Weather in Finland in February

 The weather in Finland in February is exactly what you’d expect from a northern winter. Snow is guaranteed, the nights are long, and Northern Lights sightings are at their best. Lapland is cold but magical, with great conditions for skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing. Cities like Helsinki also host winter festivals, and everything slows down in a good way. If you're after a true Arctic experience, this is the month to go.

Finland in February at a glance

• Temperatures range from 7°F to 24°F (-14°C to -4°C ).
• Expect cold, clear, crisp days with lots of snow.
• With its beautiful landscapes and chances to experience the Northern Lights, February is the ideal month to visit Lapland.
• February is also a popular peak time for winter sports.

What is the weather like in Finland in February?

February is deep winter in Finland, with freezing temperatures and plenty of snow across the country. Snow blankets the landscape, and days are still short, though getting longer than in January. In Helsinki, you can expect around 7 to 8 hours of daylight.

It’s a busy month for winter activities, since snow conditions are usually stable and reliable. Ski resorts are in full swing, and you’ll see people out snowshoeing, snowmobiling, or heading off on husky sled rides. If you’re heading to Lapland, this is a good time to look for the Northern Lights. Long nights and relatively clear skies make for decent viewing conditions.

Snowfall in February is moderate, averaging around 1.2 to 1.6 inches (30 to 40 mm), and roads are kept clear in most places. That said, driving can still be tricky without winter experience.

Trains and buses usually run on time, but extreme cold or heavy snow can sometimes cause delays. Make sure to bring proper cold-weather gear, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors. Ice hotels, saunas, and other winter experiences are in full swing this time of year, and while the cold can be intense, it's also part of what makes a trip to Finland in February feel so different. This is a great time to plan your Finland itinerary.
 

Average daily temperatures in February

February is one of the coldest months of the year in Finland, and you’ll feel it. In Helsinki, daily highs usually sit around 28°F (-2°C), with lows closer to 21°F (-6°C). Up in Lapland, it gets even colder, averaging around 14°F (-10°C) during the day and dipping to about 9°F (-13°C) at night. In northern Lapland, it can drop as low as 8°F (-13°C), while the southern coast might hover closer to 24°F (-4°C).

The air is dry and winds are usually light, which helps make the cold a bit more manageable, but you’ll still need proper winter layers. Nights are brutally cold, and the Baltic Sea often freezes over. Swimming is off the table unless you’re into ice dipping, and even then, it’s done in specially maintained holes.

Daylight is limited too. Helsinki gets around 9 hours, with the sun rising around 8:00 AM and setting just after 5:00 PM. In Lapland, you're down to only 3 to 4 hours of daylight. The flip side is that those long nights give you better chances of seeing the Northern Lights, which are often active this time of year.

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

Is February a good time to visit Finland?

The weather in Finland in February offers perfect conditions for snow-related activities.

So, if you love winter sports and snowy landscapes. February is a great time to visit Finland. With plenty of clear skies and long nights, you might also get to see the Northern Lights.

Just be aware that this is the middle of winter, and the extreme cold can be challenging. Be sure to pack plenty of warm clothes and suitable footwear.

Also note that February is part of the high season, so be prepared for busier ski resorts and more crowds at popular tourist sites. For more tips, see our guide to how to plan a trip to Finland.

Why February is a good time to go to Finland:

• Perfect snow conditions for winter sports and activities
• Excellent opportunities to see the Northern Lights with long, clear nights
• Extreme cold requires proper winter clothing and preparation
• High season means busier ski resorts and tourist sites
• Enchanting winter landscapes with guaranteed snow coverage

What about the crowds & costs?

February is deep winter in Finland, and it draws a steady stream of visitors, especially to Lapland. People come for snow-based activities and the Northern Lights, so prices for hotels and tours are usually at their highest. If you're heading north, expect busy resorts and limited availability unless you book early.

Helsinki, on the other hand, tends to be quieter this time of year. You can usually find better deals on accommodation in the capital, and it’s easier to move around without crowds.

December and March also bring plenty of visitors due to the vacations and school breaks, so prices stay high through those months too. January can be a bit less busy, and costs might drop slightly, but not by much.

If you're looking to save money, April through May or September through October are better bets. Prices come down a lot during these shoulder months, though you won’t get snow or winter landscapes.  If you're still deciding, don't miss our guide to the best time to go to Finland.
 

Where to go to Finland in February

February is full winter in Finland. Snow covers the forests, lakes are frozen solid, and daylight is still short, especially in the north. Here are some of the best places to visit in Finland. 

Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi is often called the official home of Santa Claus, and February brings everything you’d expect from an Arctic winter. You’ll get about six hours of daylight, with long twilight hours that make the snow look almost blue. This is also prime time for seeing the Northern Lights.

The snow is reliable this time of year, so activities like husky rides, reindeer safaris, and snowmobiling are all running smoothly. The frozen Kemijoki River becomes an ice playground, and if it’s too cold out, the Arktikum museum is a good place to warm up and learn about the Arctic environment and Sámi culture. Santa Claus Village stays open year-round and is less busy than it is in December. 

Saariselkä

Saariselkä sits next to Urho Kekkonen National Park, which is one of the largest wilderness areas in Europe. It’s a solid base if you're interested in outdoor winter activities. You’ll find cross-country skiing trails that go on for miles, snowshoe paths through silent pine forests, and the chance to join longer husky safaris into the backcountry.

Because the terrain is more rolling hills than steep peaks, it’s good for hiking and exploring even in winter. You can stay in a glass igloo or tucked-away cabin, where you might see the Northern Lights right from your bed.

There’s also a strong presence of Sámi culture here, with local stores selling handmade crafts and tours that help explain indigenous ways of life in the far north.

Levi

Levi is one of Finland’s top ski resorts, and February brings solid snow conditions with just enough daylight for long sessions on the slopes. The runs suit all levels, and the elevator systems are efficient, so you won’t waste time in line.

This time of year, you’ll also find events like ice sculpture contests and small winter music festivals that add something extra to the usual ski trip. After skiing, you can relax in a spa hotel or grab a meal at one of the town’s restaurants, which range from casual cafes to higher-end dining.

What to do in Finland in February

February is a great time to lean into winter in Finland. Here are some of the best things to do in Finland.

Chase Northern Lights

February is one of the best times to see the Northern Lights in Finland. The nights are still long, skies are often clear, and aurora activity tends to be strong this time of year. Guided tours usually head away from towns into areas with minimal light pollution, and some use heated sleighs or vans to make the wait more comfortable.  

Husky sledding

Husky sledding is one of the most popular winter activities in Finland, and February is a good time to try it. The snow is deep and consistent. You’ll usually get a quick lesson before heading out, and most places let you drive your own sled while a guide leads the way.

Some routes are just a few miles long, but there are also longer trips that go deep into the wilderness, sometimes overnight. Kennels are often open for visits too, so you can meet the dogs and even the puppies. See our list of the best outdoor activities in Finland.

Traditional sauna

There’s nothing quite like sitting in a hot sauna while it's freezing outside. February is peak sauna season, and the contrast between the heat inside and the cold outside is part of what makes it feel so good.

In cities, you’ll find public saunas where locals go regularly. They usually follow a routine of heating up, cooling down, and resting before doing it all again. If you’re lucky, you might get to try a smoke sauna, where the gentle heat comes from wood burned earlier in the day.

If you’re near a lake, you might see (or try) "avantouinti," or ice swimming. That’s when you jump into a hole cut into the ice after sitting in the sauna.
 

Planning your itinerary

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.