Helsinki, Finland: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2018]

Traveling to Helsinki, Finland? If you're planning to go to Helsinki, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack:

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.

What to wear/what to pack for Helsinki, Finland by month

January

January in Helsinki can be bitter cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 10s 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:

Sweaters
Insulated boots
Scarf
If you plan to ski, ski equipment
Very heavy socks
Fleeces
Umbrella
Gloves
Multiple layer jacket shell
Pajamas, such as sweats
Waterproof boots
Waterproof coat
Thermal undergarments

February

In February, Helsinki is freezing. Temperatures routinely are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C) range. At night, lows are in the 10s 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 February, humidity reaches as high as 90%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Multiple layer jacket shell
Umbrella
Very heavy socks
Gloves
Insulated boots
Waterproof coat
If you plan to ski, ski equipment
Pajamas, such as sweats
Scarf
Sweaters
Fleeces
Thermal undergarments
Waterproof boots

March

In March, Helsinki can be extremely cold. 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:

If you plan to ski, ski equipment
Heavy socks
Waterproof boots
Umbrella
Cold weather footwear
Waterproof coat
Gloves or mittens
Heavy jacket
Sweaters
Warm pants or jeans

April

April can be very chilly. 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:

If you plan to ski, ski equipment
Waterproof coat
Waterproof boots
Light gloves or mittens
Jacket or coat
Standard footwear
Umbrella
Warm pants or jeans
Socks
Fleeces

May

May in Helsinki is crisp. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C), with a few days below 32 F (single digits C).

With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Dresses
Waterproof footwear
Light jacket or fleece
Waterproof luggage
Pants or jeans
Socks
Long skirts
Umbrella
Standard footwear
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Rain coat

June

June in Helsinki is relatively cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s F (single digits C). But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Long skirts
Waterproof footwear
Socks
Pants or jeans
Dresses
Light jacket or fleece
Umbrella
Waterproof luggage
Standard footwear
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Rain coat

July

If you visit Helsinki during July, you are likely to find that it is balmy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s 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:

Socks
Standard footwear
Umbrella
Waterproof footwear
Waterproof luggage
Dresses
Long skirts
Rain coat
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light jacket or fleece
Pants or jeans

August

August in Helsinki is cool. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Pants or jeans
Waterproof luggage
Light jacket or fleece
Umbrella
Waterproof footwear
Dresses
Long skirts
Rain coat
Socks
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Standard footwear

September

September in Helsinki can be chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C), with a few days below 32 F (single digits C).

But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 70% to 80% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Dresses
Light jacket or fleece
Socks
Rain coat
Standard footwear
Long skirts
Umbrella
Pants or jeans
Waterproof footwear
Waterproof luggage
Long sleeve shirts or blouses

October

If you are traveling to Helsinki in October, you will notice that it is cold. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Fleeces
Waterproof luggage
Jacket or coat
Umbrella
Rain coat
Waterproof footwear
Standard footwear
Light gloves or mittens
Socks
Warm pants or jeans

November

If you go to Helsinki in November, you will notice that it can be extremely cold. Expect it to rain or snow about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Sweaters
Waterproof coat
Warm pants or jeans
Umbrella
Waterproof boots
If you plan to ski, ski equipment
Heavy socks
Heavy jacket
Gloves or mittens
Cold weather footwear

December

December in Helsinki is freezing. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters.

During this time, temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits F (10+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Heavy jacket
Gloves or mittens
Umbrella
Cold weather footwear
Waterproof coat
If you plan to ski, ski equipment
Heavy socks
Warm pants or jeans
Waterproof boots
Sweaters

Year-round what to wear/what to pack 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.

A plug adadpter that supports outlet types C and F
A SIM card that works in Helsinki
If you plan to visit a church, make sure to bring appropriate clothing
Theft can be a problem, so pack theft protection, including locks for luggage and a money belt or pouch
Appropriate museum wear
Bicycle friendly attire, if you plan on biking anywhere

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