Saimaa, Finland: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Saimaa, Finland? If you're planning to go to Saimaa, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Saimaa
- Important essentials for Saimaa
- Activities for Saimaa
- Saimaa in January: weather and what to pack
- Saimaa in February: weather and what to pack
- Saimaa in March: weather and what to pack
- Saimaa in April: weather and what to pack
- Saimaa in May: weather and what to pack
- Saimaa in June: weather and what to pack
- Saimaa in July: weather and what to pack
- Saimaa in August: weather and what to pack
- Saimaa in September: weather and what to pack
- Saimaa in October: weather and what to pack
- Saimaa in November: weather and what to pack
- Saimaa 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 Saimaa, Finland
Based on the climate and weather in Saimaa, the best time to go is July. See below for details.
Important essentials for Saimaa, Finland
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Saimaa, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly product.
-
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently wear away. An unreadable vaccine card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection you can have.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
General health necessities
-
Emergency water purifier
Some rural areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's useful to have an emergency water purifier like this one.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good one.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
For families with young children
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. This one works in most areas, but you should check with your hotel.
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Saimaa. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Airplane or car necessities
What to wear/what to pack for Saimaa, Finland by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Saimaa is unbearably cold and very snowy. The snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C) to 20s 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:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Pajamas
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Lip balm
The best option: here
-
Thermal undergarments
Our choice is:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Saimaa, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is an excellent choice.
-
Ski accessories
Saimaa has some great ski areas If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- 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
February
February in Saimaa is unbearably cold and very snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C). It tends to rain occasionally. It also snows about two thirds of the time. 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:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Thermal undergarments
Our favorites:
-
Pajamas
-
Lip balm
The best option: this
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Saimaa, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a perfect choice.
-
Ski accessories
Saimaa 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
March
March can be extremely cold and somewhat snowy. Temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month and snows about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: this
-
Gloves
-
Heavy jacket
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Saimaa, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a perfect choice.
-
Ski accessories
Saimaa has some excellent ski areas If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- 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
April
April is brisk and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month and snows about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Saimaa, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a great choice.
-
Ski accessories
Saimaa has some good skiing If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- 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
May
May in Saimaa is crisp and somewhat rainy. 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). It tends to rain about half of the time. With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
June
June in Saimaa is balmy and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
July
If you vacation in Saimaa during July, you are likely to notice that it is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
August
If you visit Saimaa during August, you will probably see that it is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
September
September in Saimaa is chilly and very rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time. 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:
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
October
October in Saimaa is pretty cool and very rainy. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) to 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this one
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
November
In November, Saimaa is freezing, somewhat snowy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 30s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Saimaa, with several of the days of the month having rain. In November, humidity reaches as high as 90%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Gloves
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy jacket
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: this one
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Saimaa, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a great choice.
-
Ski accessories
Saimaa has some excellent ski areas If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- 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
December
If you go to Saimaa in December, you will notice that it is frosty and very snowy. Expect it to rain about a third of the time and snow about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Thermal undergarments
Our choice is:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Lip balm
The best option: this one
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Pajamas
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Saimaa, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Saimaa has some great ski areas If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- 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
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