Weather in Finland in April

April sees Finland experience early spring as the snow starts to thaw and flowering landscapes are on the horizon. As such, the weather in Finland in April is perfect for a classic combination of late-winter and early-spring activities. In addition, a few festivals—among them Walpurgis Night celebrations and the Helsinki Beer Festival—are on hand to spice up your vacation. Intrigued? Read on for detail on the weather in Finland in April.

Finland in April at a glance

The temperature ranges from 28°F to 45°F (-2°C to 7°C).

• A mix of cool winter days and mild spring warmth characterizes a shift from winter to spring.
• In early April, you can still find snow for winter sports in Lapland, while spring is more visible in the southern regions.
• Peak season is coming to an end, meaning smaller crowds and more space.

What is the weather like in Finland in April?

April in Finland feels like the country is changing gears. In the south, snow starts retreating and you’ll see the first real signs of spring, with brighter mornings and longer days. Helsinki becomes much more walkable again, and cafés slowly start reclaiming outdoor space. 

Up north, winter hangs on longer. In Lapland you may still find deep snow early in the month, especially away from towns, and the nights can stay frosty. 

As April moves along, the thaw begins, and you’ll notice more slush, meltwater, and muddy paths, so footwear matters.
You can still do late-season winter activities in the north, while the south shifts toward shoulder-season city travel and nature walks. Rain isn’t usually heavy, but you might get a mix of light snow, sleet, and drizzle depending on where you are. Pack layers you can adjust easily, plus something waterproof for the thaw. This can be a great time to plan your Finland itinerary.

Average daily temperatures in April

April in Finland is a transitional month. Winter starts to loosen its grip, especially in the south, but signs of spring come slowly. In Helsinki and other southern cities, daytime temperatures usually reach 41–50°F (5–10°C), with nights dipping to 30–36°F (-1 to 2°C). 

Snow may still be on the ground early in the month, but it gradually melts away, leaving behind slush and puddles. Up north in Lapland, winter lingers longer. Expect daytime highs around 32–39°F (0–4°C) and overnight lows that can still drop below 20°F (-6°C). The upside?

This is one of the last good months to catch the northern lights before the nights get too short. Ski resorts are still running, especially in the north, and the mix of sun and snow can be beautiful. Just pack layers, waterproof shoes, and sunglasses — the glare from melting snow can be intense on bright days.

 Ready to see Finland? Have our local Finland travel experts create the perfect customized itinerary.

Is April a good time to visit Finland?

April is a fantastic time to visit Finland to see the country shift from winter to spring. 

While northern Finland is very much still in winter mode, early spring starts to show itself in the south. 

As a result, visiting Finland in April offers the opportunity to enjoy late-season winter sports in the north-eastern regions of the country, while spring strolls and city exploration beckon in the south, with more daylight hours for enjoying the great outdoors.

A word of warning — temperatures fluctuate, and the weather can be unpredictable, so bring layers so you're prepared for cold and mild weather. 

Also note that April sees smaller crowds in comparison with the peak winter season months, which makes for a more relaxed experience. For more tips, see our guide to how to plan a trip to Finland. 

• Late-season winter sports still available in the north
• Early spring emerging in the south with longer daylight
• Smaller crowds than peak winter season
• More daylight hours for outdoor activities
• Unpredictable weather requires preparation with layers

What about the crowds & cost?

April falls during the shoulder season in Finland, which means you can expect smaller crowds at popular destinations. 

This also results in more affordable accommodation, excursions, and flights compared to peak winter months like January and February.   If you're still deciding, see our guide to the best time to visit Finland. 

Where to go in Finland in April

April in Finland is a transition month, where winter slowly gives way to spring. In the north, there’s still snow. In the south, ice melts and daylight returns fast. It’s a time of contrast: ski in the morning, sip coffee in the sun by afternoon.

Lapland

In Finnish Lapland, April is the last full month of reliable snow. That means you can still go cross-country skiing, ride a snowmobile, or watch the northern lights — but with longer days and milder weather. Resorts in places like Levi and Ruka stay open through the month, and the late-season snow is surprisingly good. It’s also quieter than the mid-winter rush, so you’ll have more space on the trails.

Helsinki

The capital starts to wake up in April. Ice retreats from the shoreline, outdoor markets reopen, and locals reappear in parks and cafes. It’s still chilly, but the return of longer days makes a big difference. You can hop a ferry to Suomenlinna, visit museums without the crowds, and watch the city shift into spring mode. It’s not quite tulip season, but things are moving.

Turku Archipelago

By late April, the archipelago begins to thaw and ferry service ramps up. It’s not beach weather, but the quiet coastal villages and windswept islands feel especially peaceful this time of year. You can explore the beltway that links the main islands by bridges and short ferries, or stay in a waterside cottage and watch the birds return. Bring layers — the wind still bites.

What to do in Finland in April

April is for seasonal overlap: snow in the north, sun in the south. You can chase the last of winter or get an early glimpse of spring. The days are longer, the crowds are thinner, and the energy is quietly shifting.

Catch the northern lights

This is one of the last months to reliably see the aurora borealis. In Lapland, the skies are still dark enough, and April’s longer days mean you can spend more time outside without freezing. Fewer visitors also mean quieter lodges and more personal experiences — think aurora-viewing cabins or sleigh rides at dusk.

Try a traditional Finnish sauna

With the snow starting to melt and the lakes still icy, April is a great time to experience a real Finnish sauna followed by a cold plunge. Many public saunas in Helsinki and Tampere are open year-round, but there’s something special about April’s in-between season — that contrast between hot steam and lingering winter chill.

Go cross-country skiing

Cross-country trails are still open in most of the country, especially in the north. The snow is softer, the sun is stronger, and you can ski in lighter gear. Locals call this time hiihtokevät — ski spring — and it’s beloved for a reason. You’ll see families out on the trails, picnicking in the snow or grilling sausages by open fires.

Plan your trip with our Finland itineraries

Our Finland itineraries are crafted to help you experience the best of the country, stress-free. Think of them as a starting point — perfect for planning, but flexible enough to adjust to your own pace and interests. After all, travel is about freedom, but a little planning goes a long way.

• Finland itinerary 5 days: A short trip focused on Finland’s highlights. Expect to explore Helsinki, take a day trip to charming Porvoo, and experience the Finnish sauna culture— maybe even with a dip in an icy lake!
• Finland itinerary 10 days: Ten days lets you see Helsinki and venture into the Finnish wilderness. You can explore Lapland for northern lights and winter activities, or visit the stunning Lakeland region for hikes and lakeside relaxation.