Updated: 30.10.2025

In Finland we have four seasons. Understanding the seasons and their specialties helps navigate through them. Read below more about each season, what to enjoy during the season and how to prepare for the changing weathers!

Concerned about the weather? Visit the Finnish Meteorological Institute's page to learn about the temperatures and weather specialties during each season.

For Finns, the seasons richen the year. Seasons signify the time passing, and make waiting for a season is especially rewarding.

Finns often choose the activities based on the season and weather. For example, autumn is the only time of the year to pick up mushrooms and berries, and many Finns go to the forests to pick up enough for the whole year. Finns also enjoy many yearly festivities and traditions, some of which are public holidays and flag days. You can see some of the most important seasonal activities and festivities in the year clock.

To learn more about the flag days and public holidays, visit the University Almanac Office's page.

Taking part in Finnish seasons and festivities are memorable experiences. It is often hard to summary the atmosphere and history behind traditions, which is why it is recommended to enjoy the seasonal specialties together with a local Finn. Once you arrive to Finland, don't hesitate to ask for a Finn to explain upcoming festivities for you!

Autumn - season for school's starting, mushroom and berry picking, and autumn leaves

Autumn is the most colorful time of year in Finland. In autumn, the trees take on a stunning red and yellow spectrum. Autumn in Finland means that temperatures drop from summer and autumn starts around the end of August. The weather is cool and often rainy and windy. The autumn in Finland is also quite dark, as the days get shorter and the sun sets earlier compared to summer. Wind- and rain-resistant jackets and footwear are a great choice!

Autumn lasts until October or November, when the snow falls. It's the season for relaxing and calming down, and spending rainy days indoors with candles, a good book and tea. During autumn it is totally ok to just stay home and spend time alone or with the closest friends. It is also the harvesting season in Finland, and you might want to try out Finnish seasonal vegetables and recipes in your cooking.  

Good to remember during autumn:

• Reflectors - as the days become darker, it is important to be visible when outside to stay safe.
• Rain jacket or umbrella - the weather might change quickly, and carrying an umbrella saves you from the surprise rains.
• Enjoy the sunny days - the days will only become darker, so when the weather is nice, enjoy all you can! Walks in the forest, mushroom and berry picking, and exercising outdoors are the most loved Finnish autumn outdoor hobbies. 

Winter - season for magical snow, winter activities and cozy hot chocolate

Winter is the coldest season in Finland, with temperatures often near freezing. In Finland, winter is a time to enjoy stunning icy and snowy landscapes.

Winter starts around November and lasts until the beginning of spring, around the end of February, when the snow starts to melt. During the winter months temperatures in Finland often dip below freezing. The air tends to be dry when it's cold. Winter days are generally dark because the sun rises late and sets early. It's important to note that in Finland, snow or low temperatures do not lead to school or work cancellations!

The ground can be icy and slippery, particularly when temperatures hover around freezing. Be sure to dress warmly in winter. You'll need a thick winter jacket, a hat, a scarf, gloves, and warm winter shoes. Layering your clothing is essential to stay comfortable in the cold. It's advisable to buy winter clothes in Finland, as we have clothing specifically designed to keep you warm.

The lack of daylight during winter can lead to mood drop. Make sure to get enough vitamin D, and if necessary, consider using a bright light therapy lamp to help cope with the darkness. But darkness also brings opportunities: you're more likely to see Northerh lights and the stars in the night sky.

Good to remember during winter:

• Layer up - it's a good idea to buy winter clothes from Finland, as they're designed for the Finnish cold weather.
• Moisturize - when temperature drops below zero, the air humidity is low. You'll likely feel this in your skin, so opt for moisturizing your skin.
• Studded shoes or add-on studs - the streets and roads can be extremely slippery. Adding studs to your shoes will help you stay stable while walking outside. If you're cycling through the winter, you'll likely need winter tires as well. 

A day in the Finnish winter - Blog post

Spring - season for brightening days and nature waking up

During spring, nature comes to life again when the snow melts. Sunlight increases, temperatures rise and nature becomes greener. The weather is still unpredictable, and can change drastically even during the same day. Finns even have jokes about "takatalvi" ("winter returning") when the weather turns nice and summer is clearly coming up, but suddenly it is snowing again. Wild!

Spring begins in March and lasts until May. In spring Finns often follow the nature working, and try to find the signs of spring: flowers such as coltsfoots, crocuses, and wood anemones, all tell how close we are to the summer. Migratory birds are returning to Finland and you can see wedges of cranes and swans. Finns even have old folk rhymes about spring turning into summer.

Good to remember during spring:

• High weather differences - the weather can change drastically during the week or even the same day. Don't lose your scarf and gloves too early.
• Fresh nature - the shade of green of nature waking up is truly it's own. You can track the time and spring by spotting different spring species, such as coltsfoot, wood anemone.

Summer - season for picnics, cottages and midnight sun

Summer in Finland is the brightest time of year. After the long and dark winter Finns are delighted to see the sun take over. In the north in midsummer you can even enjoy the polar day -  a day when sun does not set at all. The nights are short in the whole Finland, and Finns take every opportunity to be outside, enjoy the warm weather and green nature. If you didn't really see people outside during the darker months, by now you can surely see all the Finns gather outside for walks and evenings at the terrace.

Summer in Finland starts at the end of May. It is usually warm and sunny, and you can easily stay out the whole day with t-shirt and shorts. Finnish schools have summer break from early June to the middle of August, during which Finnish families often visit cottages. Whereas during dark late autumn and winter Finns might travel abroad for vacation, summer is often spent at home or travelling across Finland. And understandably - the weather and nature make it a pleasant option for relaxing. 

Finnish summer activities include everything outside. Picnics and city strolling, hiking and camping, and of course, the Finnish cottage experience with swimming and sauna. Midsummer is the biggest festive during summer, when Finns often gather together with their families or friends to a cottage for the weekend. 

Good to remember during summer:

• SPF - especially in the beginning of summer, the sunlight is harsh and can easily tan or burn. Many Finns use SPF even on cloudy days.
• Swimwear - Finland is full of lakes, and Finns love to swim in the natural waters. Taking a swim in the afternoon is a common activity during a day hike or picnic in the park. Just make sure to use public swim spots, if possible.
• Repellent - unless you have made peace with the mosquitos, they will find you from city centers to cottages by the lake. If you're spending time in the nature, it's a good idea to bring mosquito repellent with you.
• Clock - since the sun stays up until very late, it is almost impossible to deduce the time passing from the sun. You'll be surprised to realize it's already evening, while it looks like it's barely afternoon!

Finnish summer - Blog post