When to Visit Finland

With the northern parts of Finland located inside the Arctic Circle, the country is a winter holiday heaven in January. From dog-sledding expeditions, and steamy saunas in traditional log cabins, to cold-water dips in the Arctic Ocean or Lapland lakes, you can find plenty of things to do in Finland in January. And if the winter condition gets too harsh for you, there are also plenty of indoor attractions around the country to keep you engaged and entertained to make your Finland holiday memorable.

Finland in February is frigid, but this is also one of the best months to venture around the snow-blanketed landscapes and see the magical Northern Lights. The last-official month of winter, February is a paradise for snow-based sports and outdoor activities, such as cross-country skiing, Nordic skating, snowmobiling, and more. The freezing temperatures also make this a great time to explore Helsinki to enjoy Nordic traditions, like relaxing in steamy saunas and tucking into delicious Nordic cuisine in cozy, candlelit restaurants.

Winter transitions into spring in Finland in March and yet, the country’s popular winter activities are still open. So visitors can take advantage of both spring and winter attractions during this month. Head to Lapland to enjoy the exhilarating snow sports and sleep under the animated lights in a glass igloo; explore the capital of Helsinki to get a taste of Nordic art, culture, and cuisine; and discover the stunning Finnish Lakeland and landscapes. Finland has a wide array of tourist activities and destinations you could choose from.

The short Scandinavian spring brings a burst of color to Finland in April. While the north of the country is still in the frigid grip of the dark Arctic winter, southern Finland blossoms into warm weather with blue skies. You can experience excellent spring skiing and snowboarding if you visit Lapland during this time. In Helsinki, join the Finns as they emerge from the long winter and celebrate the arrival of spring. With longer days, warmer weather, and fewer tourist crowds, you will find plenty of things when you visit Finland in April.

With winter waning, days becoming longer, and temperatures rising, May is the time of year Finns begin venturing outdoors to enjoy the spring sunshine — and you should too. From hiking in the backcountry to exploring the lake district to celebrating Labor Day with the locals, there are many exciting things to see and do on your visit to Finland in May.

June is a month of celebration in Finland, as locals emerge from a long dark winter to rejoice in the warmer and sunnier days. The snow and ice thaw around this time and the countryside turn green, with flowers blooming all around. The lovely weather and beautiful landscapes draw international travelers from around the world and Finns themselves take long vacations, making June and July peak season. Yes, travel and accommodation prices are higher than usual if you are taking a trip to Finland in June, but this is one of the best times to visit the country. This is also an excellent time to explore Helsinki and Tampere, as they are relatively free of crowds with many locals heading to their summer homes along the coast or in Lakeland for their annual vacation.

July is summertime in Finland, and most Finns decamp the cities to holiday beside the country’s many lakes and extensive coastline. If you take a trip to Finland during the sunny month, you will find a considerable crowd at most attractions. The prices for accommodation, especially in the countryside, are also higher. But with a bit of planning, you can still find travel bargains that will help you stay within your budget and experience the seemingly endless days of the Finnish summer.

The end of summer and the arrival of cooler weather brings a riot of autumn colors to Finland in August. The forests take on warm foliage of russet and gold, and the wildlife becomes more active as they prepare for the onset of winter.August is the shoulder season for tourism in Finland. The summer holidays have ended, and the flight and accommodation options are much cheaper. With fewer tourists, you will find it easy to stretch your travel budget to extend your stay and see more of Finland.

Finland greets visitors with splendid autumn colors in September. This is the end of summer when all the Finns return to work from vacation. So tours and accommodation are cheaper around this time, allowing visitors to explore Finland without causing a dent in their pockets. Though some attractions are preparing to close for the winter, there are still plenty of things to do in Finland in September.

A thick blanket of snow engulfs the vibrant autumn foliage as Finland transitions into a long and cold winter starting in October. In the north, the first snow has arrived, instigating the ski season, while in the Finnish Laplands, the Northern Lights are beginning to glow in the night sky. October also marks the end of the tourist season in the country. So if you visit Finland in October, you will find flights to the country are much cheaper and accommodation bargains easier to find.

The Scandinavian winter makes its way to Finland in November. The Finnish landscapes are adorned with a white blanket of snow, transforming the country into a hub for snow sports and winter activities, especially Lapland in the north. Take this opportunity to enjoy a snowmobile ride across the Arctic tundra in Rovaniemi, or go for an invigorating session of ice-swimming in Helsinki. November offers a fun-filled Finland holiday with an array of snowy wonders.

The Finnish Lapland is the mythical home of Santa Claus, and Rovaniemi is a must-visit if you want to meet Father Christmas himself and get into the festive spirit. The snow-blanketed landscapes make this an ideal time to enjoy outdoor pursuits like dog sledding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and Arctic swimming. You can also relax in steamy saunas, marvel at Helskini’s diverse architecture, and enjoy Nordic cuisine. A trip to Finland in December conjures images of a winter wonderland with snow-capped trees, fleet-footed reindeer, dog sledding through the snow, and the magical Northern Lights.

Finland hasn’t really drawn a significant portion of the world’s tourism market, due to its relative distance, and its closed–off persona. It still remains a rather enigmatic country, but once you visit, you will realize the small things that make Finland a unique place to visit. The country is rather relaxed and laid back, and the bitterly cold winters offer a wonderful opportunity for those who love winter sports. And of course – nobody knows how to drink better than the Finns, so you’re definitely going to have some fun at a Finnish party.You can visit Finland any time of the year. Every specific season has something special to offer, which means the best time to visit Finland depends on what you want to do. Read on to find out more!

Finland comes alive during the summer season. Long days with clear skies enhance the beauty of this Nordic wonderland. A Finland trip in summer promises a one-of-a-kind experience. Head to the archipelago's countless islands for serene retreats and pristine natural sceneries, dive into the rich cultural scene in cities like Helsinki, or take a midnight sun hike in Lapland. Each region offers an array of things to see and do in Finland in summer.

Frozen lakes sparkle under the wintry sun. Magical Northern Lights illuminate the inky night sky. From the lively cityscapes of Helsinki to the serene expanses of Lapland, a trip to Finland in winter offers a myriad of experiences. As snow paints the landscapes white, ski season kicks off sometime around late November, and before you know it, the festival season is here. It’s time to meet Santa Claus in his village in Lapland. As winter progresses in Finland, more fun and adventure await, from cross-country skiing to staying in an ice hotel to reindeer and husky sledding.