The weather in Finland is milder than one might expect, given how far north the country is located. In general, Finland experiences a marked swing between summer and winter, with bitterly cold winters when temperatures drop to -4°F (-20°C) in many areas, particularly in northern Lapland. Summer, by contrast, can be surprisingly warm, as temperatures can rise to 68°F (20°C) or more. Temperatures as high as 86°F (30°C) are possible in the south and east of the country.
The capital, Helsinki, is temperate, varying between an average of 63°F (17°C) in July and 23°F (-5°C) in February. January and February are the coldest months in Finland, and July is the warmest. Snow usually covers the ground in southern Finland from December to March, and in northern Finland from October to April.
In the far north, the sun does not set for about 73 days during summer. In winter, the sun stays below the horizon for 51 days at Finland’s northernmost point. Even in Helsinki, the shortest winter days offer fewer than six hours of daylight, a reality that expats may find difficult to adjust to. The winter night sky, especially in northern Finland, is often lit up by the magical dancing light of the aurora borealis. Ultimately, expats should be prepared for unpredictable weather and are encouraged to check the forecast every morning before leaving home.