Weather in Helsinki

Weather in Helsinki

Helsinki has a true northern-maritime climate: long, cold and often grey winters, and short, pleasant summers. Expect temperatures well below freezing in the coldest months (January–February) and mild daytime highs around 20–22 °C in July. Rain and light drizzle occur throughout the year, with the highest monthly precipitation totals in summer, while daylight hours swing from about 6 hours in December to nearly 19 hours in June — factors that shape the best times to travel and what to pack.

Spring (March–May) brings a steady thaw: March is still chilly and changeable, April starts to feel milder and by May daytime temperatures are comfortably cool for sightseeing. Summer (June–August) is short but rewarding — long daylight, more sunshine and the warmest sea temperatures. Autumn (September–October) is crisp and increasingly wet, while winter (November–February) means snow, frost and short, dim days — ideal for winter atmospheres and seasonal events but require warm layers.

Swimming and sea: the Baltic around Helsinki is cool — sea temperatures peak in July–August (around 12–16 °C). Brave swimmers and locals enjoy quick dips, often combined with sauna visits — for most visitors, July and August are the only reliably warm months for seaside activities, while spring and autumn water remains chilly.

Weather in Helsinki — January

Weather in Helsinki — February

Weather in Helsinki — March

Weather in Helsinki — April

Weather in Helsinki — May

Weather in Helsinki — June

Weather in Helsinki — July

Weather in Helsinki — August

Weather in Helsinki — September

Weather in Helsinki — October

Weather in Helsinki — November

Weather in Helsinki — December

Table of temperatures during the year