The Best Time to Visit Finland

Winter in Finland: November, December, January & February

Why Visit Finland in the Winter?

Winter dominates Finland’s calendar—in Lapland it lasts for about 200 days! But Finland shines in the winter, and not just from the snow covering every town, forest, and fell. Snowshoeing, snowmobiling, dogsledding, ice fishing, and other winter activities keep you active throughout the season. And long polar nights—days of 24-hour darkness—are perfect for cozying up by a fire with a hot drink.

Following holiday festivities in Helsinki, Tampere, Turku, and Rovaniemi, January sees the country at its coldest and darkest, with the deepest snowpack accumulating after the winter solstice. In February, the days start to lengthen—the six hours of daylight in Lapland in early February become nine hours by the end of the month. February’s extended daylight and continued freezes make it an ideal time to experience snow sports in Finland—you’ll find great skiing conditions throughout the country and ideal dogsledding conditions in Rovaniemi and Levi.

What to Expect on Our Winter Tours

Our February trips to Lapland showcase what makes this region so magical: snowshoeing through Pyhä-Luosto National Park, speeding through frozen landscapes via dogsled, and discovering Lappish culture from reindeer-pulled sleighs. Each itinerary also includes stops for Nordic skiing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and, of course, experiencing a famous Finnish sauna.

Spring in Finland: March, April & May

Why Visit Finland in the Spring?

In March, longer days and melting snow welcome budding forests, blossoming orchards, and migrating birds to the south. Further north, the spring equinox brings a flurry of aurora activity—March is a great time to see the northern lights in Lapland—and temperatures stay low enough for excellent ski conditions in Lapland and Lakeland. In Helsinki, late April’s Vappu celebrations mark May Day and the end of winter, officially kicking off spring. 

What to Expect on Our Spring Tours

Our trips to Lapland depart each February and run into early March, when conditions are at their best for winter adventures.

Summer in Finland: June, July & August

Why Visit Finland in the Summer?

Summer in Finland means long days, midnight sun, and endless opportunities for coastal or Lakeland adventure. Locals hop between traditional saunas and lake dips, hike through national parks, and generally live life outdoors during the brief but electric summer months. The Lakeland region is a go-to summer getaway, where holidays are dominated by watersports, swimming, visiting saunas, foraging, and hiking. In Lapland, the midnight sun—24-hour daylight—is an attraction of its own, illuminating late-night hikes and paddles through the lush landscapes fed by spring’s snowmelt.

What to Expect on Our Summer Tours

Summer departures of our Exploring the Pearls of the Baltics trips wind through the pristine national parks and historic cities of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia before culminating in a ferry ride across the Gulf of Finland to Helsinki.

Fall in Finland: September & October

Why Visit Finland in the Fall?

Foliage turns hues of red and yellow starting in September, when the days shorten dramatically. Across the country, fall is the season for foraging—mushrooms and berries are in high demand—and hiking, while the days become cool and brisk. Late August to October is a perfect window for seeing the northern lights in Lapland, when the auroras are more intense.

October sees fewer tourists country-wide, as the northern regions haven’t yet become snowy and southern regions see heavy rainfall. Autumn is still a beautiful time for seeing the ruska—fall foliage—and cozying up in Helsinki museums and cafés, but outdoor adventuring in Finland is best in summer and winter.

What to Expect on Our Fall Tours

Starting in the fall we pause our Finland tours until February, when we can showcase Lapland’s glittering winter scenery and Sámi traditions in ideal conditions.