Unusually warm spring prompts Finns to switch to lighter clothing

Unseasonably warm April temperatures have led many Finns to shed winter layers early, with some already wearing shorts and t-shirts, reports Finnish public broadcaster Yle.

Record-breaking spring heat has seen temperatures climb to 18°C in parts of Finland—levels typically not reached until May. The Finnish Meteorological Institute confirms the unusual warmth, which is now visibly changing street fashion across the country.

In Jyväskylä, Niko Heikkilä was among the first to switch to shorts on April 1, despite the lingering chill. “It was a bit cold, but not too bad. There’s just a great feeling when you’re wearing shorts,” he said. Fellow resident Nelli Virta also embraced the change, opting for shorts on Tuesday.

Researcher Ilkka Heinonen of the University of Turku notes that while humans adapt more easily to warmth than cold, some acclimatisation to lower temperatures is possible with exposure. “Individual cold tolerance varies—partly physiological, partly due to habit,” he explained, adding that optimal performance for most people occurs between 2–10°C.

For many, the first warm days carry emotional weight. Vaasa resident Milja Mujunen, who usually feels the cold, welcomed the sunshine in a t-shirt. “Maybe the first warm days feel even warmer than they are. It’s all about the vibe,” she laughed.

Joonatan Lahti, also from Vaasa, admitted he’s often among the first to dress for summer. “Even my close friends say I switch to t-shirts and shorts too early,” he said.

The warm spell is expected to continue, with sunny conditions dominating forecasts.