Weather in Finland in May

Finland in May sees the country in the full swing of spring, with lush greenery and warmer weather. As such, the weather in Finland in May is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and biking in spectacular landscapes. At the same time, a few festivals are on hand to add local flavour to your spring vacation. Like the sound of that? Read on for detail on the weather in Finland in May.

Finland in May at a glance

• Average temperatures range from 41°F to 59°F (5°C to 15°C).
• May is a great time to explore the Archipelago Sea and Finnish Lakeland to enjoy beautiful spring scenery.
• The weather is mild and pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
• There are fewer crowds in May.

What is the weather like in Finland in May?

The weather in Finland in May is generally mild and comfortable — the intense cold and endless winter snow has gone, leaving lusher, greener scenery in its place.

That said, In the far north of Finland, things are still pretty cold, especially at night. So, if you want it warmer, head south.

Overall, visiting Finland in May is the ideal time to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and biking.

Rain is moderate, averaging 100mm a month, with occasional showers keeping landscapes luscious.

Average daily temperatures in May

In May, Finland warms up with an average high temperature around 59°F (15°C), while the average low can dip to 41°F (5°C).

In the northern regions, temperatures are still chillier, often hovering around 41°F to 50°F (5°C to 10°C). 

Meanwhile, Southern Finland, including Helsinki, sees a milder temperature range of 50°F to 59°F (10°C to 15°C).

Want more detail on the weather in Finland around the year? Read up on the best time to go to Finland.

Is May a good time to visit Finland?

May is a perfect time to visit Finland if you want to experience the full bloom of spring.

The mild weather in May offers perfect conditions for activities like hiking and biking, with longer days providing more daylight hours to soak up the lusher scenery. 

Just don’t forget to pack a rain jacket, as you can expect occasional rain showers.

May also sees fewer crowds than the summer peak season, which means you can enjoy a more relaxed experience at major tourist attractions and nature sites. 

Planning to visit Finland? Read up on the best things to do in Finland.

What about the crowds & cost?

May sits in Finland’s shoulder season for tourism, which means smaller crowds around the country.

At the same time, accommodation, excursions, and flights will be more affordable than they are during the peak winter and summer months. 

Festivals and events in Finland in May

Read on to find out about a few of Finland's festival highlights in May.

• Walpurgis Night (Vappu): celebrated on April 30th and May 1st, this festival marks the arrival of spring with a carnival-like atmosphere, featuring parades, parties, and traditional Finnish food.
• World Village Festival: held in late May, this celebrates cultural diversity with music, dance, food, and arts from around the world. 

Heading to Helsinki? Read the Mini Rough Guide to Helsinki.

Plan your trip with our Finland itineraries

Our Finland itineraries are crafted to help you experience the best of the country, stress-free. Think of them as a starting point — perfect for planning, but flexible enough to adjust to your own pace and interests. After all, travel is about freedom, but a little planning goes a long way.

• Finland itinerary 5 days: A short trip focused on Finland’s highlights. Expect to explore Helsinki, take a day trip to charming Porvoo, and experience the Finnish sauna culture— maybe even with a dip in an icy lake!
• Finland itinerary 10 days: Ten days lets you see Helsinki and venture into the Finnish wilderness. You can explore Lapland for northern lights and winter activities, or visit the stunning Lakeland region for hikes and lakeside relaxation.