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Finland has grown in popularity among travelers over the past few years. It’s a beautiful country that offers beautiful sites year-round. Finland can experience extreme temperatures, so read our tips on what to wear in Finland before your trip.

What to Wear in Finland: Packing List

Written By: Christina Prendergast and Sebrin Elms

When the beautiful landscapes of the North mix with the customs and history of Eastern Europe, you’ve got Finland.

Known for its Moomins, the Northern Lights, and even home of the famous Angry Birds game, Finland is a magical place perfect for nature lovers and fans of all things Nordic.

If you don’t know what to wear in Finland, read our guide for a little inspiration!

Finland Clothing Style

Much like Sweden’s minimalist style, black is always the go-to color, no matter the time of year. Together with the classic Helsinki black, a minimal Scandinavian style goes well in this city.

While black is classic, the Helsinki locals aren’t afraid of jazzing up their outfit with some colorful accessories and shoes. Throw in a pop of color based on the season, but minimal colors work best in this part of the world.

For most of the year, the key to a perfect Finland outfit is layers. While removing and putting on layers in and out of the house is a bit of an inconvenience, but it’s one that the Finnish are used to.

Always check the weather forecast before your trip. Once you’ve researched the weather, you can focus on creating a travel capsule wardrobe, which should easily fit in a carryon suitcase with the help of packing cubes to compress your clothing.

Find out why Scandinavian fashion is the best inspiration for a classic travel wardrobe!

What to Wear in Finland in Spring

Winter is long in Finland, so spring normally doesn’t pop up until April, or in May if you’re in the north. The snow starts melting and the weather will rise above freezing and into the 40s or 50s.

While still chilly, spring is a beautiful time of year to visit Finland, as the trees and flowers begin to bloom and the days become longer. With fresh, crisp air, spring is the ideal season for hikers.

Start by reading these general tips on packing for spring travel:

Finland Packing List for Spring

Leather jackets, long sleeves, scarves, hats and cabin socks are great accessories you can add for cooler climates. Just be sure to have a cute tank top, blouse or bottoms underneath all of those layers when it gets warmer.

Floral patterned dresses with tights work perfectly for spring. You won’t see quite as many maxi dresses because of the country’s sense of style. Stick to form fitting or knee-length dresses.

Find out how to turn any one of your dresses into versatile dresses!

If you’re hanging in the city, you’re going to want to wear some boots or booties. These go with just about every outfit you can think of.

But if you’re doing some major sightseeing (and walking) or any active experiences throughout the country, be sure to bring some sneakers and athletic shoes.

Read these tips on how to choose the best walking shoes for Europe!

Make sure you pack plenty of tops. If it’s warm, you only need a tank or regular blouse. If you’re a little cold, you’re going to want to layer with a sweater or jacket.

Make sure most of your options are comfy since you’ll be layering–you don’t want one itchy layer ruining the whole outfit. Include some evening blouses or trendy tees in there for a good photo opp.

Find out how to wear a leather jacket on your next trip!

Whether you have plans going out or you simply want to look your best, bring at least one dress. Again, you can layer with tights and a jacket during early spring days.

Black is incredibly versatile for day and night, but feel free to add the appropriate colors that correspond with the spring season.

Read these tips on how to avoid a boring all-black wardrobe when you travel!

What to Wear in Finland in Summer

The weather in Finland during the summer months, which run from June to August can be surprisingly warm, with temperatures reaching up to the mid-80s.

However, Finnish summers are known for their unpredictable rainfall, so knowing what to pack can be difficult. Days are long, so you can plan to enjoy swimming and relaxing outdoors.

Start by reading these general tips on packing for summer travel:

Finland Packing List for Summer

If you’re visiting Finland on a city break and there’s sun in the forecast, standard summer clothes such as short sleeves or summer dresses are perfectly fine for exploring during the day.

Pack some extra layers such as cardigans or shawls in case the temperature drops after some rain. Generally, it’s more than safe to leave your winter woolies at home.

Take a look at the latest trends with these cute summer dresses for women!

Mosquitos are very common in Finnish forests, so if you’re planning on spending time in the forest, wearing your favorite skirt or pair of shorts is a big no-no. While the mosquitos are harmless, their bites will leave you sore and itchy, so a pair of long (but light!) trousers or jeans is a must.

When planning what to wear in Finland, a light raincoat is a good option for rainy days because you can bundle it up or wrap it around your waist when the rain eventually stops.

Read these tips on what to wear on a rainy day!

I recommend a light one that doesn’t have any fleece or thermal lining. In Finland, summer temperatures can fluctuate from day to day, so being able to choose your own layers is the only way to combat the rising and falling temperatures.

Even if it’s been a hot day, it can still get quite chilly at the night. As you plan what to pack for Finland in summer, plan on bringing something warm that you can pull on over your outfit is a must. Also, if you’re planning on visiting the coast or archipelago (group of islands), this warm clothing will come in handy if the sea breeze catches you by surprise.

Find out why we love these lightweight jackets for summer travel!

No visit to Finland is complete without experiencing an authentic Finnish sauna! Make sure to remember a bathing suit as you plan what to pack for Finland.

While some Finns like to enter the sauna naked (especially in gender-specific saunas), it’s also common for swimwear or towels to be worn. Finns are very understanding of cultural differences; so don’t sweat it (pardon the pun!) if you’re not comfortable with being completely naked.

Find out the best one-piece swimsuits of the season!

What to Wear in Finland in Fall

Luckily, Finland has a much milder climate compared to other regions that far North. Especially during the spring and fall seasons. Finland is a very large country and its most northern points border the Arctic Circle. Therefore, the weather varies greatly throughout the country.

The center of the country’s average temperature is the mid 40s but can drop to the high 20s in the far north of Finland. Additionally, there is plenty of rain and very little sunlight.

Start by reading these general tips on packing for autumn travel:

Finland Packing List for Fall

Leather jackets, long sleeves, scarves, hats and cabin socks are great accessories you can add for colder climates. Just be sure to have a cute tank top, blouse or bottoms underneath all of those layers when you’re indoors and it warms up.

Dresses with tights work for fall, just match your patterns and colors with the appropriate seasons (think earth tones for the fall). You won’t see quite as many maxi dresses because of the country’s sense of style. Stick to form fitting or knee-length dresses.

Find out how to turn any one of your dresses into versatile dresses!

If you’re hanging in the city, you’re going to want to wear some boots or booties. These go with just about every outfit you can think of.

But if you’re doing some major sightseeing (and walking) or any active experiences throughout the country, be sure to bring some sneakers and athletic shoes.

Find out how and why to choose the best walking shoes for Europe!

What to Wear in Finland in Winter

Winter in Helsinki is famous for the amount of snow falling every year and for how long the snow season lasts. Snow can start to fall in November/December and can last right up until the beginning the May! With winter temperatures plummeting to -22°F/-30°C, you’re going to want to keep very cozy.

While snow in more southern countries like Belgium or Germany stays for a few days at a time, snow in Finland will last for a few weeks. Expect temperatures around 0°C that can drop to -15°C in the coldest month, January. This will significantly impact what you wear in Finland in winter.

Start by reading these general tips on packing for winter travel:

Capsule Wardrobe for Winter
How to Pack for Cold Weather
How to Stay Warm in Cold Weather (without the bulk)
The Best Travel Shoes for Winter

Finland Packing List for Winter

Whether you’re pairing it with a daytime outfit or your nighttime party dress, big long jackets are going to be a big part of your life while you’re in the Finland winter. As you will be visiting in the coldest season of the year, wearing long trousers and nylon stockings with a dress is the minimum.

A winter outfit in Helsinki will always be finished off with the good old Scandinavian parka, a big wool hat, big scarf and mittens. However, you can leave your ski-trousers and thermal underwear behind while staying in the city. Don’t forget to pack them though when visiting parks or anything outside the city.

Find out the most stylish and practical best down jacket for your cold weather travels!

Finland is a fashionable country, so you’re not going to want to stick out as the tourist. When choosing what to wear in Finland in winter, you don’t have to rely on your warmest outdoor clothing in the city because your outside layers will keep you warm.

Remember what we said about layering? Inside temperatures will be warm so wearing your thermals on a normal day could get too warm. However, long-sleeved everything will still be your best friend!

Find out why thermals are a must for traveling light (and staying warm) in winter!

When exploring the city in the middle of winter, boots with a wool layer on the inside are a necessity. Flats would be recommended if you’re going exploring in the daytime.

Lastly, it may sound strange, but if you’re visiting Helsinki, bring a bikini. Why? Because of the saunas of course! Saunas are a great way to relax during wintertime and a bikini is (mostly) necessary to enter them. Some are nude but most Fins will keep their bathing suit on when visiting the sauna with friends.

Finland Travel Essentials

As you’re planning what to pack for Finland, do not forget this number one essential: a sleeping mask. During the summer months in Finland, the sun never completely sets, which can wreak havoc on your sleep pattern.

Unless you’re certain that there’ll be blackout blinds where you’ll be staying, we suggest making a sleep mask the first item that you pack.

This mask from Bedtime Bliss is by far the best eye mask I’ve ever used while traveling.

In summer, you’ll need a good mosquito repellant, but be sure to remember your liquid allowance if you’re only bringing carry-on luggage!

Ticks are also common in Finnish forests, so a repellant will also be required if you’re planning on any nature excursions. Read up on the necessary information before traveling, as tick bites can pose serious health risks.

Have you heard of the 3-1-1 liquids rule for carryon luggage? Read this post!

Finland Accommodations

You can find some luxurious properties throughout most of Finland, especially major cities. Accommodation is plentiful in major cities and vary in price, but the further north you go, the less options you have to choose from.

Some alternative accommodation experiences include homestays, cabins, and even igloos! (That last one is an absolute must if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind experience.)

We love Airbnb for accommodation in Helsinki and other parts of Finland. Sign up here for a free $40 credit!

We prefer to book “the entire home” instead of opting for shared accommodation on Airbnb. Aside from safety, we also like to feel like we’re living in the destination.

It’s a small taste of local life plus you get more amenities than you would at a hotel such as a kitchen and washing machine.

Read these Airbnb tips for more info!

If you prefer the convenience and comfort of a hotel room, use Agoda.com and Hotels.com. Tip: Hotels.com gives you a free night for every ten nights you book!

For hostels, we recommend Hostelworld and Hostelbookers. Always read the reviews before booking to get the best idea if the hostel is right for you. Some are quiet and family friendly while others are known for their party atmosphere.

Not sure about staying at a hostel? Read this.

Finland Transportation

Three main modes of transportation are your standard buses, trains and private cars. However, Helsinki is one of the only places within Finland that has a public transportation within the entire city.

Helsinki has great public transportation. With a single public transit ticket, you can travel by tram, bus, metro, or ferry. However, heading up to Lapland and the Arctic Circle will require a semi-expensive plane trip.

For flights, book through Travelocity or Cheapoair (whichever one’s cheapest). Although I prefer Travelocity because they have a 24 hour money back guarantee.

To maximize your vacation time, fly into the city where you’re starting your trip and out of the city where your trip ends. Many times it’s the same price and saves you from having to spend extra time and money to go back to where you started your trip.

These are a few popular Finland guidebooks:

What To Do in Finland in Spring and Summer

Odds are you’re flying into Helsinki. While spending a few days there, check out major sites like

Uspenskin Cathedral, the Lutheran Cathedral and the Kaisa House. You can even take a cruise around the Baltic from Finland’s famous port. Between the south and north of Finland, there are plenty of hiking trails and natural wonders like The Kummakivi, Högberget Cave, and Treriksröset.

During the summer months, the majority of Finns like to spend their leisure time outdoors–even at night. If you’re visiting Finland during midsummer and are lucky enough to be attending any midsummer celebrations, you can expect to be outdoors for most of the night, unless the weather is extremely bad.

Also, aside from the fact that locals often enjoy going for a swim to cool themselves down after the sauna, Finland also has many beautiful beaches and lakes that are worth visiting.

Here’s a list of things to do in Helsinki!

What to Do in Helsinki in Fall and Winter

During fall, heading up north and experiencing the famous Finnish igloos are a wonderful experience along with visiting Lapland, dog sledding, playing with reindeer, seeing the Kemi Snow Castle and witnessing those Northern Lights.

Helsinki is very chilly in winter, but there are fewer tourists, giving you more space to yourself. It’s the perfect season to partake in traditional winter activities, such as ice fishing, dog sledding, dipping into a sauna, or snowshoeing.

Depending on when you visit, don’t miss out on the St. Lucia Parade, which honors Lucia of Finland. The parade includes a festival and horse-drawn carriage. You’ll also want to visit the Christmas Market in Senate Square, where you can see local crafts and artwork. Perfect for holiday shopping!

What are your tips on what to wear in Finland in fall and winter? Please share in the comments!

For more Europe packing tips, please read:

Suggested travel resources:

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Author Bio: Christina Prendergast is a digital content producer from Ireland. Currently splitting her time between Ireland and Finland, Christina is definitely no stranger to packing. Be sure to check out her colorful Instagram profile to see the best of both her worlds–with some other destinations thrown in for good measure!

Author Bio: Sebrin is a newlywed, flower child, and travel-obsessed blogger. When she isn’t traipsing the globe with her husband, you can find her curled up with a book, snuggling with her kitty babies, or binge-watching Netflix. Follow along her travels on her blog or instagram!

5 Comments

Elizabeth on September 25, 2023 at 7:04 am

Really appreciate the detailed, seasonal packing lists! I’m even more excited for my upcoming (winter!) trip.
Aly on January 11, 2017 at 6:43 am

I studied abroad in Finland from January to May, so peak winter season. I’m just going to add… the coat should DEFINITELY be waterproof. I found that a 3-in-1 style Columbia jacket was ideal, and most people will be wearing something similar. It isn’t the most fashionable option, but it will keep you warm and Finns reasonably prioritize warmth over fashion. Additionally, if you are planning on doing anything outdoors – walking, snowshoeing, skiing, etc – underarm zippers are an invaluable feature. Like most students studying abroad, biking was my main transportation and a very popular way of getting around, and being able to get some airflow as you warm up from activity makes it a lot more bearable.
Further, most Finns will wear snow pants over their jeans when they go out in winter. Clubs have coat checks, and schools have areas for you to hang your coat/etc. It’s certainly not the most stylish look, but when you are in -30s (or below) weather, long johns alone will not be enough. Long johns, wool socks, jeans, ski pants = comfy and warm.
(For students studying abroad: ski pants can be found for cheap at thrift shops.)
- alex on January 23, 2017 at 2:54 pm
  
  Great tips Aly!! Love the ski pants tip! That’s so helpful! But brrrrr. Sounds like you enjoyed your experience!
Stacy Siivonen on December 23, 2016 at 11:31 am

I tend to disagree, but then, I spend a lot of time outdoors in Finland. All these clothes presented are pretty civilian style, so if you stay mostly in cities, why not. Military surplus is always the right wear. There is this big military surplus store, Varusteleka, in Helsinki that gives extraordinarily good service. I have seen more Bundeswehr clothes and bags in Finland than in Germany. Germans don’t even necessarily recognize them.
Some of their clothes are for civilian use, but pretty cool, like merino-wool. Wool is warm even when wet. Outdoors you must watch out that you do not sweat your clothes wet. Cotton is the worst material when wet.
Some older women protest using swimwear in public saunas. I go to sauna naked, but it is your business only if you don’t want to go naked.

This winter is really mild.
- alex on July 18, 2017 at 3:58 pm
  
  Great tip Stacy, thank you! This article is definitely focusing on civilian style 😉

What to Wear in Finland: Packing List for All Seasons