Climate and weather in Helsinki
Average temperatures in Helsinki
Entire year: +5.9°C
Warmest month: July +17,8°C
Coldest month: February -4,7°C
Helsinki’s climate is typical of its northerly situation. Its intermediate climate combines characteristics of both a maritime and a continental climate. The proximity of the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic creates cold weather, while the Gulf Stream brings in warmer air.
Five-day weather forecast for Helsinki
Seasons
The summer in Helsinki is bright. The days are at their longest in the second half of June, when the sun stays above the horizon for 19 hours.
The evenings grow cool towards the end of September, and the days grow noticeably shorter as winter approaches. The crisp air is spiced with the colours of the splendid autumn foliage.
The winter begins in either November or December depending on the year. The temperature fluctuates either side of 0°C. The first snowfall makes the city look picture perfect. The average temperature between December and February is around -4°C.
The coldest time of the year is usually at the end of January, when the mercury can fall to below -15°C and the ground is covered by snow. The sea usually freezes over in the heart of winter. The lowest temperature ever recorded in Helsinki was -34.3°C in 1987.
If the winter is sufficiently cold, the splendid Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis that can often be seen in Northern Finland make an appearance in Helsinki.
Spring arrives in Helsinki usually sometime in April. The days grow rapidly longer and warmer, attracting people to the city while the nature blossoms all around.
