All About Snow in Finland: When, Where & How Much

Your cozy, frosty, coffee-fueled guide to surviving (and loving) the world’s most magical winter wonderland.

Finland and snow go together like Finns and coffee, saunas and silence. Whether you are planning a winter trip, Googling “is there snow in Finland now,” or simply fascinated by the country that casually survives temperatures that would make a penguin shiver, this guide covers everything you need to know about snow in Finland.

Below, you will find answers to all the big snowy questions, from when does it snow in Finland to how much snow does Finland get a year, presented with Finnish humor, honesty, and a sprinkle of northern magic.

The Snow Calendar of Finland

Let us start with the basics: When does Finland get snow?

Snow usually begins in Finland in October or November

• In Northern Finland and Lapland, snow can start as early as late October and starts to melt away in May. Up north, winter is not a season, it is an era. 

• Levi (one of Finland’s top ski resorts) usually sees snow from late October, with ski slopes opening early thanks to natural snow + snowmaking.

• Rovaniemi, home of Santa, typically gets a solid snow cover by late November, lasting until April.

• In Southern Finland, snow typically begins in November or December, sometimes fashionably late, like, “arrives in January” late.

How Many Months Does Finland Have Snow?

It usually snows from November to April, depending on the region.

• Lapland: 6 - 7 months of snow (October - May)

• Central Finland: 4 - 5 months

• Southern Finland: 2 - 4 months

How Much Snow Does Finland Get?

Snow depth varies wildly, but here is a friendly breakdown:

Lapland:

A real-life snow kingdom. Snow depth often reaches 60 - 90 cm, sometimes even over 1 meter.

Central Finland:

Expect 30 - 60 cm in mid-winter.

Southern Finland (Helsinki area):

More modest, typically 10 - 30 cm, though some winters show off more than others.

How Often Does It Snow in Finland?

Snowfall frequency depends on latitude, but in general:

• North Finland and Lapland: Snow can fall several times a week in winter.

• South: Snowfall occurs less often, and sometimes the snow melts between falls.

Finns do not check the weather to see if it will snow, they check to see how intensely it will bury their car this time.

Is There Snow in Finland Now?

If you are reading this in winter, probably yes. If you are reading this in summer, definitely no but since this blog is not real-time, here is how to interpret the question:

• Winter (Nov - Apr): High chance of snow

• Spring (Apr - May): Snow melting

• Summer (Jun - Aug): Absolutely not

• Autumn (Sep - Oct): Depends on location; Lapland gets it first

Bonus: What Living With Snow in Finland Feels Like

• Your eyelashes freeze shut.

• Your phone dies instantly at -20°C.

• You forget what your car looks like under the snow mountain.

• But then… the snow reflects sunlight, the world glows blue, and it feels like you are living inside a postcard.

Finns call this feeling - Talvinen rauha, winter peace.

Wondering how to survive the Finnish winter; our guidebook can help you to do precisely that. 

Snow & Finland

Snow shapes Finnish culture, winter sports, Lapland tourism, nature, and even daily routines. And yes, the rumor is true, Finns survive winter with coffee. Honestly, coffee should be listed as the 6th season.

Whether you are visiting for skiing, Santa, or simply to experience real snow for the first time, Finland delivers a winter that is both peaceful and powerful.