Month guide · Helsinki · Finland
Helsinki in August
What August is really like in Helsinki: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Mikkoau, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
August is one of the best months to visit Helsinki. Expect average highs of 21°C (70°F), lows of 13°C (55°F), about 10 rainy days and roughly 15.6 hours of daylight. Warm with the sea at its warmest, and the city's cultural season restarts with big festivals.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 21°C (70°F) / 13°C (55°F)
- Rainy days
- About 10
- Daylight
- About 15.6 hours
- Sea temperature
- 18°C (64°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in August
August is the 2nd-warmest month in Helsinki: days average 21°C (70°F) against a yearly average high of 10°C (50°F), and nights fall to about 13°C (55°F). Rain falls on roughly 10 of its 31 days. Compared with July (22°C (72°F)), August is about as warm; by September highs drop to around 16°C (61°F).
- Sunrise (15 August)
- About 05:34
- Sunset (15 August)
- About 21:16
- Daylight
- About 15.6 hours
- Sea
- 18°C (64°F)
Summer (June–August). White nights, island hopping, sea swimming and festivals; peak season, with many locals away in July.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, August rates 4 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in June). Book accommodation early: August is one of the pricier months.
Events in August
- Flow Festival — music and arts festival in Suvilahti (usually mid-August)
- Helsinki Festival and the Night of the Arts (late August to early September)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in August
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Zoo · Korkeasaari
Korkeasaari Zoo
Helsinki Zoo, founded in 1889, occupies a rocky island east of the centre and specialises in northern and mountain species such as snow leopards, wolverines and lynx, with tropical houses for warmer climates.
- Time needed
- 3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Nature
Theme park · Alppila
Linnanmäki amusement park
Even if you skip the coasters, walk the hilltop grounds for views over Kallio and Töölö bay.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Active
- Views
Park · Ullanlinna
Kaivopuisto park and seafront
Helsinki's oldest park slopes down to the sea at the southern tip of the peninsula, with seaside paths, rocky coves, outdoor cafés such as Café Ursula and views of Suomenlinna and passing ferries.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Views
- Couples
- Kids
Religious site · Töölö
Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church)
Look for a lunchtime or evening concert listing; hearing music in the rock hall is the best way to experience it.
- Time needed
- 30–45 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- Architecture
- Iconic
- Rainy day
What to pack
For highs near 21°C, lows near 13°C and 10 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is August a good time to visit Helsinki?
One of the best months to visit Helsinki, with 2 notable events on the calendar. The other best months are May–July and September. Compare every month.
Helsinki in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is August a good time to visit Helsinki?
It is one of the best months to visit Helsinki. Warm with the sea at its warmest, and the city's cultural season restarts with big festivals.
+How warm is Helsinki in August?
Average highs are around 21°C (70°F) and lows around 13°C (55°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Helsinki in August?
Expect rain on about 10 days of the month.