Experience the unique maritime climate of Helsinki, Finland, where summers are mild and humid, with temperatures averaging 15°C (59°F) in July. Winters are snowy and chilly, dipping to -6°C (21°F) in January. Interestingly, the city receives less rainfall than London, making it ideal for exploring during its long summer days. Don't miss a dip in the refreshing Baltic Sea at Hietaniemi Beach, a local favorite!
Today's Forecast
5-Day Forecast
Helsinki Climate & Weather Averages
Helsinki records its highest temperatures in July — typically 20°C by day — and its lowest in January, around -1°C. Most rain falls in August; April stays driest. These averages are computed from ten years of daily records (2015–2024).
Few cities change character with the calendar like Helsinki. Summer is genuinely warm (20°C average highs in July); winter is genuinely cold (-1°C by day in January, -6°C at night), and white: expect snowfall on roughly 74 days a year, mostly from October to May. Pack for the season, not the destination.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Sunshine (h/day) | Wind (km/h) | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | -1° | -6° | 68 mm | 1.4 | 25 | 18 |
| Feb | 0° | -5° | 63 mm | 3.6 | 24 | 14 |
| Mar | 2° | -4° | 45 mm | 6.6 | 22 | 12 |
| Apr | 7° | 0° | 45 mm | 9.9 | 21 | 6 |
| May | 14° | 6° | 48 mm | 13 | 20 | 1 |
| Jun | 19° | 12° | 56 mm | 14.7 | 21 | — |
| Jul | 20° | 14° | 80 mm | 13.3 | 20 | — |
| Aug | 20° | 14° | 83 mm | 11.2 | 20 | — |
| Sep | 15° | 10° | 70 mm | 8.2 | 21 | — |
| Oct | 9° | 5° | 80 mm | 4.8 | 24 | 2 |
| Nov | 4° | 1° | 78 mm | 2 | 24 | 8 |
| Dec | 1° | -3° | 66 mm | 1.3 | 24 | 13 |
Expect around 14.7 hours of sun a day at the June peak, against about 1.3 hours in December. Wind stays moderate most of the year, strongest in January with daily peaks near 25 km/h.
Best time to visit: Aim for June–August if you can: highs hover near 20°C and rain is lighter than the August peak. Pack strictly by season: summer calls for light layers, winter for a serious coat, hat, and gloves.
Helsinki weather — frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Helsinki?
Weather-wise, June–August is the sweet spot in Helsinki: average daytime highs around 20°C with less rain than the August peak. Data from 2015–2024.
What is the rainiest month in Helsinki?
August is on average the wettest month in Helsinki, with about 83 mm of rainfall. The driest month is typically April, at around 45 mm.
Does it snow in Helsinki?
Yes. Helsinki averages about 74 days with snowfall per year, falling mostly between October and May.
How cold are winters in Helsinki?
January is the coldest month in Helsinki: daytime highs average just -1°C and nights drop to around -6°C.
What is the sunniest month in Helsinki?
June, with roughly 14.7 hours of sunshine a day on average over 2015–2024. The dimmest month is December, at about 1.3 hours.
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 archive. Averages computed from daily records.