Finland through the seasons - when to go where

As the "home of Santa Claus" Finland has presented itself as a popular winter destination. Many tourists travel to Lapland to experience snowy landscapes, witness the northern lights and maybe even meet Santa Claus along the way. However, Finland's magic does not disappear when the snow melts and is worth visiting all year around. Each season has something unique to offer, from the colorful autumn trees reflecting in the lakes to blooming trees and the midnight sun. 

After having lived in Finland for almost a year and exploring different parts of the country during this time, I believe I have gathered a good understanding on what each season has to offer and where you can experience this in places that go beyond Lapland and Helsinki. So I have created this guide to take you through Finland season by season, showing you the best places to visit at the best time, so you can plan your perfect trip!

Spring

April-May

Spring in Finland takes a little longer to arrive compared to many other countries. But when nature finally starts to bloom again, it feels even more special, especially after many cold and dark months. The south of Finland is particularly nice to visit in spring, since the season arrives a bit earlier there than in the north. Still snow can sometimes surprise you quite late. This year the last snowfall I experienced was on the last day of April.

1) Turku

Turku was my home base when I lived in Finland so I have to admit I might be a little bit biased but in my opinion it is the best place to visit in Finland. The city is as the oldest city in Finland rich in history, which is reflected in many of the buildings. Turku is not too large, which makes it a little cozier compared to for example Helsinki, but it still has plenty to offer. One of the best things about Turku is its location. It serves as the gateway to the archipelago sea, one of the biggest and most impressive archipelagos in the world. Moreover, you can easily take a daytrip to nearby towns such as Naantali or Rauma, or explore the surrounding nature such as Kurjenrahka National Park. I believe Turku is great in every season, and I can assure you this is not the only time it will be mentioned in this post, but the reason I would suggest it for a spring trip is the perfect mix of activites for any kind of weather that Turku has to offer. When the sun is shining, you can head to Ruissalo island and walk or cycle among the blooming trees and flowers or sit down at the Aura river in the city center. May is definitely the better time to see everything bloom and in May the city really starts coming to life, but April is still nice as you can see the cherry blossoms. At the same time, Turku offers plenty of activities you can enjoy when the weather isn't the best. This is especially important in a country like Finland where you should always be prepared that your spring may be interrupted by a second or third winter. My go to activities for days like that would be visiting one of the many cozy cafés or have a relaxing day in the sauna at Villa Järvelä. 

2) Naantali

Naantali is a charming small town close to Turku and is best known as the home of Moominworld, which is an island with a Moomin-themed adventure park. The town itself is very picturesque, with old wooden houses and a lovely harbor. From Naantali you can also further head into the archipelago, though it is worth noting that many services, such as restaurants or boats that run between the islands, only start operating in the summer. Moominworld is open from June to August, so if you want to experience the full attraction, summer is the best time to visit. However, the reason I am suggesting to visit Naantali in spring is that even though the theme park isn't operating before June, it is still possible to visit the island and walk between the moomin inspired buildings. This way you still feel like you stepped into Moomin valley but without having to pay an entrance ticket (which is 42€ for one day) and also without big crowds. 

(Disclaimer: neither of these pictures were taken in spring. The first one is from August and the second one from March)

3) Helsinki

Helsinki is great to visit in spring for similar reasons as already mentioned for Turku. On sunny days, you can enjoy the blooming nature in the city's parks, such as Kaivopuisto, or take a ferry to one of the nearby islands, the most famous being Suomenlinna. When the weather turns rainy or chilly, there is still plenty to do, such as exploring one of the many museums, relaxing in a sauna and taking a dip at the Allas Sea Pool afterwards or spending some time in Oodi library. Another advantage of visiting Helsinki in spring is that it's less crowded than in the summer months, allowing you to experience the city in a calmer, more relaxed way. 

4) Vappu celebrations

If you happen to be in Finland on April 30th, you can experience the biggest student celebration of the year: Vappu. It marks the arrival of May and on that day cities transform into a sea of white caps, which Finnish students receive when they graduate from highschool. While the tradition is strongly tied to students, Vappu is celebrated by people of all ages who all gather throughout the city to enjoy the festivities. The celebrations continue on May 1st, usually with picnics in parks and live performances. The biggest and most famous Vappu festivities take place in Helsinki, but you can also experience them in other cities across Finland. I spent my Mayday in Turku and it was a wonderful experience. I have also seen many videos from the celebrations in Tampere, which also looked like a lot of fun.

Summer

June-August

Summer is when the country really comes alive with plenty of events being hosted, most attractions being open and the streets being more lively than ever. What makes Finnish summer unique compared to many other countries is the midnight sun, meaning in the north of the country the sun doesn't set at all in the summer, and in the south it only dips below the horizon for a short while, creating very long, light-filled evenings. The temperatures are pleasantly warm without being too hot, making it perfect for spending time outdoors.

1) Mökki (Finnish summer cottage)

In summer, most Finns don't travel abroad but instead spend their holidays at a cottage, known as Mökki, somewhere in the Finnish countryside. These cottages are often very simple, some without running water or WIFI, but they create a perfect place to relax and take a break from your normal life. To experience a truly authentic Finnish summer, I recommend booking a cottage for a few days in nature (bonus points if it's next to a lake or the sea), where you can slow down and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Some popular Mökki activities would be picking berries in a nearby forest, relaxing in the sauna and cooling off with a refreshing swim in the lake. 

2) Archipelago Sea

The Archipelago Sea is a truly unique area and can, depending on definition, be considered the largest archipelago in the world, with around 50,000 islands. It stretches across the regions between Uusikaupunki, Hanko and Mariehamn, offering endless opportunities to explore. The easiest way to reach the islands is usually from Turku: in summer, boats connect to closer islands, while buses take you to those linked by bridges. For a longer trip, you can also take the ferry all the way to Åland and explore the archipelago from there. The Archipelago Sea is full of natural beauty, from peaceful islands landscapes to incredibly clear night skies. Summer is the best time to visit, not only because the nature is at its peak, but also because seasonal cafés and services are open, and boats run between the islands, making island-hopping easier. 

3) Åland

Åland is an autonomous region of Finland, located in the Baltic Sea between Sweden and Finland. While it technically belongs to Finland, many things are different from the mainland such as Åland having their own flag and license plate and having Swedish as their majority language rather than Finnish. It is also considered to be the sunniest region in the Nordics (which is hard to tell from my photos), which makes it an especially attractive summer destination. When I visited Åland in April it was still off-season so many places were closwed and some public transport services were not running. While it was still a nice place to visit in April, I would definitely recommend coming in the summer months, when you can really make the most of your time there. 

4) Finland's cities

I know the headline sounds very broad but the truth is that almost every city in Finland is probably worth exploring in the summer. This is the season when they truly come alive, with countless events, festivals, and activities that ensure there's always something happening. Major music events such as Ruisrock in Turku or the Helsinki city festival draw huge crowds in summer and are definitely worth checking out, but even smaller cities have their own lively summer atmosphere. Helsinki has as the biggest city in Finland the most to offer but other cities such as Turku and Tampere are also worth spending some time in. 

5) Rauma

Rauma is a charming town on the west coast of Finland. It is best known for its historic center, which is protected as a UNESCO World-Heritage Site, where you can enjoy walking along colorful wooden houses and having a look inside some nice shops or museums. However, my favorite part about Rauma is not the city center but the seafront which is just a short distance away from the center. There you will find a beach that is perfect for relaxing or going for a swim. From there, a walk towards the harbor will take you past Kiikartorni viewing tower, which offers a gorgeous view over the sea and the nearby islands. Rauma is especially nice in summer when the temperatures are nice for swimming or sunbathing and the surrounding landscape is in vibrant colors. 

Autumn

September-October

Autumn in Finland is, in my opinion, one of the most underrated seasons and perhaps even my favorite. During September and October, the whole country transforms into a sea of vibrant orange and red colors, which the Finns describe as Ruska. The temperatures can get quite chilly, which at the same time makes visiting a café and eating one of Finland's many delicious pastries even more enjoyable. To me, autumn in Finland is the perfect mix between enjoying the gorgeous nature and experiencing the warm, cozy vibes. The best time to experience Finnish autumn is in October, as this is when the leaves are in their most vibrant color but end of September can also already be really nice. Just keep in mind that the beginning of September can still feel a bit like summer, at least from what I experienced in southern Finland. 

1) Tampere

I visited Tampere twice, both times in autumn, and I'm convinced it is one of the best places to visit during this season. As Finland's third largest city, Tampere has a lot to offer - both inside activities, such as the Moomin museum, and outdoor activities such as Pyynikki. One of my favorite attractions was the Tallipiha Stable Yards, which is with its cozy shops and seasonal decorations the perfect place to experience the autumn vibes. Another thing I love about Tampere is its surrounding nature. The city sits between two lakes, which are both framed by colorful autumn trees during these  months. For the best trip I would recommend combining a visit to Tampere with a stay in Finland's nature nearby. 

2) Häme and Keski-Suomi regions

One of my favorite trips I did while living in Finland was spending a weekend at a cottage and enjoying the Finnish nature from there. We drove from Turku to Jämsä (where the cottage was located), passing through the Häme-region, which Tampere is part of, before reaching Keski-Suomi. The cottage was set right on a lake, with the surrounding trees reflecting beautifully in the water. Inside the cottage was just as beautiful. The house was incredibly cozy and of course had a sauna where we could relax in the evening after a full day of exploring. Both of these regions are gorgeous in autumn so I would recommend doing something similar and renting a cottage somewhere where you can fully enjoy Finnish nature. 

3) Matildedal and Halikko

Mathildedal and Halikko are two villages in the south of Finland that are located fairly close to each other, making them the perfect pair to combine into one daytrip. I visited them as adaytrip from Turku, which worked out really well. Mathildedal is located in Teijo National Park and is due to its Halloween and autumn themed decorations, as well as its beautiful surroundings that are covered in orange and red trees, the perfect destination to visit during autumn. Next to the village you find a lake (Matildanjärvi), where you can take a walk along the trails and enjoy the peaceful nature of Teijo National Park. In the evening, you can head to Halikko, a village known for its two week-long pumpkin festival (Kurpitsaviikot), where you find carved pumpkins, creative pumpkin decorations and pumpkin-inspired food. The festival is rather small so it is definitely not an activity that will fill up a whole day but it is nice to spend the evening there, especially when it gets dark and you can enjoy the lights. 

4) Jyväskylä

Jyväskylä is located in Keski-Suomi and is the country's seventh largest city, just a little smaller than Turku. While I personally didn't find as many things to do in the city itself, I think it's worth visiting because of its beautiful surrounding nature. Jyväskylä sits right by several lake, which you can get a view of from Vesilinna Tower, which is located right in the center of Jyväskylä. From there you are basically looking out at a sea of orange colored trees with some lakes scattered between them. This view along some cute wooden houses and cozy cafés definitely make Jyväskylä a place worth visiting. 

5) Porvoo

Porvoo is Finland's second oldest city and makes a great daytrip from Helsinki. The town is especially famous for its charming old wooden houses along the water, as well as its many little shops and cafés. During my visit in October, the town was beautifully decorated in an autumn theme, which make the town along with the gorgeous backdrop of orange-colored leaves a perfect place to visit during autumn. And when the temperatures get too chilly, you can sit down in a café and try Porvoo's local speciality: the Runebergin torttu, a little cake filled with Marzipan and jam. 

Winter

November-March

Winter is the longest season in Finland and also one of the most popular times for tourism. Where to go and when to visit really depends on what type of experience you are looking for. It is definitely worth noting that the Finnish winter you see in photos of Lapland is not what the winter looks like everywhere in the country. In the south, for example, the temperatures weren't that different from what I'm used to from Germany and snow only occured every now and then and often melted the next day already. If you want to visit Finland for snowy landscapes, the best places to visit are northern and easter Finland. The north is also of course the best place to see the northern lights, although with some luck you might catch them in south too but they will definitely be less impressive. December is a great month to visit to experience the festive vibes but the other months also have plenty to offer. 

1) Santa Claus Village (Rovaniemi)

The Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi is one of the most popular destinations for a winter holiday in Finland. There you find all classic Lapland experiences, such as meeting reindeers, going on a husky safari or going on snowmobile rides, in one place. And of course you even get to meet Santa Claus! It is very convenient as so many activities are close together, and the village is really family-friendly with plenty of activities for kids. That being said it is also one of the more expensive places to visit, though Lapland in general is quite pricey. Personally, while I think it is a nice place with a lot to offer, it is also a little too touristy and I would recommend going somewhere else for a more authentic Lapland experience. 

2) Northern Lapland (Saariselkä, Inari, Ivalo)

I think this authentic Lapland experience I just mentioned can be found in the region around Saariselkä. I visited this area on an organized group trip with timetravels, where we stayed in Saariselkä and visited nearby places such as Ivalo or Inari from there. On the trip, everyone could book the activites they wanted to join, such as husky safaris, northern lights hunt, ice fishing, cross country skiing or ice skating. My personal favorite was visiting a Sámi-owned reindeer farm, where we not only got to meet reindeer but also learn about the Sámi culture and traditions. Saariselkä is of course also touristy but I have found the experiences much more authentic, particularly because we got to connect with the indigenous population in their homeland. I visited the region at the end of November, when there wasn't as much snow as what you often in photos of Lapland so it might be better to visit in January or February instead when there is a little more snow. It was also right at the beginning of the polar nights, so the skies were beautifully pink during the hours of daylight. 

3) Finland's cities

Although Finnish cities are at their liveliest in the summer, there is still plenty to do in the winter months, many of which are tied to the season. Around Christmas, cities are beautifully decorated and you can enjoy the festive spirit at the Christmas markets. The best market is probably the one in Helsinki which not only has a great variety of booths but is also located beautifully in front of the cathedral. Other seasonal activities you can experience in the cities include ice skating and experiencing a Finnish hockey game. The Liiga (Finnish Hockey League) season runs from September to March, giving plenty of opportunities to catch a game. Since most cities have their own team, you can experience it almost anywhere in the country. Later in the winter season the Finnish celebration of Shrove Sunday, Laskiainen, takes place. On and around this day you might find local events tied to the celebration. Students, for example, meet up to host sledging competition which include building their own sled. 

4) South Karelia 

South Karelia is a great region to visit if you are looking to experience some snow. Even though it is located in the south of Finland, it tends to get more snow than the west. When I went in December, I left Turku, which didn't have any snow at the time, to find a beautiful winter landscape covered in white. It is the perfect place to enjoy the snowy nature, especially around Lake Saimaa, which is the biggest lake in Finland. The biggest city in the region is Lappeenranta and while I didn't find the city itself to have a huge amount to offer, it was still a nice stop in between exploring the nature. Its cafés make a great place to warm up from the cold and enjoy some joulutorttu, which is a traditional Finnish christmas pastry.