The climate of Lappeenranta
In geographic terms,
Lappeenranta rests within the climatic sphere designated as a Humid Continental type under the Köppen climate classification, specifically denoted as Dfb without a dry season and hosting warm summers. Over the year, Lappeenranta weather patterns are characterized by a remarkable shift from relatively mild summers to cold, snowy winters.
Temperature fluctuations in Lappeenranta are significant. Average temperatures in the colder months hit their lowest in
January at -8.6°C (16.5°F) and peak at around 22.3°C (72.1°F) in
July. Meanwhile, humidity levels depict a year-round pattern of high readings, with
February recording the highest at 95% and
May the lowest at 66%. Monthly precipitation levels generally exhibit a steady increase from the start of the year, from 41mm (1.61") in January, peaking at 53mm (2.09") in
August before descending back to 51mm (2.01") in
December. The number of rainy days follows a slightly similar trend, increasing from 5.3 days in January to a peak of 18.1 days in July.
Uniquely, Lappeenranta encounters significant snowfall in winter, with maximum snowfall levels recorded in January at 262mm (10.31") and it reduces to 235mm (9.25") by December. However, during summer months, no snowfall is reported. The amount of daylight varies throughout the year, with longer average hours from
April to
September reaching peak daylight length of about 19.1 hours in
June. During winter months the daylight dwindles significantly with December only enjoying an average of 5.7 daylight hours.
The best time to visit Lappeenranta
Judging by weather metrics available, the most suitable period to visit
Lappeenranta falls between late spring and early autumn. From
May to
September, Lappeenranta experiences relatively warmer temperatures ranging between 15.1°C (59.2°F) to 22.3°C (72.1°F). During this span, the city enjoys increased daylight hours, averaging between 14.7 hours in
April and 18.3 hours by
July. Visitors during these months can anticipate an optimal climate for outdoor pursuits and sightseeing.
The worst time to visit Lappeenranta
Conversely, periods from late autumn to early spring, precisely from
November to
March, might prove quite challenging for visitors not accustomed to harsh winter climates. With temperatures dipping to a low of -8.6°C (16.5°F) in
January and snowfall escalating to a high of 262mm (10.31") in January, preparations for the severe cold would be necessary for any adventuring in these months.
Spring weather in Lappeenranta
As
Lappeenranta transition from the clasp of winter into spring, ambient temperatures begin a steady ascent to an average high of 15.1°C (59.2°F) in
May. In this season, rainfall and daylight hours rise concurrently; rainfall varies from 32mm (1.26") in
April to 38mm (1.5") in May while daylight spans from 14.7 hours in
March to 17.5 hours by May.
Summer weather in Lappeenranta
In
Lappeenranta, summer months of
June to
August reveal a pleasant climate with the highest temperatures tipping at an average of 22.3°C (72.1°F) in
July. The city experiences null snowfall, maximum daylight of 19.1 hours in June, and considerable rainfall peaking at 53mm (2.09") in August.
Autumn weather in Lappeenranta
The autumn months in
Lappeenranta usher in a transitional period as weather patterns slowly revert towards winter conditions. Temperatures gradually fall from 14.7°C (58.5°F) in
September to 2.5°C (36.5°F) in
November. The daylight hours are also reduced drastically from 12.9 hours in September to 7.3 hours in November.
Winter weather in Lappeenranta
Winters in
Lappeenranta can be quite severe with temperatures plummeting to their lowest readings of the year. In the coldest months of
December to
February, the city experiences average lows ranging from -1.3°C (29.7°F) to -8.6°C (16.5°F). Alongside the chill, December reports high levels of snowfall at 235mm (9.25"), while daylight hours dwindling to an average minimum of 5.7 hours.
Weather in January
The chill of winter is evident in
Lappeenranta,
Finland, with
January displaying its expected frigid nature. The high amount of snowfall of 262mm (10.31"), along with low visibility of only 5km (3.1mi), can make it challenging for outdoor activities.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As the calendar turns to
February, the climate in
Lappeenranta remains unforgiving and bitterly cold while seeing a modest reduction in snowfall to a still hefty 254mm (10"). The high levels of humidity with a reading of 95%, paired with low temperatures, could make the cold feel even more penetrating, leading to a chill that is hard to shake off.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March in
Lappeenranta sees the thawing of winter’s sharpest bite, with temperatures rising marginally and snowfall diminishing to 229mm (9.02"). Nevertheless, the cold lingers in the air, ensuring winter coats continue to be a necessary wardrobe item.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April displays the telltale signs of an awakening to spring in
Lappeenranta. Although the weather is a stark leap from the rigid winter conditions, snowfall can still be expected, albeit at a significantly reduced amount of 61mm (2.4").
Weather in April » Weather in May
As
May approaches,
Lappeenranta truly steps into spring with temperatures noticeably becoming more pleasant. This warmer weather contributes to the last vestiges of winter, as indicated by the reduced snowfall to a low of 28mm (1.1").
Weather in May »Weather in June
The arrival of
June marks the official start of summer in
Lappeenranta, with increasing daytime temperatures and no snow is seen throughout the city. The combination of longer daylight hours and the highest UV index of 5 makes the city vibrant and attractive for tourists.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July stands as the peak of summer in
Lappeenranta, showcasing the city's warmest weather with temperatures reaching up to a high of 22.3°C (72.1°F). This enticing warmth complements the bounty of sunshine perfectly, creating an idyllic atmosphere for light-filled adventures.
Weather in July » Weather in August
As
August rolls around,
Lappeenranta's weather exhibit signs of the midsummer phase, with slightly lower temperatures than
July, although it retains much of the summer warmth. This month enjoys the continuation of clear skies, longer sunshine hours, and higher daylight durations.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September brings a transition towards fall in
Lappeenranta, with decreased temperatures and the return of minimal snowfall after months of no snow. The cool gusts of wind, paired with shrinking daylight hours, begin to signal the onset of autumn.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Lappeenranta is characterised by a full immersion into autumn, experiencing a substantial drop in temperatures and a rise in snowfall with 60mm (2.36") registered. A blend of autumnal shades paints the city, contributing to the captivating scenery that unfolds.
Weather in October » Weather in November
The chill of winter starts settling in
Lappeenranta during
November. There is a drastic increase in snowfall up to 99mm (3.9"), preparing the city for the upcoming harsh Finnish winter. The diminishing daylight hours get replaced by longer stretches of darkness, adding to the winter prelude.
Weather in November »Weather in December
By the time
December arrives,
Lappeenranta,
Finland, is fully embraced in its winter season, registering a significant increase in snowfall up to 235mm (9.25"). This month takes on the role of a winter treasure trove, transforming the city into a pristine white landscape.
Weather in December »