Sodankylä, Finland: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Sodankylä, Finland? If you're planning to go to Sodankylä, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Sodankylä, Finland

Based on the climate and weather in Sodankylä, Finland, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Sodankylä, Finland

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Sodankylä, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

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

January

If you are traveling to Sodankylä in January, you will notice that it can be dangerously cold. Daytime temperatures are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Finland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sodankylä. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to choose the correct kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

February

February in Sodankylä is beyond freezing. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits below 0 F (10+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Finland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sodankylä. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you choose the right kind. A lot of adapters available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

March

March in this region can be bitter cold. Temperatures average in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Finland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sodankylä. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you get the right kind. The majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

April

April here is very cold. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Finland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sodankylä. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you choose the necessary kind. Many adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

May

If you vacation in Sodankylä during May, you are likely to notice that it is brisk. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Finland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sodankylä. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to get the right kind. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

June

If you are traveling to Sodankylä in June, you will notice that it is chilly. Expect it to rain once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Finland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sodankylä. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to find the right kind. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

July

July is mild. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Finland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sodankylä. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to choose the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

August

August in Sodankylä can be chilly. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Finland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sodankylä. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to choose the correct kind. A lot of adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

September

September in Sodankylä can be brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Finland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sodankylä. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

October

October is frosty. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Finland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sodankylä. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to get the necessary kind. Most adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

November

November is frigid. Temperatures average in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It rains once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Finland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sodankylä. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you get the right type. A lot of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

December

If you go to Sodankylä in December, you will notice that it can be dangerously cold. Daytime temperatures are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Finland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sodankylä. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to choose the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

What to do in Sodankylä, Finland

Sodankylä is a small yet beautiful town located in the heart of Lapland, Finland. This charming town is known for its natural beauty, rich history, and culture. Since it is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, lush forests, and pristine lakes, Sodankylä is a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventurers.

Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Sodankylä:

1. Pyhä-Luosto National Park – It is one of the most popular national parks in Finland that attracts visitors from all over the world. This park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna that can be explored by hiking, skiing, or snowshoeing. The park also has several trails with varying lengths and difficulty levels that cater to different interests and skill levels.

2. Sodankylä Old Church – This historical church is known for its unique architecture and cultural significance. The church was originally built in the 17th century and restored in the 18th century after it was destroyed during the Northern War. It is now a protected heritage site and a must-visit place for tourists who want to learn more about the town's history.

3. Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory – This is a unique research facility that studies the Earth's magnetic field and cosmic radiation. It is one of the few observatories in the world located in the Arctic region and has contributed significantly to the field of geophysics. Visitors can take a tour of the facility and learn about the experiments conducted here.

4. Tankavaara Gold Village – It is a popular tourist attraction that offers visitors a glimpse of the Gold Rush era in Finland. This village has several attractions, including a gold museum, a jewelry store, and a gold panning site. Visitors can try their luck at gold panning and take home some gold as a souvenir.

5. Korouoma Canyon – It is a stunning natural attraction located near Sodankylä that offers breathtaking views of the canyon and its surroundings. Visitors can hike along the canyon trail and witness the beauty of the frozen waterfalls and crystal clear river.

In conclusion, Sodankylä is a hidden gem in Finland that has something to offer for everyone. From natural wonders to historical landmarks, this charming town is a perfect destination for tourists who want to experience the best of Lapland.

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.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, New Jersey, United States of America, Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka, Balboa, Panama, Southern Marmara, Turkey, Chintheche, Malawi, Nejd, Saudi Arabia, Mount Athos, Greece, North Chicago, Illinois, United States of America, Ifaty, Madagascar, Saransk, Russia, and Dien Bien Phu, Vietnam.