In Finland, we love to joke that we only have two seasons: winter, which lasts nine months, and summer. And that one sunny day? It usually falls on a weekday when everyone’s at work.
Cover photo by Hendrik Morkel, Saana, Lapland
But in truth, that’s not quite the case. Finland has four distinct seasons, each beautiful in its own way. And we, the team at FindingFinland.com, are here to prove it to you.
Autumn is a golden season, often called “ruska” in Finland. Thousands of visitors head to Lapland for hiking during this time, to witness the tundra painted in vibrant yellows and reds.
Photo: Toni Panula © Visit Finland
In autumn, Lapland’s weather is mild, and best of all, there are no mosquitoes or gnats. If these little bloodsuckers aren’t your friends, then autumn is the perfect time for a visit.
The same goes for other parts of Finland and its national parks, where you can enjoy breathtaking views without the biting cold or mosquitoes. We especially recommend Oulanka National Park and the “Capital’s Lapland” – Nuuksio National Park.
Photo: Mikko Huotari © Visit Finland
If hiking isn’t your thing, Helsinki boasts a dozen parks worth exploring in autumn’s beauty. Check out Kaivopuisto, Uutela, Töölö Bay Park, or Sibelius Park.
Winter is the season for Christmas markets, cross-country and downhill skiing, ice skating, and winter swimming. You don’t even have to leave the city for an icy dip in Finland — try the authentic Finnish tradition of winter swimming at Allas Sea Pool, right across from the Presidential Palace in Helsinki.
Photo: Löyly, Harri Tarvainen © Visit Finland
Another fantastic place for sauna and cold water dips is the restaurant Löyly, or the famous smoke sauna at Lake Kuusijärvi in Vantaa.
Photo: Levi, Visit Levi © Visit Finland
While the ski resorts in Lapland, like Levi, Salla, Saariselkä, and Ylläs, are hard to beat, southern Finland also has ski options. Just an hour from Helsinki, you’ll find Messilä Ski Resort, the largest in southern Finland, with 170 km of cross-country ski trails for classic skiing fans.
Spring in Finland is a season of renewal and beauty, celebrated in both nature and tradition. One of the most enchanting sights is the Japanialaistyylinen puutarha, a Japanese-style garden in Helsinki’s Roihuvuori district. Each spring, thousands of cherry blossoms bloom over a single weekend, attracting visitors to marvel at the pink petals that create a dreamy landscape. Another highlight is the Rhododendron Park in Pohjois-Haaga, where a vibrant explosion of colors and scents marks the end of spring and the beginning of summer, as rhododendrons and azaleas burst into bloom.
Juha Valkeajoki / Sherpa © Visit Finland
Vappu, or May Day, is Finland’s most iconic spring celebration, symbolizing the arrival of the season. People across the country come together to welcome spring with joy and festivities. Vappu is celebrated with parades, picnics, and traditional treats like sima (a type of mead) and funnel cakes. The celebration reaches its peak in city centers and parks, where Finns gather to mark the holiday with laughter, music, and the wearing of student caps—a cherished tradition.
Photo, Helsinki, Julia Kivelä © Visit Finland
After Vappu, park picnics become a regular sight, with groups of friends and families gathering to enjoy the sun and greenery. The most adventurous Finns even take their first dip of the year in lakes or the sea, kicking off the swimming season with enthusiasm. This seasonal ritual is a cherished moment, as people shake off the long winter and fully embrace the warmth and vibrance of Finnish spring.
Summer in Finland is warm and, thankfully, has very little snow — just kidding, of course! Though, in Lapland, it’s true that some snow can linger in certain areas until July.
Photo: Saimaa Lake, Juho Kuva © Visit Lahti
There’s no better way to spend summer than at a lakeside cottage in Lakeland Finland, home to 180,000 lakes. Two major lake systems stand out: Saimaa and Päijänne. Päijänne is only 100 km from Helsinki, while Saimaa lies three hours east. Both offer the ultimate escape into nature, where you can enjoy serene mornings by the water, swimming, and relaxing in the sauna.
Summer is also Finland’s festival season, with celebrations for all ages. The highlight is Juhannus, or Midsummer, when Finns gather with friends and family to welcome the long, light-filled days. Traditionally celebrated at lakeside cottages, Juhannus features bonfires, sauna, and music — a chance to honor Finnish heritage in the glow of the midnight sun.
Photo: Jaakko Tähti © Visit Finland
It’s also the ideal time to explore the archipelagos of Turku or Helsinki, with thousands of islands waiting to be discovered. Summer is perfect for fishing, berry picking, and foraging mushrooms in Finland’s abundant forests. Whether you’re boating around the islands or gathering wild treats in the woods, Finland’s summer is a season to connect with nature and savor the best the country has to offer.
Finding Finland is your online guide for those looking to get the most out of their journey to Finland. With us, uncover the best experiences, hidden gems, and unforgettable moments that make Finland unique.
