Helsinki
Capital of Finland
Helsinki is the capital of Finland and has a population of 694,392 in 2025. Visitors are drawn to the city by its notable architectural and historical sights.
What to see
The city features several prominent religious and civic landmarks, including Helsinki Cathedral, Uspenski Cathedral, Temppeliaukio Church, and Helsinki Olympic Stadium. Visitors can also explore the UNESCO site of Suomenlinna and the Sibelius Monument.
When to go
Daily high temperatures reach 20 °C in July and 19 °C in August, with lows around 14 °C and about 10 to 12 rainy days per month. Winter months are colder, with January seeing highs of -3 °C and lows of -7 °C alongside 50 mm of rain and snow over about 15 days, while February records highs of -4 °C and lows of -8 °C.
Getting there
The nearest airport is Helsinki Vantaa Airport, located 16 km away in Helsinki (Vantaa), Finland.
Top sights in Helsinki
Weather by month
The warmest month is July, with an average high of 20 °C. Rain is spread fairly evenly through the year.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | -3 | -3 | 0 | 6 | 12 | 16 | 20 | 19 | 14 | 8 | 3 | 0 |
| Average low, °C | -7 | -8 | -5 | 0 | 6 | 10 | 14 | 14 | 9 | 5 | 0 | -4 |
| Rainfall, mm | 50 | 34 | 38 | 34 | 39 | 60 | 69 | 84 | 64 | 82 | 74 | 60 |
| Rainy days | 15 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 14 | 16 | 16 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Helsinki (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.
Also worth a look
- Amos Rex
- Finlandia Hall
- Helsinki City Hall
- Helsinki City Museum
- Helsinki Synagogue
- Hietaniemi Cemetery
- House of Nobility
- House of the Estates
- Lasipalatsi
- Military Museum of Finland
- National Museum of Finland
- Natural History Museum of Helsinki
- Parliament House, Helsinki
- Pihlajasaari
- Presidential Palace, Helsinki
- Tamminiemi