rains, posing safety risks.
Best Time of the Year to Visit Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki experiences distinct seasons, each offering unique attractions. Summer is ideal for warm-weather activities, while winter invites visitors to enjoy snow and northern lights.
What Is Helsinki, Finland Like in Spring
Spring in Helsinki, which spans March to May, sees temperatures rising from chilly to mild.
| Month | Average Temperature (°F) | Average Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| March | High: 37 Low: 27 |
1.0 |
| April | High: 48 Low: 35 |
2.0 |
| May | High: 59 Low: 45 |
2.5 |
Snow starts melting, and flowers bloom, making it a good time for scenic walks.
What Is Helsinki, Finland Like in Summer
Summer, from June to August, is the peak tourist season in Helsinki. The weather is warm and pleasant, with July and August being the hottest months.
Average temperatures in June range from 51°F to 68°F, while July warms up to between 57°F and 72°F, and August slightly cools to 56°F to 70°F.
| June | Average Temperature (°F) | Average Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| High | 68 | 2.8 |
| Low | 51 |
| July | Average Temperature (°F) | Average Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| High | 72 | 3.0 |
| Low | 57 |
| August | Average Temperature (°F) | Average Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| High | 70 | 3.1 |
| Low | 56 |
Long daylight hours offer opportunities for outdoor activities like boating and hiking. Many festivals and events take place in summer, making it a vibrant time to visit.
What Is Helsinki, Finland Like in Fall
Fall in Helsinki runs from September to November. The weather begins to cool, with September temperatures ranging from 49°F to 59°F.
October temperatures range from 39°F to 48°F, and by November, the temperatures drop to 30°F to 38°F. Leaves change color, offering picturesque views.
| September | Average Temperature (°F) | Average Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| High | 59 | 2.9 |
| Low | 49 |
| October | Average Temperature (°F) | Average Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| High | 48 | 3.1 |
| Low | 39 |
| November | Average Temperature (°F) | Average Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| High | 38 | 3.0 |
| Low | 30 |
Tourism slows down, making it a quieter time to visit. Fall foliage and crisp air make it enjoyable for hiking and city walks.
What Is Helsinki, Finland Like in Winter
Winter in Helsinki, from December to February, is cold and snowy.
December temperatures range from 19°F to 32°F.
January, the coldest month, sees temperatures between 17°F and 28°F.
February is slightly warmer, with temperatures ranging from 18°F to 29°F.
| December | Average Temperature (°F) | Average Snowfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| High | 32 | 8.0 |
| Low | 19 |
| January | Average Temperature (°F) | Average Snowfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| High | 28 | 10.0 |
| Low | 17 |
| February | Average Temperature (°F) | Average Snowfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| High | 29 | 9.0 |
| Low | 18 |
Winter sports like skiing and ice skating are popular.
The chance to see the northern lights also attracts visitors.