South Karelia, 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 South Karelia, Finland? If you're planning to go to South Karelia, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to South Karelia, Finland

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

What to wear/what to pack for South Karelia, Finland

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for South Karelia, Finland by month

January

In January, South Karelia is beyond freezing and very snowy. Temperatures routinely are in the 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 South Karelia, with a few of the days of the month having rain. In January, humidity reaches as high as 90%.

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 constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in South Karelia. 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 bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you pick the right kind. Most adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

February

February here can be bitter cold and very snowy. Temperatures average in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It rains once in a while and snows about two thirds of the time.

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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • 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 pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you pick the right kind. Many adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

March

In March, South Karelia is very cold and somewhat snowy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 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 South Karelia, with a few of the days of the month having rain. In March, humidity reaches as high as 80%.

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 South Karelia. 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 luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you 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 little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to choose the correct kind. A lot of adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

April in South Karelia is cold and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain a bit less than half of the time. It also snows 5-10 days this month. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 70% range on average.

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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in South Karelia. 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 things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you pick the necessary kind. Many adapters on sale are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

May

If you vacation in South Karelia during May, you will probably see that it is crisp and somewhat rainy. 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:

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 South Karelia. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • 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. Make sure to find the correct type. Most adapters available are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

June

In June, South Karelia is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 60s F (high 10s C) and about half of the time jump into the 60s F (high 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for South Karelia, with several of the days of the month having rain. In June, humidity reaches as high as 60%.

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 repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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 South Karelia. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • 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 good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

July

July in South Karelia is mild and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s 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 South Karelia. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you choose the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • 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 neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

August

In August, South Karelia is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 60s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for South Karelia, with several of the days of the month having rain. In August, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you find the right kind. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers 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.

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

September

If you visit South Karelia during September, you may find that it is crisp and very rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 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:

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 South Karelia. 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you find the correct type. Many adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

October

October for South Karelia is pretty cool and very rainy. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains about half of the time and snows 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in South Karelia. 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

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to pick the correct type. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

November

Traveling to South Karelia in November, you will notice that it is freezing, somewhat snowy and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time and snow about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 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.

  • 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 South Karelia. 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 things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice 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. Check that you choose the right kind. The majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.

December

December here is frigid and very snowy. Temperatures average in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time and snows about two thirds of the time.

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 bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: 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 South Karelia. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to pick the necessary type. A lot of adapters available are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

What to do in South Karelia, Finland

South Karelia, located in the southeastern region of Finland, is a perfect destination for tourists who are looking to explore the natural beauty and historical essence of the country. From picturesque lakes to historic landmarks, South Karelia offers a plethora of tourist attractions that cater to various interests. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in South Karelia, Finland.

1. Saimaa Lake: Saimaa Lake is one of the most noteworthy natural wonders in South Karelia. The lake is the largest in Finland, and it is dotted with numerous small islands and islets. The lake is a perfect spot for a boat ride, fishing, and swimming in the summer. During the winter, the lake turns into a vast expanse of ice and serves as an ideal destination for ice fishing and ice skating.

2. Lappeenranta Fortress: Located in the heart of Lappeenranta city, the fortress is a historic landmark that dates back to the 18th century. The fortress played a crucial role in the Swedish-Finnish war and has since been transformed into a museum that showcases the history of the city.

3. Imatrankoski Rapids: Imatrankoski Rapids is another extraordinary natural attraction in South Karelia. The rapids are formed due to the displacement of water from Lake Saimaa, and it is known to be the most massive rapids in Scandinavia. The rapids attract tourists from all over the world, and it serves as a perfect spot for photography and hiking trails.

4. The Salpa Line Museum: The Salpa line was a defensive line built by Finland during the Second World War. The line consists of several bunkers, pillboxes, and fortifications. The Salpa Line Museum is a comprehensive museum that showcases the history and significance of the Salpa line.

5. Oravi village: Oravi village is a quaint village that is situated on the shores of Lake Saimaa. The village serves as a perfect spot for a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. The village offers various activities such as fishing, hiking, and kayaking.

6. The Orthodox Church of Lappeenranta: The Orthodox Church of Lappeenranta is an enchanting church that is situated on the edge of the city center. The church showcases Russian architectural styles, and it serves as a significant landmark in the city.

In conclusion, South Karelia, Finland, is a destination that is famous for its natural beauty and historical essence. The region offers various tourist attractions that cater to different interests. From picturesque lakes to historic landmarks, South Karelia has everything for everyone.

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: La Conner, Washington, United States of America, Thursday Island, Queensland, Australia, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, United States of America, Gatwick Airport, England, United Kingdom, Mitaka, Japan, Prizren, Kosovo, Suceava, Romania, Boac, Philippines, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand, Ventry, Ireland, and Dapitan, Philippines.