Climate and monthly weather forecast
Kuusamo, Finland

Kuusamo, Finland exhibits a subarctic climate (Dfc), which is characterized by a long, cold, and snow-filled winter season combined with a short, cool summer period. Located in the North of Finland, near the Russian border, severe winter weather is the dominant climate state. Throughout the year, the average temperatures range from a chilling -18°C (-0.4°F) in winter to a relatively moderate 19°C (66.2°F) in summer, an indication of the climatic fluctuations experienced in this region.

In terms of daylight hours, the variety throughout the year is notable with only 3.2 hours of light during December, rising drastically to 23.4 hours during June, reflecting the phenomena of the midnight sun and polar nights characteristic of this geographic location. The region sees rainfall distributed relatively evenly over the year, from a lower range of 30mm (1.18") in February to a peak of 78mm (3.07") in July.

A unique attribute of Kuusamo's climate is the contrast between the exceptionally long daylight hours in summer and the considerably reduced hours in winter. The patterns in temperature variation and rainfall also contribute to the unique and dynamic nature of Kuusamo's climate.

Visitors keen on warmer and longer daylight hours would find June to August the optimal months to visit Kuusamo. In this period, daytime temperatures can reach as high as 19°C (66.2°F), and daylight extends as much as 23.4 hours in June. This period also witnesses the heaviest rainfall, reaching 78mm (3.07") in July, offering a wet yet warm experience.

Those not partial to extremely cold conditions might want to avoid the winter months, particularly December to February, when temperatures can fall as low as -18°C (-0.4°F). December also holds the least amount of daylight, providing just 3.2 hours. Despite the rainfall dropping to around 38mm (1.5"), the lower temperatures result in heavy snow rather than rain, creating a severe winter landscape.

Spring in Kuusamo, spanning from March until May, experiences a cautious warming from the harsh winter. Temperatures during these months transition from -2.7°C (27.1°F) to 9.8°C (49.6°F), while daylight hours increase significantly from 11.8 hours to 19.3 hours. Rainfall also shows a low but steady increase from 33mm (1.3") in March to 45mm (1.77") in May.

From June to August, Kuusamo experiences its summer season. During this period, average high temperatures range from 16.4°C (61.5°F) to 19°C (66.2°F), and average low temperatures vary between 6.6°C (43.9°F) and 9.4°C (48.9°F). This period also entails extended periods of daylight, with June witnessing up to 23.4 hours of light in a day, decreasing to 20.9 hours by August. Precipitation rates are highest in the summer season, reaching their peak at 78mm (3.07") in July.

The onset of Autumn in Kuusamo sees temperatures and daylight hours decreasing, with September to November experiencing average high temperatures from 9.6°C (49.3°F) to -3.6°C (25.5°F) and daylight hours dropping from 13.1 hours to 5.9 hours. Rainfall in this period ranges from 53mm (2.09") to 55mm (2.17"), with moisture turning to snow as temperatures fall below freezing.

Kuusamo's winter season brings with it severe cold from December until February. It experiences average low temperatures plummeting from -10°C (14°F) to -18°C (-0.4°F), and average high temperatures playing between -9.3°C (15.3°F) and -7.2°C (19°F). Rainfall measurements move from 42mm (1.65") in December to 33mm (1.3") in February. Short daylight hours are a defining characteristic of this season, with December only providing 3.2 hours and February extending to 8.2 hours. This period characterizes the harsh, snowy, Subarctic winter that best defines Kuusamo.

January is the coldest month in Kuusamo, Finland, reaching a chilling low temperature of -18°C (-0.4°F) and not exceeding a high of -9.3°C (15.3°F). Days are brief, with scarce daylight. The serenity of the crisp, cold air is complemented by a covering of fresh snow. Weather in January »

In comparison to January, February temperatures in Kuusamo exhibit a slight moderation, yet they remain well below freezing levels. The region continues to experience substantial snowfall during this time. Compared to the following month, February offers relatively short days. Weather in February »

As the calendar flips to March, there is a noticeable thaw in the extremely cold conditions from the previous months. Notably, daylight duration begins to expand gradually. Despite the chill still in the atmosphere, snow starts to melt and the hope of spring becomes tangible. Weather in March »

Transitioning into April, thermal variations in Kuusamo become more evident as temperatures rise to a comfortable 2.5°C (36.5°F) from a frigid -2.7°C (27.1°F) in March. The landscape in the city transforms, welcoming the first blooms of spring under the increasingly abundant sunlight. Weather in April »

The weather in Kuusamo during May exhibits signs of a distinct spring season. The longer daylight duration sparks life into the city as the temperature continues to climb at a steady pace. Outdoor activities are diverse during May, ranging from bird watching to river fishing, making it the perfect time for nature enthusiasts to visit. Kuusamo's transition into May is marked by a rise in the average high-temperature, advancing from a wintry 2.5°C (36.5°F) in April to a chilly 9.8°C (49.6°F). Weather in May »

June ushers in the much-awaited summer season with the highest recorded daylight duration of 23.4 hours. The temperature peaks to a significant high of 16.4°C (61.5°F), a stark contrast from the freezing conditions prevalent at the start of the year. Weather in June »

July, the warmest month in Kuusamo, Finland, observes average high temperatures of 19°C (66.2°F) to provide some respite from the cold. Despite being the summer peak, one cannot expect typical tropical heatwave in this part of the globe. Weather in July »

Moving into August, a subtle decline in temperatures marks the onset of the end of summer. Despite the slightly shorter days than in July, the warmth persists, providing inviting conditions for outdoor exploration. August, however, also brings rainfall quite frequently marking a trend towards the wetter autumn season. Start of August in Kuusamo, Finland, brings a slight shift in the average high-temperature, dipping a bit from July's refreshing 19°C (66.2°F) to a mild 15.6°C (60.1°F). Weather in August »

September marks the advent of autumn in Kuusamo. The vivid colors, dropping temperatures, and decreasing daylight hours mark a transformation in the city's landscape. This period witnesses a temperature downturn to an average high of 9.6°C (49.3°F) from a pleasant 15.6°C (60.1°F) in August, indicating the return of the chill associated with the impending winter months. Welcoming September, Kuusamo observes a shift in the average high-temperature, falling from August's refreshing 15.6°C (60.1°F) to a frosty 9.6°C (49.3°F). Weather in September »

October, predominantly autumnal in Kuusamo, Finland, manifests a significant reduction in daylight hours from the preceding month. The temperature continues to fall, and the prevalence of rain becomes less frequent. The scenic autumn foliage starts to wane, signaling the approaching harshness of winter. Transition from September to October in Kuusamo is accompanied by a temperature drop, with average high-temperatures decreasing from a chilly 9.6°C (49.3°F) to a wintry 2.4°C (36.3°F). Weather in October »

In November, Kuusamo slips into harsh winter conditions with temperatures stooping down to -10°C (14°F) from slightly chilly temperatures of -2.7°C (27.1°F) in October. The city sees decreases in daylight hours and an increase in the probability of snowfall, paving the path for the deep chill of the nearing December. The onset of November brings a small change in high-temperatures, falling from a wintry 2.4°C (36.3°F) in October to a freezing cold -3.6°C (25.5°F). Weather in November »

Kuusamo in December boasts of a proper winter wonderland scenario, with temperatures dropping to a chilly -15.1°C (4.8°F). As daylight hours continue to shorten, the city turns into a frozen paradise, offering unique opportunities for winter sports, particularly cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Weather in December »