Finland in May: Euphorias of Spring
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.
Finland Weather in May
March is technically the start of spring in Finland, but the country’s weather only begins to warm up in May. But you can still find snow lingering in some of the northernmost areas of Finland. If you are going to Rovaniemi and other Lapland cities, remember that the temperatures are still below zero. The northern parts of Finland experience the renowned midnight sun during this time. This is when the sun does not set but dips towards the horizon in the night sky. Meanwhile, the southern regions like Helsinki see the sun dipping just below the horizon before rising again. The average temperature of Finland in May hovers around 10°C and there is very little rainfall. So this is a perfect month to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking.
For a seasonal overview, visit our guide on the best time to visit Finland.
Weather in Finland in May - 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) | 30.2 | 30.2 | 35.6 | 46.4 | 59 | 66.2 | 69.8 | 66.2 | 57.2 | 46.4 | 35.6 | 32 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 15.8 | 14 | 21.2 | 30.2 | 39.2 | 48.2 | 53.6 | 51.8 | 42.8 | 37.4 | 28.4 | 19.4 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 60 | 40 | 40 | 30 | 40 | 60 | 70 | 90 | 80 | 70 | 80 | 60 |
Why Visit Finland in May
The shoulder season of May is a good time to visit Finland if you want to enjoy the longer, warmer sunny days while avoiding the mid-summer tourist crowds. Here is a list of reasons why you should visit Finland in May:
- Labor day and Walpurgis night: May 1st or Labor Day is a national holiday celebrated by the Finns, and they do so by enjoying the spring sun outdoors. It is a fairly laid-back affair when you will see friends and families enjoying picnics and taking walks in parks. Bars and restaurants come alive in the evening, a great time to interact with locals. Walpurgis Night is another festival in Finland that coincides with Labor Day. The festival commemorates the 8th century Saint Walpurga and is celebrated with bonfires, picnics, street parties, and special local cuisine.
- Lakeland cottage stay: Finnish Lakeland is home to over 187,000 lakes. The spring weather of May is a great time to explore these stunning lakes. You can also rent a cottage on the shores of one of the lakes and soak up the spectacular scenery.
- The World Village Festival: Held at the end of May in the Suvilahti district of downtown Helsinki, the World Village Festival celebrates multiculturalism in Finland. This is the time when cultures from all over the world will meet for an extravaganza of music, dance, theater, and other art forms from various cultures. You will also get to sample exotic cuisines and purchase ethically-sourced products at the festival venue.
- Midnight sun in Lapland: May is a good time to experience Norway’s famous midnight sun. Head up to Lapland and other northern cities like Pokka, Ivalo, and Utsjoki to witness the phenomenon that normally lasts till July.
- Explore Finnish national parks: May is a great time to discover the diverse wildlife of Finland. For this, you can visit many national parks in the country. Koli National Park, Nuuksio National Park, Repovesi National Park, Hossa National Park, and Riisitunturi National Park are among the popular ones.
Where to Go and What to Do
The long warm days invite visitors to enjoy the outdoors of Finland in May. There are many things to do and see during this month of spring. Head to Lakeland, Finland’s lake district, and spend a few days exploring the many islands by boat or simply admiring the beautiful surroundings. Visit the vibrant city of Kuopio to mingle with its friendly locals and embrace the cultures of Joensuu—home to a famous annual music festival.
Go on a road trip from Helsinki to the southern cities like Tampere and Joensuu. Soak up the spectacular scenery of the rolling green meadowlands full of spring wildflowers along the way. If time permits, visit the Arctic Sauna World in Muonio beside Lake Jerisjärvi in western Lapland. The four saunas here are themed according to the elements: air, fire, earth, and water. This is also a great place to dip in Lake Jerisjärvi when the water is not as icy as it is in winter.
Natural beauty abounds in Finland in May, as the days are sunny and longer during this time. It is the season when wildflowers begin to bloom and the country celebrates the end of winter. Whether you like to stroll through the countryside, enjoy outdoor activities, or explore the city attractions, Finland has something for everyone in May.
If you have managed to snag a trip to Finland in May, you have most certainly made the right decision. Contact our travel experts to get a tailor-made itinerary to Finland.
Other Related Articles:
Finland in March
Finland in April
