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 »