Finland in February: Travel Tips for Snow-clad Ventures
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.
- Wisam Al Badr
Finland Weather in February
Even though February is officially the last month of winter in Finland, it is also the coldest. A thick blanket of snow engulfs the country, with the average temperatures hovering around -7°C. The southern and western parts of the country are slightly warmer due to the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. The nights are very long and days short in Finland in February, especially in places in the north like Lapland—something to keep in mind when planning your activities.
For a seasonal overview, visit our guide on the best time to visit Finland.
Weather in Finland in February - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | -1 | -1 | 2 | 8 | 15 | 19 | 21 | 19 | 14 | 8 | 2 | 0 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | -9 | -10 | -6 | -1 | 4 | 9 | 12 | 11 | 6 | 3 | -2 | -7 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 31 | 31 | 36 | 47 | 59 | 67 | 70 | 67 | 58 | 47 | 36 | 32 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 16 | 14 | 22 | 31 | 40 | 49 | 54 | 52 | 43 | 38 | 29 | 20 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 60 | 40 | 40 | 30 | 40 | 60 | 70 | 90 | 80 | 70 | 80 | 60 |
| Jan | Feb | Mar | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | -1 | -1 | 2 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | -9 | -10 | -6 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 31 | 31 | 36 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 16 | 14 | 22 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 60 | 40 | 40 |
Why Visit Finland in February
Finland sees an influx of visitors eager to enjoy winter sports in the fresh snow and search for the mysterious Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights in February. This is a busy season in Helsinki and the northern cities like Rovaniemi or Levi in Lapland. International visitors and Finns alike head for one of the many ski destinations during this time to enjoy the sublime conditions. Here are some of the top things to see and do in Finland in February:
- Marvel at the Mysterious Aurora Borealis: Also known as the Northern Lights, this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon has captured people’s imaginations for centuries. February is the best month to see them, so head to one of the small towns in northeastern Lapland like Saariselkä to witness the magical dancing lights.
- Ice and Snow Sports: Finnish Lapland is a haven for fun winter activities during February when thick snow blankets its landscape. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog-sledding, and reindeer-sledding are popular snow sports here during this time. If you are brave enough, you can also have an Arctic swim in one of the frozen lakes.
- Igloo Hotel Stay: Lapland has several ice hotels built each winter that offers an incredible experience of sleeping in a room carved from ice. The hand-carved rooms have transparent domes so you can lie in bed and gaze at the starry night sky or the northern lights above you.
Where To Go and What to Do
Spend a few days in the capital city of Helsinki, which is globally renowned for its Nordic architecture and design, on your trip to Finland. Take in the magnificent UNESCO-listed Suomenlinna, the Helsinki Cathedral, and the National Museum of Helsinki. While you are in Helsinki, be sure to try one of the many excellent restaurants serving traditional Nordic cuisine.
In Lapland, learn more about the Sami, the indigenous people who called this region home for thousands of years—and still do as they have done for centuries. Visit a reindeer farm to see how the Sami rely on this amazing animal for their livelihood and enjoy a reindeer-led sleigh ride through the snow.
Head to the town of Kemi on the shores of Bothnian Bay for excellent snowmobiling and dog-sledding adventures, or explore the beautiful Urho Kekkonen National Park near Kakslauttanen, famed for its picture-postcard beauty.
February may be the coldest month in Finland. Nonetheless, this is the perfect time to get out and about and enjoy the pristine snow-covered countryside that Finland's winters are famous for. If exhilarating snow sports are not your thing, you can marvel at the incredible architecture of the Finnish capital and learn more about the country’s history and culture. And do not forget to sample some pastries, blinis, and savory pies, or enjoy a steamy sauna in traditional Nordic style.
Spending a week in Finland can be just enough to explore the major attractions. But, you can chat with one of our travel experts and plan a trip depending on how many days you want to spend in Finland. For more information and inspiration, check out our Finland tours in February.
