Beaches · Helsinki · Finland
The best beaches in and near Helsinki
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: kallerna, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Hietaniemi beach (About 25 minutes' walk from Kamppi).
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 4
- Warmest sea
- 18°C (64°F)
The beaches
About 25 minutes' walk from Kamppi · City swimming and families
1.Hietaniemi beach
Helsinki's main city beach, a long strip of sand in Töölö with beach volleyball courts, a café and shallow water.
About 10 minutes by summer boat from Merisatama · A summer island day
2.Pihlajasaari
A recreational island with sandy beaches, rocky shores, forest paths and a separate naturist beach area.
A few minutes by boat from Merisatama · A quick swim near the centre
3.Uunisaari
A small island just off Kaivopuisto with a beach, café-restaurant and sauna, linked by a short boat crossing in summer.
About 30–40 minutes by metro and a walk · Families and long sand
4.Aurinkolahti
A long sandy beach in the eastern district of Vuosaari, popular with families.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1°C (34°F) | -1°C (30°F) |
| February | 0°C (32°F) | -2°C (28°F) |
| March | 0°C (32°F) | 2°C (36°F) |
| April | 2°C (36°F) | 8°C (46°F) |
| May | 7°C (45°F) | 15°C (59°F) |
| June | 13°C (55°F) | 19°C (66°F) |
| July | 18°C (64°F) | 22°C (72°F) |
| August | 18°C (64°F) | 21°C (70°F) |
| September | 14°C (57°F) | 16°C (61°F) |
| October | 10°C (50°F) | 9°C (48°F) |
| November | 6°C (43°F) | 4°C (39°F) |
| December | 3°C (37°F) | 1°C (34°F) |
Staying near the beach
Getting to the beaches
- Tram — Trams are the easiest way around the inner city, linking the Central Station, Kamppi, Töölö, Kallio, Katajanokka and the Design District.
- Metro — The metro runs east–west from Espoo through Kamppi, the Central Station and Kallio (Sörnäinen), splitting into two branches in the eastern suburbs.
- Ferry — HSL ferries sail year-round from Market Square to Suomenlinna in about 15–20 minutes on a regular zone A ticket; private waterbuses serve the zoo and islands in summer.
- Train — Commuter trains from the Central Station serve the airport, Tikkurila (for Heureka) and Espoo for Nuuksio.
Beach-weather months
Air temperatures rarely reach classic beach weather here: the warmest month, July, averages 22°C (72°F).
Beach safety
Helsinki is generally low-risk for visitors, but pickpocketing occurs in crowded areas and late-night drunkenness can make the station area unpleasant at weekends. In winter, icy pavements are the biggest hazard, so wear shoes with good grip. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Helsinki have beaches?
Yes: Hietaniemi beach, Pihlajasaari, Uunisaari and Aurinkolahti.
+What is the best beach near Helsinki?
Hietaniemi beach: Helsinki's main city beach, a long strip of sand in Töölö with beach volleyball courts, a café and shallow water.