Finland in May

Vappu, fast-returning light and blossom; Lapland in its muddy thaw.

• South coast · Helsinki, Turku, Porvoo, Ålandbest weather

  Around −5 °C in January, 20–23 °C in July; 19 h of daylight at midsummer, 6 h in late December. The sea often freezes near shore in cold winters.

• Lakeland · Tampere, Savonlinna, Kuopio, Kolifine

  Colder winters, warmer summers; lakes freeze solid for skating and skiing in February–March. Mosquitoes in June–July.

• Lapland · Rovaniemi, Levi, Ylläs, Saariselkä, Inari, Kilpisjärvicool

  Snow from November to April; −15 to −30 °C in January. Polar night (kaamos) in the north from early December to early January; midnight sun in Utsjoki about 17 May – 27 July. Autumn colours (ruska) in early September.

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Vappu

  30 Apr – 1 May

  Student caps, sparkling wine and picnics; Helsinki's Havis Amanda statue gets capped on the eve.

• Ascension

  Ascension Day (6 May 2027)

  Public holiday.

Crowds · Finland

Low

Prices · Finland

Medium

• Layers: a fleece or light jacket

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Rated best or good this month

• South coast

  Best weather of the year (Helsinki, Turku, Porvoo, Åland)

• Helsinki

  Bright and fresh; ferries and terraces start.