Climate and monthly weather forecast
Oulu, Finland

englishespañol中文
Share

The climate of Oulu

Nestled in the Northern realms of Finland, Oulu endures a Subarctic climate. Established under the Köppen climate classification as Dfc, this indicates a landscape dominated by a severe winter, cool summer, and a year-round absence of a dry season.

In this Subarctic realm, monthly average temperatures veer sharply from a chilly -10.6°C (12.9°F) in January to a relatively warmer 12.4°C (54.3°F) in July. The highs similarly reach up from -6.1°C (21°F) in January to 20°C (68°F) in July, demonstrating Oulu's drastic seasonal temperature swings. Alongside this, humidity adds a palpable weight to the air, with annual levels peaking at a significant 95% during January and February and dropping to a minimum of 69% in June.

Precipitation in Oulu delineates a distinctive pattern, characterized by snowfall and rainfall. Snow decorates the landscape heavily from November to April, with December and February welcoming an intensified 225-230mm (-9.06") and high counts of snowfall days, reaching 20.9 and 21.4 respectively. Rain, on the other hand, showers Oulu quite consistently throughout the year, with the highest intensity noted from 59mm (2.32") in August.

Another notable element of Oulu's climate is its display of daylight trends. Throughout the year, daylight duration ranges remarkably from the shortest 3.9 hours in December to the most lavish of 21.7 hours observed in June.

The best time to visit Oulu

Oulu, during the summer months of June to August, bestows upon its visitors a relatively pleasant weather experience. With an average temperature wavering between 15.8°C (60.4°F) to 20°C (68°F) and a sea temperature ascending up to a comfortable 16.7°C (62.1°F) in July, Oulu's summer extends a warm and engaging atmosphere. The city is also bathed by abundant sunshine, peaking at 11.8 hours in July, thus providing ample opportunities to explore the natural beauty and cultural delights of the region.

The worst time to visit Oulu

The rigorous winter conditions, from November to March, present themselves as challenging for visitors. During this period, the biting cold reveals temperatures plummeting down to -10.6°C (12.9°F) in January and an intense snowfall reaching 230mm (9.06") in December. Alongside this, extremely short days with daylight hours dwindling down to merely 3.9 hours in December can be a deterring factor for travelers.

Spring weather in Oulu

Spring wakes up in Oulu around late April, painting the city in warmer tones with average temperatures climbing from -1.6°C (29.1°F) in March to 11.1°C (52°F) in May. The snow capitulates to rainfall, dropping from 72mm (2.83") in March to a comparatively gentle 31mm (1.22") in May. The daylight hours increase significantly during this period, welcoming 15.3 hours in April and stretching further to 18.9 hours by May.

Summer weather in Oulu

Under the kiss of the summer sun, Oulu transitions into a relatively warmer ambience from June to August. During this season, the highest average temperature reaches 20°C (68°F) in July. The sea's temperature maximizes at a warm 16.7°C (62.1°F) in the same month, resulting in ideal conditions for beach activities. Long sunny days are the hallmark of this season, with daylight touching the peak of 21.7 hours in June.

Autumn weather in Oulu

Autumn sees a retreat from Oulu's warmer days as the season moves from September to November. Temperatures averagely slide from 13°C (55.4°F) in September to a chilly 1.1°C (34°F) in November. Rainfall varies within a narrow range from 32mm (1.26") to 37mm (1.46"). The longer hours of daylight that adorned the summer months diminish to 9.7 hours in October and further to 6.2 hours in November.

Winter weather in Oulu

Winter in Oulu, starting from December and lasting until February, has an austere severity. The city is muffled under an intense snowfall reaching 230mm (9.06") in December. The mercury in the thermometer slides to an average low of -10.6°C (12.9°F) in January. The daylight hours contract during this frigid season to as short as 3.9 hours in December, making the winter period a truly challenging yet unique experience.

Weather in January

With the arrival of New Year, freezing temperatures set in Oulu, Finland. With the coldest days reaching -10.6°C (12.9°F), January experiences the lowest temperatures throughout the year. Along with extreme winters, days have minimal sunlight, lasting for a meager 5.2 hours on an average. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February continues the trend of bitterly cold winters, even though the temperatures rise minutely compared to January. Average minimal temperature lurks around -10.1°C (13.8°F). Visitors are greeted with majestic sceneries of snow-covered landscapes as snowfall continues to remain high. Weather in February »

Weather in March

In March, the heavy winter cloaks start to lift slightly as temperatures rise moderately. Spring inches closer as snowfall reduces, even though it still plays a major role in weather phenomena. March brings some additional daylight hours which improves visibility conditions. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April brings a significant shift, the difference from previous months being quite noticeable. The thaw sets in, with April experiencing only 72mm (2.83") of snowfall, compared to 232mm (9.13") in March. Winter gives way to the warming charm of spring season. Weather in April »

Weather in May

As spring sets in fully by May, the climate becomes pleasantly mild. Persistent snowfall is replaced by the soft patter of spring rains. Green landscapes and blossoming trees lend a new heartwarming beauty to Oulu. Mild temperatures make it an ideal period for outdoor activities and exploration. Weather in May »

Weather in June

Stepping into the month of June, summer is on the horizon with temperatures peaking close to 15.8°C (60.4°F). Rainfall is also on the lower side, making it a good month for outdoor explorations. A remarkable feature of summer in Oulu is the abundance of daylight lasting almost 21.7 hours. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July, the warmest month in Oulu, witnesses the temperature touching 20°C (68°F). Evenings continue to be cooler and refreshing. It's the time to enjoy the balmy weather, long days, and vibrant urban life. Despite being summer, rainfall is at its peak with a 59mm (2.32") average, bringing unique freshness to the city. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August continues to stay pleasant and warm. The city enjoys a consistent temperature around 18°C (64.4°F). However, humidity levels tend to rise and the precipitation levels stay moderate. Sea temperatures also remain comfortable throughout the month. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September is marked by a sharp drop in temperatures, marking the beginning of autumn. The city's scenery transitions into a sea of yellow, orange, and red during the "Ruska" period, also known as the autumn leaf color. Despite minimal rainfall, humidity levels surge indicating crisp, autumnal weather. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Oulu continues the trend of dropping temperatures, with the cold setting in once more. With average maximum temperatures around 5.4°C (41.7°F), it’s a clear departure from the warmth of the summer. Autumn rain acts as the prelude to the oncoming winter. Weather in October »

Weather in November

Temperatures continue to plummet in November. Winter, once again, is at Oulu's doorstep with temperatures averaging around 1.1°C (34°F). A notable shift from the autumn rain to winter snow characterizes this month. Days become progressively shorter, as winter gets ready to cast its blanket. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December is marked by the enchanting spectacle of winter in full swing. The magical phenomenon of the Northern Lights illuminates the night skies in this city. The entire city seems to be enveloped in a thick white quilt with 230mm (9.06") of average snowfall. Weather in December »
[Resources]

Frequently asked questions

What is the coldest month in Oulu?

With an average high-temperature of -6.1°C (21°F) and an average low-temperature of -10.6°C (12.9°F), January is the coldest month.

What are the most humid months in Oulu?

January and February, with an average relative humidity of 95%, are most humid months in Oulu, Finland.

How much does it rain in Oulu?

In Oulu, during the entire year, the rain falls for 117.3 days and collects up to 434mm (17.09") of precipitation.

When does it snow in Oulu?

Months with snowfall in Oulu, Finland, are January through May, September through December.

How many days does it snow in Oulu?

In Oulu, Finland, during the entire year, snow falls for 107.1 days and aggregates up to 1131mm (44.53") of snow.

When is the sea coldest in Oulu?

January and February, with an average sea temperature of -0.6°C (30.9°F), are months with the coldest seawater.

What is the month with the lowest UV index in Oulu?

January through March, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index in Oulu, Finland.

What is the snowiest month in Oulu?

The month with the most snowfall is March, when snow falls for 18.4 days and typically aggregates up to 232mm (9.13") of snow.

What is the driest month in Oulu?

The months with the least rainfall in Oulu are April and September Rain falls for 10.2 days and accumulates 25mm (0.98") of rain.

What is the least humid month in Oulu?

With an average relative humidity of 69%, June is the least humid month in Oulu, Finland.

When it does not snow in Oulu?

June through August are months without snowfall in Oulu, Finland.

When are the longest days in Oulu?

With an average of 21h and 42min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year in Oulu.

What is the hottest time of year in Oulu?

With average high temperatures of 20°C (68°F) and lows of 12.4°C (54.3°F), July is the warmest month.

What is the wettest month in Oulu?

The month with the most rainfall is July, when the rain falls for 15.8 days and typically aggregates up to 59mm (2.32") of precipitation.

When is the sea warmest in Oulu?

The month with the warmest seawater in Oulu, Finland, is July, with an average sea temperature of 16.7°C (62.1°F).

What month has the most sunshine in Oulu?

July has the most sunshine of the year, with an average of 11.8h of sunshine.

What is the month with the highest UV index in Oulu?

July is the month with the highest UV index in Oulu, with an average maximum UV index of 5.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Oulu?

On Sunday, 27. October 2024, at 04:00, Daylight Saving Time ends in Oulu, and the time zone changes from EEST to EET. The next Daylight Saving Time starts on Sunday, 30. March 2025, at 03:00, and the time zone reverts from EET to EEST.

What is the month with the shortest days in Oulu?

December has the shortest days of the year in Oulu, with an average of 3h and 54min of daylight.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Oulu?

December has the least sunshine of the year in Oulu, Finland, with an average of 1h of sunshine.

Average pressure
Oulu, Finland

Average pressure - Oulu, Finland

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is May (1014mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is December (1005.4mbar).

[Resources]

Average wind speed
Oulu, Finland

Average wind speed - Oulu, Finland

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is November (13.7km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (10.6km/h).

[Resources]

Average humidity
Oulu, Finland

Average humidity - Oulu, Finland

The months with the highest relative humidity are January and February (95%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is June (69%).

[Resources]

Average rainfall
Oulu, Finland

Average rainfall - Oulu, Finland

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is July (59mm).
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are April and September (25mm).

[Resources]

Average rainfall days
Oulu, Finland

Average rainfall days - Oulu, Finland

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (15.8 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (3.3 days).

[Resources]

Average snowfall
Oulu, Finland

Average snowfall - Oulu, Finland

The month with the highest snowfall is March (232mm).
The months with the least snowfall are June, July and August (0mm).

[Resources]

Average snowfall days
Oulu, Finland

Average snowfall days - Oulu, Finland

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (21.4 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are July and August (0 days).

[Resources]

Average sea temperature
Oulu, Finland

Average sea temperature - Oulu, Finland

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is July (16.7°C).
The coldest months (with the lowest average sea temperature) are January and February (-0.6°C).

[Resources]

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Oulu, Finland

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Oulu, Finland

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 21h and 42min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 3h and 54min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 11h and 48min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 1h and 0min).

[Resources]

Average sunshine days
Oulu, Finland

Average sunshine days - Oulu, Finland

The month with the most sunshine days is June (17 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is December (7.4 days).

[Resources]

Average UV index
Oulu, Finland

Average UV index - Oulu, Finland

The month with the highest UV index is July (UV index 5).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, November and December (UV index 1).

[Resources]

Oulu, Finland

Weather forecast for your location

1. Click Locate me button
2. Allow the app to use your location