Helsinki, Finland: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
Traveling to Helsinki, Finland? If you're planning to go to Helsinki, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Helsinki
- Important essentials for Helsinki
- Activities for Helsinki
- Helsinki in January: weather and what to pack
- Helsinki in February: weather and what to pack
- Helsinki in March: weather and what to pack
- Helsinki in April: weather and what to pack
- Helsinki in May: weather and what to pack
- Helsinki in June: weather and what to pack
- Helsinki in July: weather and what to pack
- Helsinki in August: weather and what to pack
- Helsinki in September: weather and what to pack
- Helsinki in October: weather and what to pack
- Helsinki in November: weather and what to pack
- Helsinki in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Helsinki, Finland
Based on the climate and weather in Helsinki, the best time to go is July. See below for details.
Important essentials for Helsinki, Finland
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Helsinki, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often wear out. An unreadable vaccine card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection you can have.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly product.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's useful to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb kit.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Luggage protection
Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.
-
For families with young children
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. This one is sufficent for most areas, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
Money/passport pouch
Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Helsinki. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
What to wear/what to pack for Helsinki, Finland by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in this region can be bitter cold. Temperatures average in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It rains or snows about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Thermal undergarments
Our favorites:
-
Pajamas
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Lip balm
The best pick: here
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Helsinki, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is important here. This one is a perfect choice.
-
Ski accessories
Helsinki has some good ski slopes If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you intend to check out the charming United Community Church, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:
February
February in this region is frigid. Temperatures average in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It rains or snows regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Pajamas
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Lip balm
The best pick: this one
-
Thermal undergarments
We love:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Helsinki, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is vital here. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Helsinki has some excellent ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you intend to check out the charming United Community Church, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:
March
In March, Helsinki is frigid. Temperatures routinely are in the 30s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Helsinki, with several of the days of the month having rain. In March, humidity reaches as high as 80%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: this one
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Sweaters
-
Gloves
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Helsinki, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a great choice.
-
Ski accessories
Helsinki has some good ski areas If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you intend to check out the charming United Community Church, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:
April
April for Helsinki is brisk. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: here
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Helsinki, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential here. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Helsinki has some great skiing If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you intend to check out the charming United Community Church, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:
May
If you visit Helsinki during May, you might find that it is relatively cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
If you intend to check out the charming United Community Church, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:
June
June in Helsinki can be chilly. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) to 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
If you intend to check out the charming United Community Church, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:
July
In July, Helsinki is mild. Temperatures routinely are in the low 60s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Helsinki, with several of the days of the month having rain. In July, humidity reaches as high as 60%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We like:
If you intend to check out the charming United Community Church, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:
August
Traveling to Helsinki in August, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
If you intend to check out the charming United Community Church, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:
September
If you visit Helsinki during September, you are likely to find that it can be chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
If you intend to check out the charming United Community Church, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:
October
In October, Helsinki is pretty cool. Temperatures routinely are in the 40s F (single digits C) and a bit less than half of the time jump into the low 50s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Helsinki, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In October, humidity reaches as high as 80%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: here
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
If you intend to check out the charming United Community Church, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:
November
November here is frosty. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
Our pick is: this
-
Gloves
-
Heavy jacket
-
Sweaters
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Helsinki, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
Helsinki has some excellent ski areas If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you intend to check out the charming United Community Church, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:
December
December in Helsinki is freezing. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C). But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 80% to 90% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: here
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Gloves
-
Heavy jacket
-
Sweaters
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Helsinki, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential here. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Helsinki has some good ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
Activities for Helsinki, Finland
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Helsinki.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Idyllwild, California, United States of America, Orange, New Hampshire, United States of America, Northern Mexico, Coahuila, Mexico, Grand Isle, Vermont, United States of America, Bucyrus, Ohio, United States of America, Sodus Point, New York, United States of America, Shepherdstown, West Virginia, United States of America, Ialomița Valley, Romania, Artigas, Uruguay, Zaandam, Netherlands, and Celendín, Peru.