From late May to early August, Finland is transformed into a vibrant paradise of lush green forests, crystal clear lakes, and wildflowers in full bloom. With over 75% of the country covered in forest, and more than 188,000 lakes, Finland consistently ranks as one of the countries with the best air quality in the world.
In summer, you are able to experience a unique natural phenomenon known as the Midnight Sun. In northern Lapland, just above the Arctic Circle, the sun does not set at all between the months of May and August. In the south, as far as the capital Helsinki, the sun stays up for most of the day during June and July, dipping below the horizon for only a few hours at night. These “Nightless Nights” infuse the country with an infectious energy - it’s a time when locals are out and about at all hours, relishing the extra hours of sunlight.
It is easy to lose track of time during these long summer days. Whether it’s kayaking across the crystal clear lakes, unwinding at a mökki (a traditional Finnish summer cottage), or bathing in the golden rays of the Midnight Sun, it is not uncommon to find yourself surprised when someone mentions it is 2am! With this abundance of daylight, we have the luxury to savour the present moment, uninhibited by the constraints of time.
Forests become littered with countless varieties of fruits, berries and mushrooms, all available for us to sample. The unique environmental conditions - cooler temperatures, extended daylight hours and lower pollution levels - cause Arctic berries to develop particularly high concentrations of antioxidants, vitamins, and other beneficial compounds. Foraging is an important tradition in Finnish culture, allowing the locals to connect with nature and providing a sustainable way to gather seasonal berries, mushrooms, and herbs that have been staples in Finnish diets for generations.
Life in summer is synonymous with two words - relaxation and restoration. We will immerse ourselves in the vast unspoiled wilderness - wandering through enchanting forests, cycling along scenic archipelagos or cruising down shimmering lakes. We will take in lungfulls of fresh air, dine in spectacular locations and embrace sauna culture - a tradition which is believed to date back as far as 7000 BC. Under the gentle golden rays of the summer sun, you will perhaps begin to understand why Finland has topped the World Happiness Report for the last eight years in a row!
Average Temperatures in Finland in Summer:
Temperatures in Summer are mild, providing ideal outdoor conditions for various activities.
Regional Variations:
Southern Finland (e.g., Helsinki, Turku): 15–25°C (59–77°F)
Central Finland (e.g., Jyväskylä, Kuopio): 14–23°C (57–73°F)
Northern Finland & Lapland (e.g., Rovaniemi, Inari): 10–20°C (50–68°F)