Finland in September: Amid the Colors of Autumn

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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.

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Finland Weather in April

Helsinki, the capital of Finland, adorned in the colors of autumn.
The Finnis capital, Helsinki, starts showing traits of autumn in early September.

As the days draw in, the temperatures begin to plummet in Finland in September. While the south of the country still experiences mild weather, the north is already having frosts and occasional snow storms. If you go to Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, you will find a daily high of around 10℃. The temperature here can drop to 4℃ at night. Further up north in places like Kaamanen, the temperature rarely makes double-digit gains in September. Here, the mercury hovers between a high of 9℃ and a low of 2℃. The south of the country still has balmy conditions, though. In the Finnish capital of Helsinki, expect a daily high of around 15℃ with a low of 9℃ at night, with about 14 rainy days across the month.

For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Finland.

Weather in Finland in September - Rainfall and Temperatures

AugSepOct
Avg Daily (°C)19148
Avg Nightly (°C)1163
Avg Daily (°F)675847
Avg Nightly (°F)524338
Avg Rainfall (mm)908070

Why Visit Finland in September

autumn foliage by the blue lake in Finland in September
Photographers can head north to Lapland, where the vast forests near the Arctic Circle are ablaze with a riot of color.
Exploring Karelia in Finland in September
The south-eastern province of Karelia comes alive in autumn, offering plenty of outdoor exploration opportunities.

From spectacular coastal drives to lazy island chill-outs, all adorned by the vivid colors of autumn, September is one of the best months for a Finland trip. Here are some reasons why you should tour Finland in September:  

  • The Color and the Shape: Photographers in search of autumn splendor can head north to Lapland where the vast forests near the Arctic Circle are ablaze with a riot of color. The Finnish people call this time of year ruska-aika and the peak season for autumn color is usually the second week of September.
  • Autumn in Karelia: The south-eastern province of Karelia comes alive in the autumn months, offering plenty of outdoor exploration opportunities. In Lappeenranta, visitors embark on hikes along the shores of Lake Saimaa or the Gulf of Finland. The region is also world-renowned for trout fishing in its many quiet rivers. Wildlife abounds in this part of Finland, and September is the best month for spotting animals and birds.
  • Festivals: Finns love a good festival and September has some of the country’s best annual get-togethers. Pride of place is the Loviisa Sibelius Festival held in the small coastal town of Loviisa. The festival celebrates the music of Finland’s greatest composer, Jean Sibelius. Also worth checking out is the Helsinki International Film Festival, which brings world-class celluloid delights to the city over two weeks in late September. The SAMPO puppet festival and the annual multi-arts Helsinki Festival are also held in September.

Where to Go and What to Do

Finnish Archipelago
The waters of the Finland Archipelago are still warm enough in September for paddle-boarding, kayaking, and sailing.

Finland’s urban centers take on a vibrant new life in September, as returning holidaymakers fill up the bars and cafes and the nightlife kicks back into action. In Helsinki, the September colors make a pleasant backdrop for strolls around the city’s many parks. You can check out some of the city’s finest galleries and museums — such as the National Museum of Finland and the stylish Helsinki Art Museum — on days when the weather is wet.

If you travel to Turku in September, you can experience the city’s famous open-air cafés and restaurants surrounded by spectacular parks and green spaces. Turku has a vibrant nightlife centered around its Market Square. The town is so well known for its French food and cosmopolitan atmosphere that the Finns refer to it as the “Paris of Finland.”

For an epic September road trip, you can drive through Finland’s longest highway. Drive from Helsinki in the south to Finland’s northernmost town, Utsjoki. This 1,295-kilometer journey will offer Finland’s best autumn scenery, passing through the central Finland cities of Kajaani and Kuusamo, and on through the heart of Lapland. The road will take you to Europe’s northernmost border, deep inside the Arctic Circle.

The waters of the Finland Archipelago are still warm enough in September for paddle-boarding, kayaking, and sailing, so you can always include some water activities in your itinerary. With over 80,000 islands, you will easily find a place to hang out for a few days to enjoy the balmy September afternoons.

Visiting Finland in September will provide you with an opportunity to experience the country’s colorful transition from summer to winter. As September falls between the summer holiday season and the winter ski season, you will find lots of flight and accommodation bargains and encounter few crowds when visiting Finland’s attractions during this time.

If you need assistance planning a trip to Finland in September, feel free to reach out to our local travel experts who can devise a tailored itinerary for you. For a detailed itinerary, check out our guide on how many days to spend in Finland. Or, you can browse through our tours to Finland in September for more information.

Published by Will Cooper, updated on August 29, 2022

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