After such long, dark winters, Finns really know how to celebrate the arrival of summer in June. The days are long, and the countryside is green, so June is a good time to get out and experience both. Read on to learn more about traveling to Finland this month.

Weather

June is the start of the short but lively summer in Finland. Although July is warmer, June is drier, on average. Nationwide, the average June temperature is 59°F (15°C). The north of Finland is always cooler than the south, and you might still find snow in some parts of Lapland. Temperatures can rise into the 70s° F (20s° C) in Helsinki and other parts of the south,

Arguably more significant than the temperatures is the number of daylight hours in June. The brightest places with the longest hours are in the north, but it doesn't truly get dark further south, either.

Crowds & Costs

June and the rest of summer are the peak season for travel in Finland. Not only do many international travelers like to visit at this time, but Finns themselves take long vacations from late June. The midsummer solstice is on 21 June, and Finns celebrate a national holiday to mark this on the 25. From late June to July and August, cottages in the countryside—particularly Finnish Lakeland—are often booked out. On the other hand, cities like Helsinki and Tampere tend to be much quieter as Finns leave in droves. Finland is never a low-budget destination, but you can expect to pay the highest prices in summer. 

Where to Go

Off the Finnish coastline, which runs along the south and western parts of the country, is one of the largest archipelagos in the world. Explore islands and inlets that are particularly accessible from Helsinki and coastal Turku (also home to the medieval Turku Castle). If you prefer lakes to the ocean, head to Lakeland. Thousands of lakes cover a large area in southeastern Finland and are a favorite summer vacation spot with locals from nearby cities. Tampere, Finland's third-largest city, is on the western side of Lakeland, while Joensuu is the main city in the northeast.

Southern and central Finland are more comfortable than northern Finland in the summer. Although there are still good reasons to visit the north in June, many people find the biting insects to be out of control in Lapland in summer, which can spoil the experience of getting outdoors.

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What to Do

Summer in Finland is all about enjoying the long days and the thawed conditions. Get outside and enjoy the lush green nature. Hike between lakes in the Lakeland area, followed by a refreshing swim (or a sauna and then a swim, in that order). Cycle along some (or all) of the 155-mile (250-km) Archipelago Trail around the Turku Archipelago. Sail or paddle a canoe on lakes and inlets around the coast. June is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities in Finland, and there are 41 national parks in which you can do so. 

Events in June

Naantali Music Festival, naantali. Held over two weeks in early June, this festival focuses on classical and chamber music and is held in the town of Naantali in southwest Finland.

Organ and Aria Festival, Espoo. Lovers of classical music have plenty to enjoy in Finland in June. This festival starts in June and runs into August.

Midnight Sun Film Festival, Sodankyla. This film festival in Sodankyla, Lapland, runs for several days in early-mid June. Local and international films are shown.

Midsummer (Juhannus), nationwide. This national holiday is held shortly after the summer equinox. Many Finns celebrate their pleasant summers with all-night parties at holiday homes in the countryside.

Helsinki Pride. Held in late June and early July, the LGBTQI community in Helsinki and Finland celebrate with cultural events and a parade.

Traveling to Finland in June? Check out these great itineraries

Discover Finland's Golden Triangle: Helsinki, Tampere, Turku - 6 Days. Learn about the role these cities played in Finland's history and how, today, they are the economic and population center of the country.  

Highlights of Estonia & Helsinki - 14 Days. See a different side of Europe with this unforgettable adventure to the northern Baltic region and the Nordic country of Finland. 

More Helpful Information

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Finland in July
Best Time of Year to Visit Finland
Finland Tours & Itineraries