In Finland, each season offers a unique appeal. In the summer, the sun sets hardly at all. The finest time of year to see the northern lights dancing in the sky is during the winter. Finland is awash in crimson and gamboge hues in the autumn. Whichever illumination makes you happiest—the brilliant green aurora borealis against the night sky or the constant daylight—that’s when Finland is best visited. This is a helpful guide to Finland’s ideal travel season.

With temperatures ranging from 12°C to 23°C, June through August is the ideal time of year to visit Finland. Summertime brings unusually long days, with 20–22 hours of sunlight daily. This time of year offers extended hours for museums, castles, and other tourist destinations, so you can explore after hours. Finland’s 40 national parks and numerous nature treks are best explored during the approximately seven-month-long winter. Finland also has a lot of festivals during the summer.

June sees the 10-day Naantali Music Festival, which brings together classical music performers from all over the world. Spring is shoulder season, lasting from April to May. Typically, the temperature ranges from 0°C to 10°C. Fewer people are around, and hotel rates are declining. If you want to see Finland covered in crimson and gold, go there in the autumn, from September to November.

In addition, shoulder season offers less crowds and more reasonably priced lodging. With temperatures ranging from -10°C to 5°C and little to no sunlight, Finland’s winter, which lasts from December to March, is not for the weak of heart. However, it’s also the most fruitful because now is the ideal time to see the northern lights. It’s also the ideal time to visit Rovaniemi, the birthplace of Santa Claus, and engage in winter activities.

When is the greatest time to see the northern lights when visiting Finland?

One of the greatest places in Europe to see the northern lights is Finland. Though they are only visible when the sun sets, the northern lights are visible throughout the year. The greatest time to see them is in the winter, from December to March, when summers stretch into long days filled with sunlight.

It’s easier to see the lights when you’re outside of cities. Long winter nights, minimal light pollution, and pure skies are the secret ingredients for an amazing encounter. Your best chance of seeing the aurora is to travel north to places like Lapland, Kemi, Rovaniemi, Muonio, Ivalo, Kakslauttanen, Levi, or Saariselkä. If you’re lucky, you might even glimpse it in Helsinki.

When is the ideal time to travel to Finland in the winter?

The benefit of travelling between December and March is that there are lots of winter activities to do, even if you’re not lucky enough to see the northern lights. In Finland, the snow season officially begins in November. Visit Santa Claus’ residence in Rovaniemi, try dog sledging or skiing, race rally cars throughout the Arctic, and spend time in an ice igloo.

Temperature in Finland throughout the year

April to May – 0°C and 10°C
June to August – 12°C and 23°C
September to November – 5°C and 15°C
December to March – 10°C and 5°C