Weather in Finland in January

There are many reasons to visit Finland in January. The winter weather in Finland in January makes the country a snowy paradise, ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. The northern part of the country is in the midst of an almost total lack of sunlight, which — combined with January's relatively clear skies— makes it the ideal time to experience the breathtaking beauty of the luminescent Northern Lights. If, on the other hand, if you just want to enjoy the lovely frozen lakes and snow-covered forests, January is also the perfect time for that.

Finland in January at a glance

• Average temperatures range from 7°F to 24°F (-14°C to -4°C).
• January is ideal for exploring Lapland, with its snowy landscapes, opportunities to see the Northern Lights, and festivals.
• The weather is cold, with lots of snow and clear frosty days — ideal for winter sports and soaking up the serene beauty of the frozen wilderness.
• January is high season for winter sports.

What is the weather like in Finland in January?

The weather in Finland in January can be extremely cold, with temperatures often dropping well below freezing.

Conditions showcase the essence of winter — expect a lot of snow and frost throughout the month. 

As such, it's the perfect place for skiing, snowboarding, and more. 

Average daily temperatures in January

The coldest of the cold occurs in January in Finland. The average high temperature for the month is 24°F (-4°C), while the average low plunges to 7°F (-14°C). 

The northern parts of the country see the most significant drop in temperatures — as it can be as cold as -22°F (-30°C). 

Although the southern part of the country is a little warmer, it is still very cold. For example, in Helsinki, the temperature ranges from 30°F to 19°F (-1°C to -7°C).

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

Is January a good time to visit Finland?

Into winter sports and snowy landscapes? If so, January is the perfect time to explore Finland. The Finnish weather in January provides great conditions to ski, snowboard, and ice fish. 

At the same time, the long, dark nights and clear, cold sky provide near-perfect visibility of the stunning Northern Lights in the far north of the country. 

Note, though, that it's very cold, so you'll need to wear plenty of warm, cozy clothing.

Also note that January falls right in the middle of Finland's high season, so expect busy ski resorts and lots of tourists. 

In summary, the unique wintertime experiences on offer — making snow igloos, dog-sledding, and the chance to see the Aurora Borealis — make January a spectacular time to visit.

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

What about the crowds and cost?

Almost everyone who loves winter sports in Finland knows January is one of the best months for enjoying exactly that.

This means Finnish resorts will may be crowded, so it's advisable to book in advance. 

As a result of the crowds and high demand, prices are generally higher.

Nevertheless, if you love the outdoors and want to experience the magical Northern Lights, it’s definitely worth visiting Finland in January if your budget can stretch to it.

Festivals and events in Finland in January

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

• Artic Art Festival: this celebrates the winter season in Rovaniemi with a variety of outdoor activities, ice sculptures, and cultural performances. 
• Helsinki Lux Festival: this light festival often continues into early February, and sees the city illuminated by beautiful installations and art displays. 
• Kaamos Jazz Festival: held in the Arctic city of Inari, this features jazz performances from Finnish and international artists. 

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.