WHEN TO TRAVEL to Finland

Location

Climate

Seasons in Finland: when to go?

Finland's climate varies considerably with the seasons. Each time of year offers its own specific attractions, but some may be more suited to your personal preferences or activities.

Winter: December to March

Winter in Finland generally begins in December and ends in Marchtemperatures can reach -20°C in some regions. This is the ideal season for winter sports, such as skiing, snowmobiling and dog-sledding. And don't forget the wide range of activities associated with theAurora Borealisalso known as the aurora borealis, which lights up the country's winter sky.

Spring: April and May

Spring is slowly arriving in Finland, with temperatures still cool and the snow gradually melting. It's an ideal time to admire Finland's spectacular scenery during a quieter, less crowded holiday.

Summer: June to August

Summer is the warmest and mildest time of the year in Finland, with temperatures reaching 25°C. It's also the time of the midnight sunwhere the sun never sets above the Arctic Circle. Summer activities include hiking, cycling, fishing and cruises on the country's many lakes.

Autumn: September and October

Autumn in Finland offers magnificent views of shimmering forests, as well as the chance to observe local wildlife, such as elks and foxes. Temperatures begin to drop, setting the stage for the winter ahead.

Major cultural events in Finland

Throughout the year, Finland celebrates numerous cultural and artistic events. Here are some of the highlights:

• Helsinki International Film Festival (September) : this festival showcases Finnish and international cinematographic achievements in various categories.
• Helsinki All-Nighter Festival (June) This nocturnal celebration of culture and the arts takes place all over the city, with exhibitions, shows and open-air installations.
• Midsummer (June) Juhannus: also known as Juhannus, this event celebrates the longest day of the year and is marked by bonfires, dancing and festivities all over the country.
• Vappu (May) Carnival: this popular festival marks the arrival of spring and sees the streets filled with carnival hats, colorful balloons and music.

Public holidays in Finland

When planning your trip, it's a good idea to be aware of Finnish public holidays to avoid tourist or business closures. Here's a list of the main public holidays:

• New Year's Day (January 1)
• Epiphany (January 6)
• Good Friday (April)
• Easter (April)
• Labour Day (May 1)
• Ascension (May)
• Pentecost (May or June)
• Independence Day (December 6)
• Christmas (December 25 and 26)

High and low season in Finland

Tourist numbers also vary with the seasons. Here's an overview of the high and low seasons:

High season: June to August and December to February

Summer is the most popular time to visit Finland, with high demand for accommodation and activities. Winter is also a popular time of year, especially for winter sports resorts and northern lights viewing sites.

Low season: March to May and September to November

Spring and autumn are considered Finland's low tourist season. During these periods, you'll generally benefit from reduced rates on accommodation and tourist attractions, as well as lower visitor numbers.

Immigration in Finland: figures on the rise

In recent years, Finland seems to have succeeded in attracting more and more immigrants from all over the world. According to data published by Statistics FinlandThe number of immigrants registered in 2020 was around 17,000, compared with around 15,000 in 2019.

Most common nationalities

In terms of nationalities, some are more present than others among the Finnish immigrant population. The top five nationalities in 2020 were :

• Russia (approximately 3,200 people)
• Estonia (over 1,600 people)
• Iraq (nearly 1,200 people)
• Syria (over 900 people)
• China (about 800 people)

However, it is important to note that the breakdown of nationalities varies from year to year and according to international geopolitical contexts.

Most popular visas in Finland

To enter Finland, you need a visa or residence permit. The most commonly requested types of visa are :

Schengen short-stay visa (type C)

This visa allows foreign nationals to stay in Finland for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It can be granted for tourist, professional, family or short-term study purposes. In 2019, almost 270,000 such visas were issued by the Finnish authorities.

Temporary residence permit (type A)

Temporary residence permits are granted to people wishing to settle in Finland for a period of more than three months. The main reasons for obtaining this permit include employment, study or family reunification. In 2020, around 11,500 such residence permits were granted.

Permanent residence permit (type P)

Permanent residence in Finland is granted to people who have lived legally in the country for a continuous period of four years on a temporary residence permit. In 2020, almost 7,000 applications for permanent residence permits were approved.

International tourism in Finland: encouraging figures

Finland is a popular tourist destination, particularly for its breathtaking natural landscapes, rich culture and the magic of the soil or the Northern Lights. Let's take a look at the key figures for international tourism in this Nordic country.

Tourist arrivals in Finland

In 2019, total international tourist arrivals amounted to around 6.8 million, an increase of 4.2 % on the previous year. The majority of visitors came from Europe, closely followed by Asia and North America.

Foreign tourist spending

Over the whole of 2019, foreign tourists spent almost 3.7 billion euros during their stay in Finland, an increase of 3 % on the previous year. The main sources of revenue for the Finnish tourism sector come from accommodation, transport and catering-related activities.

The most popular tourist attractions

Finland offers a multitude of tourist attractions to suit all tastes, whether in terms of culture, nature or sporting activities. Among the most popular sites with foreign visitors are :

• The capital Helsinki, with its many museums and historic buildings.
• Koli National Park, with its breathtaking views of Lake Pielinen.
• Rovaniemi, "Santa's town" in Lapland.
• The Åland Islands, an archipelago located between Finland and Sweden.
• The lake district, ideal for water sports and discovering the local flora and fauna.