Finland
Helsinki
Finland
Helsinki
Updated Fri, Feb 6, 2026
Overview
Helsinki surprises visitors with its vibrant design scene and genuine warmth. Beyond famous landmarks, locals gather at hidden courtyard cafes in Punavuori and traditional smoke saunas on Suomenlinna Island. The city's food halls buzz with reindeer tastings and cloudberry treats while residents cycle year-round through snow-covered parks.
Best time to visit. Visit June through August for white nights and outdoor festivals, or embrace winter magic from December to February when locals ice swim and northern lights dance overhead.
City stats
Population
658,457
Land area
84 sq. mi.
Currency
Euro
Year founded
1550 CE
Official language
Finnish
English speaking
Widely spoken
State/Province
Uusimaa
Timezone
Eastern European (UTC+2)
Driving side
right
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| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23°F - 12°F | 16°F - 3°F | Cloudy | 9:24 am | 3:20 pm | 8 days 1.7 in | 18 days 8.9 in | 11 mph |
| February | 25°F - 14°F | 19°F - 6°F | Partly Cloudy | 8:17 am | 4:48 pm | 6 days 1.3 in | 15 days 7.2 in | 11 mph |
| March | 34°F - 23°F | 30°F - 18°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:42 am | 6:28 pm | 8 days 1.5 in | 10 days 4.8 in | 11 mph |
| April | 46°F - 32°F | 43°F - 28°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:45 am | 8:14 pm | 9 days 1.6 in | 3 days 1.1 in | 9 mph |
| May | 59°F - 43°F | 58°F - 41°F | Partly Cloudy | 4:32 am | 9:49 pm | 10 days 2.1 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| June | 68°F - 52°F | 68°F - 51°F | Partly Cloudy | 3:54 am | 10:50 pm | 11 days 2.7 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| July | 73°F - 57°F | 74°F - 57°F | Partly Cloudy | 4:14 am | 10:32 pm | 12 days 3.1 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| August | 70°F - 55°F | 71°F - 55°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:15 am | 9:19 pm | 12 days 3.2 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| September | 59°F - 46°F | 58°F - 44°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:34 am | 7:42 pm | 11 days 2.7 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 11 mph |
| October | 46°F - 36°F | 42°F - 31°F | Cloudy | 7:52 am | 6:01 pm | 12 days 2.8 in | 1 days 0.2 in | 11 mph |
| November | 34°F - 25°F | 28°F - 18°F | Cloudy | 8:22 am | 3:44 pm | 10 days 2.3 in | 8 days 3.4 in | 11 mph |
| December | 27°F - 16°F | 20°F - 8°F | Cloudy | 9:19 am | 3:14 pm | 7 days 1.8 in | 16 days 7.6 in | 11 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Finns celebrate the start of the new year with fireworks and festivities nationwide. | Avoid travel, most places closed. | ||
| Epiphany | January 6 | Christian holiday marking the visit of the Magi to baby Jesus. Many Finns attend church. | Limited impact, some businesses closed. | ||
| Easter | Varies (March/April) | Major Christian holiday with church services, Easter eggs, and traditional foods. | Avoid travel, many closures. | ||
| May Day | May 1 | Labor Day and spring festival. Finns celebrate with parades, picnics, and student events. | Lively atmosphere, but many closures. | ||
| Ascension Day | 40 days after Easter | Christian holiday commemorating Jesus' ascension. Many Finns attend church services. | Some closures, moderate impact. | ||
| Midsummer | Saturday between June 20-26 | Celebration of summer solstice. Finns gather at cottages, light bonfires, and enjoy nature. | Avoid travel, nationwide celebrations. | ||
| All Saints' Day | First Saturday in November | Day to remember the deceased. Finns visit cemeteries and light candles for loved ones. | Solemn atmosphere, minor disruptions. | ||
| Independence Day | December 6 | Celebration of Finland's independence. Parades, patriotic events, and blue-white decor. | Patriotic atmosphere, some closures. | ||
| Christmas | December 24-26 | Major holiday with festive markets, Santa Claus Village, and family gatherings. | Festive but avoid, many closures. |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lux Helsinki | early January | Annual light art festival transforming Helsinki's winter darkness into stunning displays | Great time to visit, magical atmosphere | ||
| Helsinki Design Week | September | Major design festival showcasing Finnish design, architecture, and creative culture | Busy period, book accommodations early | ||
| Helsinki Festival | late August - early September | Premier arts festival featuring music, dance, theater, and visual arts performances | Cultural peak season, expect crowds | ||
| Flow Festival | mid-August | International music festival featuring electronic, indie, and alternative artists | Very crowded, accommodation prices surge | ||
| Vappu | April 30 - May 1 | Traditional May Day celebration with picnics, balloons, and student festivities | Lively atmosphere but some closures | ||
| Helsinki Pride | late June - early July | Annual LGBTQ+ pride celebration with parades, parties, and cultural events | Vibrant celebration, city very welcoming | ||
| Juhannus | Midsummer weekend in June | Traditional midsummer celebration when many locals leave the city for summer houses | Quieter city, some restaurants may close | ||
| Restaurant Day | multiple times per year | Pop-up restaurant event where anyone can sell food from temporary locations | Fun food experience, no major disruptions |
1 | Finns value personal space. Maintain an arm's length distance in conversations and avoid physical contact unless invited. Don't be offended if locals seem reserved at first. |
2 | Punctuality is crucial in Finland. Arrive on time for appointments and social gatherings. Being late is considered disrespectful and may offend your Finnish hosts. |
3 | Sauna etiquette is important. Always shower before entering, sit on a towel, and respect the quiet atmosphere. It's common to be naked, but swimsuits are acceptable if you're uncomfortable. |
4 | Remove your shoes when entering someone's home. This custom is widespread and helps keep homes clean, especially during snowy or rainy weather. |
5 | Tipping is not expected in Finland. Service charges are included in restaurant bills. However, rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip for exceptional service is appreciated. |
6 | Learn basic Finnish phrases like 'kiitos' (thank you) and 'moi' (hi/bye). While many Finns speak English, they appreciate tourists making an effort to use their language. |
7 | Respect nature and practice 'Everyman's Right'. This allows you to roam freely in forests and pick berries or mushrooms, but also requires you to leave no trace and respect private property. |
8 | Finns appreciate honesty and directness. Don't be offended by blunt comments or questions. Conversely, avoid excessive small talk or overly enthusiastic behavior, which may seem insincere. |
Brainstorm ideas, plan your way, then navigate on the ground with personalized recommendations that adapt in real time.
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