Best months
May, July, and August
Warmest month
July, 22°C
Wettest month
August, 85 mm
Helsinki weather by month
Average daily high and low, total rainfall and days with at least 2.5 mm of rain.
| Month | High / low | Rain | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | -1°C / -6°C | 57 mm · 8 days | Cold |
| February | -1°C / -6°C | 42 mm · 6 days | Cold |
| March | 3°C / -3°C | 34 mm · 4 days | Cold |
| April | 9°C / 2°C | 37 mm · 5 days | Cold |
| May | 15°C / 7°C | 38 mm · 5 days | Good |
| June | 20°C / 12°C | 57 mm · 6 days | Fair |
| July | 22°C / 15°C | 54 mm · 6 days | Great |
| August | 21°C / 14°C | 85 mm · 8 days | Great |
| September | 16°C / 10°C | 65 mm · 7 days | Fair |
| October | 10°C / 5°C | 79 mm · 8 days | Cold |
| November | 5°C / 1°C | 66 mm · 8 days | Cold |
| December | 2°C / -2°C | 66 mm · 9 days | Cold |
Helsinki by season
Spring
A season of rapid transformation as snow melts and daylight dramatically increases. The city awakens with budding trees and the first outdoor café terraces opening in April-May.
- + Fewer tourists
- + Lower prices
- + Witnessing the city come alive after winter
- − Unpredictable weather (rain, slush, chill)
- − Many outdoor attractions/boats not yet operational
Summer
The glorious peak season with long, bright days (including the Midnight Sun near Midsummer). The city is vibrant, green, and full of festivals, outdoor dining, and archipelago life.
- + Pleasant temperatures (avg 21°C/70°F)
- + Endless daylight for exploration
- + All attractions, ferries, and tours are running
- − Peak tourist crowds and higher prices
- − Accommodation books up fast
Autumn
A crisp, colorful season known as 'ruska'. Days shorten quickly, bringing golden light and vibrant foliage in September, turning to moody, rainy skies by late October.
- + Beautiful autumn colors, especially in parks
- + Cultural season in full swing
- + Summer crowds have dissipated
- − Weather becomes increasingly wet, windy, and dark
- − Outdoor and archipelago activities wind down
Winter
A dark, snowy, and magical time. Days are short (only a few hours of twilight in December), but the city cozies up with Christmas markets, candlelight, and steaming saunas.
- + Authentic winter wonderland atmosphere
- + Christmas markets and festive lights
- + Best time for Northern Lights trips to Lapland
- − Very short daylight hours and cold (avg -4°C/25°F)
- − Snow and ice can complicate travel
Helsinki month by month
Helsinki in January
ColdIn January, Helsinki averages highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C, with about 8 rainy days and 57 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.
Helsinki in February
ColdIn February, Helsinki averages highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C, with about 6 rainy days and 42 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.
Helsinki in March
ColdIn March, Helsinki averages highs of 3°C and lows of -3°C, with about 4 rainy days and 34 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.
Helsinki in April
ColdIn April, Helsinki averages highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C, with about 5 rainy days and 37 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.
Helsinki in May
GoodIn May, Helsinki averages highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C, with about 5 rainy days and 38 mm of rain. It is a good month to visit.
Helsinki in June
FairIn June, Helsinki averages highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C, with about 6 rainy days and 57 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.
Helsinki in July
GreatIn July, Helsinki averages highs of 22°C and lows of 15°C, with about 6 rainy days and 54 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.
Helsinki in August
GreatIn August, Helsinki averages highs of 21°C and lows of 14°C, with about 8 rainy days and 85 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.
Helsinki in September
FairIn September, Helsinki averages highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C, with about 7 rainy days and 65 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.
Helsinki in October
ColdIn October, Helsinki averages highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C, with about 8 rainy days and 79 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.
Helsinki in November
ColdIn November, Helsinki averages highs of 5°C and lows of 1°C, with about 8 rainy days and 66 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.
Helsinki in December
ColdIn December, Helsinki averages highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C, with about 9 rainy days and 66 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.
Top tours and experiences in Helsinki
The tours and tickets travellers book most, with ratings and reviews from Viator.
Helsinki to Tallinn Guided Tour -cruise ticket & pick up included
4.5586 reviews13h
from €145
Check availability
All things to do in Helsinki →
Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Plan your Helsinki trip
Best time to visit Helsinki: FAQ
What is the best month to visit Helsinki?+
July is the most comfortable month on average, with highs of 22°C. August and May are close behind.
What is the rainiest month in Helsinki?+
August is the wettest month, with about 85 mm of rain.
How hot does Helsinki get?+
July is the warmest month, with average highs of 22°C and lows of 15°C. The coldest nights come in January, averaging -6°C.
Averages for 2006–2025 from the HELSINKI KAISANIEMI AWS weather station (1 km from the centre), NOAA Global Historical Climatology Network. Verdicts rate sightseeing comfort from daytime highs and rainy days.