Helsinki has a climate that is transitional between maritime and continental. Summers (June to August) are warm and bright, with average temperatures ranging from a cool 59°F (15°C) to 72°F (22°C) in the warmest month of July. Days are long and sunny, with up to 19 hours of daylight. Towards the end of September temperatures cool down drastically as days grow shorter, and by November the weather is at freezing point as the cold, snowy winter sets in. The city is blanketed by snow in winter (December to February), with temperatures plummeting well below freezing to the point where the sea itself freezes over, and it is never fully daylight. Spring arrives late, in early April. The best time to visit is in summer, which is also when many of the city's festivals happen. Spring can also be pleasant as the natural areas of the city come alive with flowers and new greenery. If you are planning a trip to Finland in winter, Helsinki will be very cold but is not without its comforts and attractions.
