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Why Visit Finland in May?
Finland in May offers a delightful blend of experiences. As the Finland weather in May transitions from chilly spring to mild summer, with temperatures from 5°C to 15°C, it's perfect for outdoor activities. This shoulder season, just before peak summer and after the waning winter, means fewer crowds and lower prices.
Enjoy blooming lilies of the valley and wood anemones, and migrating birds like swans and geese. The extended daylight hours provide more time to explore under the pleasant Finland weather in May. Following Eastern European Time (EET), May offers up to 18 hours of daylight for longer sightseeing and activities.
Enjoy blooming lilies of the valley and wood anemones, and migrating birds like swans and geese. The extended daylight hours provide more time to explore under the pleasant Finland weather in May. Following Eastern European Time (EET), May offers up to 18 hours of daylight for longer sightseeing and activities.
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Essential Information of Finland in May
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What to Pack for Finland in May?
When visiting Finland, pack for varying temperatures. Bring layers such as lightweight sweaters, long-sleeve t-shirts, and a waterproof jacket to handle the average temperatures of 10°C (50°F) and occasional rain. Include a warm hat, thermal layer and gloves for cooler northern regions, where snow may still be present.
Consider lighter clothing for warmer southern regions like Helsinki. Sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended for the extended daylight hours. Don't forget a swimsuit for saunas and possible lake dips. As for footwear, comfortable walking shoes are a must for city explorations, while waterproof boots are recommended for hiking in wetter areas.
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Consider lighter clothing for warmer southern regions like Helsinki. Sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended for the extended daylight hours. Don't forget a swimsuit for saunas and possible lake dips. As for footwear, comfortable walking shoes are a must for city explorations, while waterproof boots are recommended for hiking in wetter areas.
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Finland Weather in May
Pleasant weather can be enjoyed in Finland in May across most regions. While snow may linger in the north, it has melted elsewhere. The average temperature is 10°C (50°F), with low rainfall. More significant than temperature is the number of daylight hours. In the north, the midnight sun begins in May, where the sun doesn't set but just dips at night.
Southern areas like Helsinki experience long days with the sun barely dipping below the horizon before rising again.
Southern areas like Helsinki experience long days with the sun barely dipping below the horizon before rising again.
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Places to Visit in Finland in May
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Helsinki
If you’re visiting Finland in May, then do visit Helsinki for the city blooms with blue Siberian Squill, tulips, and daffodil flowers marking the transition from winter to late spring and early summer. The city also hosts fauna like the European Hare and White Wagtail. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy cycling along coastal paths with Baltic Sea views or exploring the archipelago.
Food lovers can indulge in fresh Baltic herring, smoked salmon, and Karelian pies. Consider exploring the Suomenlinna Fortress and museums showcasing Finnish design and history. Helsinki hosts the annual Helsinki Coffee Festival in May, celebrating the city's vibrant coffee culture with tastings.
Food lovers can indulge in fresh Baltic herring, smoked salmon, and Karelian pies. Consider exploring the Suomenlinna Fortress and museums showcasing Finnish design and history. Helsinki hosts the annual Helsinki Coffee Festival in May, celebrating the city's vibrant coffee culture with tastings.
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05
Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi, Lapland’s capital, is one of the celebrated places to visit in Finland in May. During this time, it's a gateway to the Arctic Circle to experience the Midnight Sun where the skies are illuminated around the clock and the sun does not set. Additionally, consider visiting Ounasvaara Fell for skiing, hiking, and scenic views.
Explore Ranua Wildlife Park to see Arctic animals like polar bears and lynx up close. Adventure seekers can enjoy husky safaris and snowmobiling in winter, or hiking and fishing in summer. Rovaniemi's Arctic culture is celebrated at the Arktikum Museum, offering insights into Sámi heritage and Arctic science.
Explore Ranua Wildlife Park to see Arctic animals like polar bears and lynx up close. Adventure seekers can enjoy husky safaris and snowmobiling in winter, or hiking and fishing in summer. Rovaniemi's Arctic culture is celebrated at the Arktikum Museum, offering insights into Sámi heritage and Arctic science.
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Oulu
If visiting Finland in May, explore Oulu for its Nallikari Beach's sandy shoreline and Baltic Sea views. Nearby Nallikari Nature Park houses species like the Siberian Primrose and Arctic fox. Oulu blends modern and historic architecture, highlighted by the Oulu Cathedral. Known as the "Capital of Northern Scandinavia," it features the Northern Ostrobothnia Museum for history buffs and Hupisaaret Islands Park for trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
Oulu's culinary scene features local delights such as smoked fish, Finnish pastries, cloudberry products and Finnish cheeses. Oulu promotes eco-friendly transportation with bike lanes and a city-wide bike-sharing system encouraging visitors to travel sustainably too.
Oulu's culinary scene features local delights such as smoked fish, Finnish pastries, cloudberry products and Finnish cheeses. Oulu promotes eco-friendly transportation with bike lanes and a city-wide bike-sharing system encouraging visitors to travel sustainably too.
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07
Tampere
Tampere city is nestled between two lakes, Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi, providing stunning waterfront views and boating and fishing opportunities. Often called the "Manchester of Finland", the city boasts beautiful lakeside saunas, such as Rajaportti Sauna, the oldest public sauna in Finland.
Tampere's Särkänniemi Adventure Park includes an aquarium, planetarium, and the Näsinneula Observation Tower, providing fun for all ages. The vibrant Pispala district, known for its wooden houses and bohemian atmosphere, offers views over Lake Pyhäjärvi. A city in southern Finland, Tampere offers a blend of culture, nature, and history, putting it on the list of places to visit in Finland in May.
Tampere's Särkänniemi Adventure Park includes an aquarium, planetarium, and the Näsinneula Observation Tower, providing fun for all ages. The vibrant Pispala district, known for its wooden houses and bohemian atmosphere, offers views over Lake Pyhäjärvi. A city in southern Finland, Tampere offers a blend of culture, nature, and history, putting it on the list of places to visit in Finland in May.
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Vantaa
Explore the Sipoonkorpi National Park which features pine and spruce forests, offering hiking trails and opportunities to spot local wildlife such as elk and European brown bears. Consider visiting Helsingin pitäjän kirkko, a medieval stone church showcasing Gothic architecture.
Visiting Finland in May, especially Vantaa can be fun with events like the Finnish Baseball League games at Myyrmäki Baseball Stadium and cultural festivals such as the Vantaa Jazz Festival. Another great place to visit is the Heureka, the Finnish Science Center with interactive exhibitions on science and technology for all ages. Travelers can also enjoy walks along the Vantaanjoki River.
Visiting Finland in May, especially Vantaa can be fun with events like the Finnish Baseball League games at Myyrmäki Baseball Stadium and cultural festivals such as the Vantaa Jazz Festival. Another great place to visit is the Heureka, the Finnish Science Center with interactive exhibitions on science and technology for all ages. Travelers can also enjoy walks along the Vantaanjoki River.
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Things to do in Finland in May
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Finland’s Bird-Watching Adventures
Finland in May is a paradise for bird enthusiasts. You can spot Finland's national bird, the Whooper Swan, in wetlands, lakes, and coastal areas. Every spring, nearly 250 species of birds return to Finland from their long winter spent down south. Keep an eye out for rare species like the Great Grey Owl.
Explore Liminka Bay for wading birds such as the Eurasian Curlew, and head to Hailuoto Island to see the rare Arctic Terns and Red-necked Phalaropes. The greater Helsinki area offers ample birding in spots such as Old Town Bay, Viikki, Lauttasaari and Laajalahti in Espoo.
Explore Liminka Bay for wading birds such as the Eurasian Curlew, and head to Hailuoto Island to see the rare Arctic Terns and Red-necked Phalaropes. The greater Helsinki area offers ample birding in spots such as Old Town Bay, Viikki, Lauttasaari and Laajalahti in Espoo.
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Relaxing Getaways by Finland’s Shore and Archipelagos
Experience peace in Finland's Coast and Archipelago. In May, these areas offer peace with mild weather and fewer tourists. The Turku Archipelago is particularly renowned for its 20,000 islands and islets, offering a unique blend of natural landscapes.
The area is known for its rich maritime history, with opportunities to visit historical sites and museums. Other notable Finnish archipelagos include the Åland Islands, celebrated for picturesque landscapes, rugged coastlines, and dense pine forests. Here there are opportunities to explore historic shipwrecks and maritime museums. Overall, explore islands and quiet beaches for peaceful walks or boat trips.
The area is known for its rich maritime history, with opportunities to visit historical sites and museums. Other notable Finnish archipelagos include the Åland Islands, celebrated for picturesque landscapes, rugged coastlines, and dense pine forests. Here there are opportunities to explore historic shipwrecks and maritime museums. Overall, explore islands and quiet beaches for peaceful walks or boat trips.
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Witness the Northern Lights in Finland
Finland in May offers a magical opportunity to witness the Northern Lights. Head to regions such as Lapland, for the best views. Some other places include Saariselkä which offers stunning views with minimal light pollution, featuring glass igloos and Aurora cabins.
You can also consider Utsjoki, the northernmost municipality that ensures minimal crowds and pristine landscapes near the Arctic Ocean. Another great place is Kilpisjärvi, in the far northwest, renowned for its mountainous terrain and the iconic Saana fell (hiking area), providing a perfect backdrop for aurora sightings.
You can also consider Utsjoki, the northernmost municipality that ensures minimal crowds and pristine landscapes near the Arctic Ocean. Another great place is Kilpisjärvi, in the far northwest, renowned for its mountainous terrain and the iconic Saana fell (hiking area), providing a perfect backdrop for aurora sightings.
The lights are visible approximately every other clear night, offering around 200 viewing nights per year.
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Spring Skiing Adventures Await
Spring skiing offers extended daylight and perfect snow conditions for all skill levels. Starting early in the day ensures firmer snow before it softens in the afternoon. Enjoy après-ski (after skiing activities) at outdoor bars often accompanied by live music. Later you can consider relaxing in hot tubs to soothe muscles or join activities like ice skating and snowshoeing offered by nearby resorts.
Cross-country skiing tracks are typically in great condition during this time. Fun fact: One exciting element of the Finnish spring ski season is the sudden appearance of great parties so do dance your ski boots off!
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Cross-country skiing tracks are typically in great condition during this time. Fun fact: One exciting element of the Finnish spring ski season is the sudden appearance of great parties so do dance your ski boots off!
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Discover Springtime Magic on a Hike
When hiking in Finland during springtime, you might come across unique natural treasures. Look out for the rare flowers- Lady's Slipper Orchid, known for its distinctive yellow blooms, and the Siberian Primrose that thrives in Arctic regions. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot Finland's iconic Brown Bears and the European Lynx.
Birdwatchers may see the Siberian Jay, found in northern forests, and the Eurasian Pygmy Owl, known for its small size. Popular trails include the Karhunkierros Trail in Oulanka National Park with moderate difficulty, varied terrain and river crossings and the Hetta-Pallas Trail featuring well-marked paths and stunning landscapes.
Birdwatchers may see the Siberian Jay, found in northern forests, and the Eurasian Pygmy Owl, known for its small size. Popular trails include the Karhunkierros Trail in Oulanka National Park with moderate difficulty, varied terrain and river crossings and the Hetta-Pallas Trail featuring well-marked paths and stunning landscapes.
