Finnish May Day brings near-summer warmth but coastal chill persists

Temperatures in southern Finland could exceed 20°C during this year’s May Day celebrations, though coastal areas like Helsinki’s Kaivopuisto park will remain significantly cooler, according to Yle’s meteorologist Aleksi Lohtander.

A warm front moving across Finland on Thursday will bring morning rain to northern and eastern regions before clearing. By afternoon, western areas will see sunshine with temperatures rising to around 15°C, while the east and north stay cooler at roughly 5°C. Rovaniemi will hover near 10°C.

Friday’s May Day celebrations will bring summer-like conditions to southern and central Finland, with highs of 20°C or more. Eastern regions will see 15–20°C, and sunshine is expected nationwide.

Lohtander noted that such warmth on May Day is rare, with only one recorded instance of 20°C temperatures in the 2000s (2008). Despite the overall heat, coastal areas will be much cooler due to sea breezes.

Cooler by the coast
In Helsinki, inland areas like Vantaa may reach over 20°C, but Kaivopuisto—where traditional May Day gatherings take place—could remain around 13°C. Lohtander advised revelers to bring warmer clothing. Similar coastal cooling effects will apply across Finland.

Temperatures will stay warm on Saturday before dropping to 10–15°C in the south by Sunday.