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The Best Time to Visit Finland
The best time to visit Finland can vary because every season in the Nordic country brings a different kind of charm. If you're seeking sunlight, the sun barely sets in the summers, whereas winters are your best bet at catching a glimpse of the northern lights dancing in the skies. In autumn, Finland is bathed in shades of crimson and gold, and the springtime is temperate and green. The best time to visit Finland depends on what lighting excites you the most: 24/7 daylight , or the neon green aurora borealis against the night skies? Here’s a quick guide to the best time to visit Finland.
• What is the best time to visit Finland? • What is the best time to visit Finland for the northern lights? • What is the best time to visit Finland for snow? • Temperature in Finland throughout the year • Plan your trip
What is the best time to visit Finland?
The best time to visit Finland is in the summer, between June to August , when the temperature ranges between 53°F and 73°C. The days are unusually long in the summer, with 20 to 22 hours of sunlight a day. Museums, castles , and other tourist attractions are open for longer during this time of the year, allowing you to explore long after the usual opening hours. Since winters last for nearly seven months in Finland, summer is also the best time to explore Finland’s 40 national parks and many nature hikes. This is also the season for festivals in Finland; for example. the 10-day Naantali Music Festival , which features classical music artists from around the world, takes place in June.
Shoulder season in Finland spans from April to May, which is to say: springtime. The temperatures usually hover between 32°F and 50°F. There are fewer crowds and nightly rates at hotels take a dip. Speaking of shoulder season, visit Finland in autumn, between September to November, when the temperature fluctuates between 41°F and 59°F, and the country's trees are plentiful shades of yellow and crimson. As it goes with shoulder season, hotels and airfare tend to be cheaper, and there are fewer tourists.
Winter in Finland, which is from December to March, is not for the faint of heart, with temperatures ranging between 14°F and 41°F and sunlight present only three to four hours a day. But this might also the most rewarding time to visit Finland because winter is northern lights season.
What is the best time to visit Finland for the northern lights?
Finland is one of the best countries in Europe where you can chase the northern lights. The northern lights are visible all year round, but they are seen only once the sun sets. Since there's minimal nighttime during the summer in Finland, the best time to spot the aurora borealis is during the winter season, from December to March, when days are actually just nights.
The northern lights are easiest to spot when you’re away from the cities. The secret recipe for a great sighting is clear skies, low light pollution, and long winter nights. If you’re lucky, you may spot the aurora in Helsinki itself, but your best bet is to head north to Lapland, Kemi, Rovaniemi, Muonio, Ivalo, Kakslauttanen, Levi, or Saariselkä.
What is the best time to visit Finland for snow?
Even if you don’t get lucky with the northern lights, the good thing about visiting from December to March is that there are plenty of winter activities to do while you're in Finland. November marks the beginning of the snow season in Finland. Stay in an ice igloo; go skiing or dog sledging; race rally cars through the Arctic; and visit Santa Claus’ home in Rovaniemi.
How many days do I need for a trip to Finland?
The number of days totally depends on your itinerary. If you wish to just explore the capital of Helsinki and places close by, a four- or five-day trip is sufficient. However, if you wish to see Lapland and more, plan a 10-day trip.
A version of this article originally appeared in Condé Nast Traveller India .
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The best time to visit Finland
Every season in Finland brings a different kind of charm. The suns barely sets in the summers. Winters are your best bet at catching a glimpse of the northern lights dancing in the skies. In autumn, Finland is bathed in shades of crimson and gamboge. The best time to visit Finland depends on what lighting excites you the most – 24-7 daylight or the neon green aurora borealis against the night skies. Here’s a handy guide to the best time to visit Finland.
Jump to What is the best time to visit Finland? What is the best time to visit Finland for the northern lights? What is the best time to visit Finland for snow? What is the best time to visit Finland for snow? Temperature in Finland throughout the year
What is the best time to visit Finland?
The best time to visit Finland is in the summer between June to August , when the temperature ranges between 12°C and 23°C. The days are unusually long in the summer, with 20-22 hours of sunlight a day. Museums, castles and other tourist attractions are open for longer during this time of the year, allowing you to explore after hours. Since winters last for nearly seven months in Finland, this is the time to explore Finland’s 40 national parks and many nature hikes. Summer is also when Finland hosts many festivals. The 10-day Naantali Music Festival, which features classical music artists from around the world, takes place in June. Spring spans from April to May and is shoulder season. The temperatures usually hover between 0°C and 10°C. The crowds are lesser and hotel tariffs see a dip. If you wish to watch Finland bathed in yellow and crimson, visit in autumn between September to November, when the temperature fluctuates between 5°C and 15°C. This is also shoulder season, with lesser crowds and more affordable accommodation. Winter in Finland, which is from December to March is not for the faint of heart, with temperatures ranging between -10°C and 5°C and only three to four hours of sunlight. But also the most rewarding because this is the best time to catch the northern lights . It is also the best time for winter activities and to visit Santa Claus’ birthplace Rovaniemi.
What is the best time to visit Finland for the northern lights?
Finland is one of the best countries in Europe to chase the northern lights. The northern lights are visible all year round, but they are seen only once the sun sets. With summers extending into long days with sunlight, the winter months between December to March are the best time to spot them.
The lights are easiest to spot when you’re away from the cities. The secret recipe for a great sighting is clear skies, low light pollution and long winter nights. If you’re lucky, you may spot the aurora in Helsinki itself, but your best bet is to head north to Lapland, Kemi, Rovaniemi, Muonio, Ivalo, Kakslauttanen, Levi or Saariselkä.
What is the best time to visit Finland for snow?
Even if you don’t get lucky with the northern lights, the good thing about visiting from December to March is that there are plenty of winter activities to do – November marks the beginning of the snow season in Finland. Stay in an ice igloo, go skiing or dog sledging, race rally cars through the Arctic and visit Santa Claus’ home in Rovaniemi.
How many days do I need for a trip to Finland?
The number of days totally depends on your itinerary. If you wish to just explore the capital of Helsinki and places close by, a four to five day trip is sufficient. However, if you wish to see Lapland plan a 10-day trip.
Temperature in Finland throughout the year
April to May - 0°C and 10°C June to August - 12°C and 23°C September to November - 5°C and 15°C December to March - 10°C and 5°C
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