Weather in Finland in April

April sees Finland experience early spring as the snow starts to thaw and flowering landscapes are on the horizon. As such, the weather in Finland in April is perfect for a classic combination of late-winter and early-spring activities. In addition, a few festivals — among them Walpurgis Night celebrations, and the Helsinki Beer Festival — are on hand to spice up your vacation. Intrigued? Read on for detail on the weather in Finland in April.

Finland in April at a glance

  • The temperature ranges from 28°F to 45°F (-2°C to 7°C).
  • A mix of cool winter days and mild spring warmth characterise a shift from winter to spring.
  • In early April, you can still find snow for winter sports in Lapland, while spring is more visible in the southern regions.
  • Peak season is coming to an end, meaning smaller crowds and more space.
Husky sledge in Lapland © BlueOrange Studio/Shutterstock

While the weather in Finland is April sees a shift to spring, you can still enjoy winter sports in Lapland © Shutterstock

What is the weather like in Finland in April?

The April weather in Finland sees the arrival of spring. 

While some northern areas typically still experience snow at the beginning of the month, as the month goes on, the snow starts to melt, and temperatures rise.

In northern Finland, temperatures can still dip below freezing at night, while southern regions like Helsinki start to experience milder conditions.

In summary, expect occasional snow showers throughout the first few weeks of April, and minimal rainfall. 

Average daily temperatures in April

In April, Finland experiences a significant warming trend. 

The average high temperature during this month is around 45°F (7°C), while the average low can dip to 28°F (-2°C). 

In the northern regions, temperatures can still be significantly lower early in the month, often hovering around freezing.

Meanwhile, Southern Finland, including Helsinki, sees milder temperatures, ranging from 36°F to 50°F (2°C to 10°C).

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

Aerial view of Tampere city © Shutterstock

Aerial view of Tampere, Finland, in spring © Shutterstock

Is April a good time to visit Finland?

April is a fantastic time to visit Finland to see the country shift from winter to spring. 

While northern Finland is very much still in winter mode, early spring starts to show itself in the south. 

As a result, visiting Finland in April offers the opportunity to enjoy late-season winter sports in the north-eastern regions of the country, while spring strolls and city exploration beckon in the south, with more daylight hours for enjoying the great outdoors.

A word of warning — temperatures fluctuate, and the weather can be unpredictable, so bring layers so you're prepared for cold and mild weather. 

Also note that April sees smaller crowds in comparison with the peak winter season months, which makes for a more relaxed experience.

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

Lake view from the lookout tower of Aulanko in Finland © Shutterstock

Aulanko, Finland © Shutterstock

What about the crowds & cost?

April falls during the shoulder season in Finland, which means you can expect smaller crowds at popular destinations. 

This also results in more affordable accommodation, excursions, and flights compared to peak winter months like January and February

Festivals and events in Finland in April

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

  • Walpurgis Night (Vappu): celebrated on April 30th and May 1st, this marks the arrival of spring with a carnival-like atmosphere — think parades, parties, and traditional Finnish food.
  • Helsinki Beer Festival: this showcases a wide range of beers from Finland and around the world, with tastings, food pairings and entertainment.
  • Sami Easter Festival: held in Inari through March and April, this celebrates Sami culture with traditional music, dance, and crafts.

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

Things not to Miss: A pair of traditional reindeer skin boots at Sami Market, Jokkmokk, Sweden.

Traditional reindeer-skin boots in a Sami Market © Shutterstock

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.
Rough Guides Editors

written by
Rough Guides Editors

updated 13.11.2024

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