Best Time to Visit Finland
Last updated: November 9, 2025
Finland is a land of pristine nature, peaceful forests, and dazzling contrasts — where summer’s midnight sun gives way to winter’s northern lights. From the design streets of Helsinki and the lakes of Lakeland to the wilderness of Lapland, every season in Finland offers something extraordinary. The best time to visit depends on whether you’re chasing snow adventures or summer serenity.
🌸 Spring (April – May): Melting Snow and Blooming Forests
Spring is a time of renewal in Finland. The snow begins to melt, lakes thaw, and the forests slowly burst into colour. It’s a quieter season, ideal for sightseeing in cities and watching nature awaken.
Highlights:
- Cool temperatures (5–15 °C)
- Best for exploring Helsinki, Turku, and Tampere before peak season
- Fewer tourists and lower hotel rates
- Migratory birds and blooming landscapes in Lapland and Lakeland
☀️ Summer (June – August): Midnight Sun and Outdoor Adventures
Summer is the best time to visit Finland for sunshine, outdoor activities, and festivals. The days are long — and in the north, the sun doesn’t set for weeks. It’s perfect for lake swimming, hiking, and experiencing Finnish summer cottages (mökki) and saunas.
Highlights:
- Warm temperatures (15–25 °C)
- Midnight sun above the Arctic Circle (late May – late July)
- Great for kayaking, hiking, and fishing
- Midsummer celebrations with bonfires, music, and outdoor parties
🍂 Autumn (September – October): Golden Forests and Calm Getaways
Autumn brings crisp air, glowing forests, and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s a wonderful time for photography, hiking, and enjoying Finland’s natural beauty without summer crowds. It’s also the start of the northern lights season in the north.
Highlights:
- Cool temperatures (5–15 °C)
- Stunning fall colours in national parks and lakesides
- Great for foraging berries and mushrooms
- Early aurora sightings in Lapland
❄️ Winter (November – March): Snow, Northern Lights, and Arctic Magic
Winter in Finland is simply magical. Snow blankets the countryside, lakes freeze, and the northern lights dance across the sky. It’s the best time to visit for skiing, snowmobiling, husky safaris, and a visit to Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi.
Highlights:
- Cold temperatures (−20 to 0 °C in Lapland; −10 to 3 °C in the south)
- Northern lights visible from late August to April
- Excellent skiing in Levi, Ylläs, and Ruka
- Cosy winter cabins, reindeer rides, and ice hotels
🇫🇮 In Summary
- Best for summer activities and festivals: June – August
- Best for northern lights and snow adventures: December – March
- Best for autumn colours and tranquillity: September – October
- Best for budget travel and city breaks: April – May
From the snowy wilderness of Lapland and the lakes of the Finnish countryside to the coastal charm of Helsinki and Turku, Finland is a destination of pure natural wonder. Whether you come for the midnight sun or the northern lights, this Nordic gem offers beauty and peace in every season.
Top Travel Tips for Finland
✅ GOOD NEWS: Schengen Area Visa
Finland is part of the Schengen Area. This means visitors from many countries (including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia) do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visitors from other countries may need to apply for a Schengen visa in advance.
ℹ️ Currency: Euro (EUR)
The official currency is the Euro (€, EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted everywhere, even for small purchases; Finland is a largely cashless society. ATMs (labelled 'Otto') are common if you need to withdraw cash.
ℹ️ Tipping: Not Expected
Tipping is not customary and never expected in Finland. Service charges are always included in your bill at restaurants, hotels, and in taxis. While a small tip (like rounding up the bill) for exceptional service is appreciated, it is not standard practice and nobody will be offended if you don't tip.
✅ GOOD NEWS: Drink the Tap Water!
Finland's tap water is of excellent quality and is considered among the best in the world. It is perfectly safe (and encouraged) to drink directly from the tap. Bottled water is available but unnecessary; save money and plastic by bringing a reusable water bottle.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Power Plugs (Type C & F)
Finland uses the standard European Type C and Type F plugs (two round pins). The standard voltage is 230V with a frequency of 50Hz. If you are traveling from a country with a different plug (like the US, UK, or Australia), you will need a travel adapter.
Things to do in Finland
Search for the Northern Lights in Lapland, visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, relax in a traditional Finnish sauna, or explore the lakes and forests under the Midnight Sun. Book your tours and activities easily via our trusted partners: