The climate of Vaasa
Vaasa,
Finland, lies within the Dfc, predominately Subarctic climatic zone according to Köppen climate classification. Residing in this northern territory implies a rigorous and severe winter period, no dry season, and a relatively cool summer. The yearly climatological data presents a range in various meteorological parameters that design the pattern of weather in the city.
Examining the temperatures, high values fluctuate from -5°C (23°F) to 20°C (68°F), while low temperatures vary from -12°C (10.4°F) to 11°C (51.8°F) over the year. A unique attribute of the city’s weather is its dynamic alteration. Rainfall amounts can climb from 23mm (0.91") to 62mm (2.44") within months, with the peak rain observed in
August totaling 62mm (2.44"). Additionally, the daylight hours expand significantly from 4.9 hours in
December to a lengthy 20.2 hours in
June, aiding in the city's balanced climate.
A prominent feature of Vaasa's climate is the distinct fluctuations in sea temperatures, spanning from -0.3°C (31.5°F) to 16.4°C (61.5°F). Furthermore, sunlight hours shows a discrepancy from no exposure in December and
January to 9 recorded hours in June. Thus, the climate of the city presents distinctive variations and patterns, including the most evident, the rigorous winter and the cool summer, characteristic of the northern hemisphere's higher latitudes.
The best time to visit Vaasa
With an understanding of the variables affecting
Vaasa's climate, it becomes clear that the optimal visiting period vastly depends on individual weather preferences. Those favoring moderate temperatures, accompanied by an extended span of daylight, would find
June to
August most appealing. During these months, the highest average temperatures range from 18°C (64.4°F) to 20°C (68°F), coupled with expansive daylight periods from 16.1 hours to 20.2 hours per day. This duration also experiences a median UV index of 5, signaling ample opportunity for soaking sunlight yet requiring prudent sun protection.
The worst time to visit Vaasa
On the contrary, the months of
December and
January might prove to be challenging for visitors not accustomed to severe winter conditions. These months experience the lowest temperatures with highs at -5°C (23°F) and lows dipping to -12°C (10.4°F). These winter months also present limited daylight hours, plummeting down to 4.9 hours in December and only marginally increasing to 6 hours in January. Consequently, during this period, outdoor activities and sightseeing might be inherently limited due to the harsh winter conditions.
Spring weather in Vaasa
Spring in
Vaasa commences with a slow elevation in temperatures, shifting from 0°C (32°F) high and -8°C (17.6°F) low in
March to 13°C (55.4°F) high and 4°C (39.2°F) low in
May. The rainfall pattern during this span displays a moderate increment, starting with 26mm (1.02") in March and reaching 32mm (1.26") towards the end of Spring in May. Furthermore, daylight significantly extends from 11.8 hours in March to 18.1 hours in May, paralleled by an increase in sunshine duration from 3 hours to 7 hours. To add, the period also records a UV index elevation from 1 in March to 3 by May, signifying an upturn in sun’s intensity.
Summer weather in Vaasa
The Summer months of
June through
August are moderately warm with highs ranging from 18°C (64.4°F) to 20°C (68°F) and lows from 9°C (48.2°F) to 11°C (51.8°F). Rainfall is considerable during this period, reaching its zenith in August at 62mm (2.44"). Interestingly, daylight hours peak at 20.2 hours in June, gradually descending to 16.1 hours by August. Sunshine duration also witnesses a decrease over the summer from 9 hours in June to 6 hours in August. Additionally, the sea temperature registers a peak of 16.4°C (61.5°F) in August, reiterating a conducive atmosphere for swimming.
Autumn weather, in Vaasa
The Autumn phenomenon in
Vaasa surfaces with a gradual decline in temperatures, from 13°C (55.4°F) high and 6°C (42.8°F) low in
September to 1°C (33.8°F) high and -3°C (26.6°F) low in
November. Simultaneously, rainfall inches up from 61mm (2.4") in September to a significant 50mm (1.97") in November. The daylight hours and sunshine duration both contract during these months from 13 hours to 6.8 hours and 3 hours to 1 hour, respectively. On a similar note, sea temperatures drop from 12.8°C (55°F) in September to 4.9°C (40.8°F) by November, marking a transition into the impending winter.
Winter weather in Vaasa
The
December to
February period in
Vaasa is dominated by frigid temperatures with high averages oscillating between -5°C (23°F) and 0°C (32°F) and low averages ranging from -12°C (10.4°F) to -8°C (17.6°F). Precipitation levels remain relatively high with 39mm (1.54") in December and 33mm (1.3") in February. As expected, daylight hours are at a minimum, with the shortest stick of 4.9 hours in December. In contrast, the months record no sunshine hours. The sea temperature also hits a low of -0.3°C (31.5°F) in
January, culminating the season of deep winter harshness.
Weather in January
January in
Vaasa,
Finland, is marked by its chilling temperatures. As one of the coldest months of the year, the mercury hovers from -12°C (10.4°F) to -5°C (23°F). Sunlight is a rare commodity, with the sun barely showing for a few hours.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Remaining firmly frozen,
February's weather does not differ significantly from
January. Its daylight hours increase slightly, giving inhabitants a taste of the transitioning seasons. The mercury does not climb significantly yet, the bite of the cold is undeniably persistent.
Weather in February »Weather in March
With
March,
Vaasa inches into the beginning of warmer times. Compared to the previous two months, temperatures rise, sometimes even crossing the freezing point to reach 0°C (32°F). The increase in daylight hours is more noticeable, indicating the approach of the equinox.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Spring is in full swing by
April in
Vaasa. Rising temperatures up to 5°C (41°F), coupled with increased hours of daylight, begin to thaw the persistent frost of the winter months. April's weather varies noticeably from the previous month, creating a palpable shift in the atmosphere.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May sees a pleasing incline in warmth, bringing temperatures as high as 13°C (55.4°F). A clear departure from the dwindling cold of
April, May is the bookmark between spring and the coming summer. The steady increment in daylight hours, combined with a rise in sea temperatures, is an open invitation for water activities.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is a pivotal month in
Vaasa's annual weather calendar. As the town basks in temperatures up to 18°C (64.4°F), daylight reaches its zenith, much to the delight of sun-seekers. The recurring rain does little to dampen the mood of the city.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July stands out in
Vaasa's weather landscape as the warmest month, characterised by peak temperatures touching 20°C (68°F). As the city nears midsummer, daylight still lingers extensively, extending the invitation to enjoy the outdoors.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Following its warmer predecessor,
August slightly retreats but continues to offer pleasing temperatures up to 18°C (64.4°F).
Vaasa residents enjoy the tail end of the summer season. However, the daylight hours start decreasing, hinting at the approach of autumn.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September witnesses
Vaasa sliding into the mellow coolness of autumn. A dip in temperatures to around 13°C (55.4°F) is noticeable from
August, bringing in a gradual chill. The decline in daylight hours becomes more pronounced, preparing the city for the eventual winter.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October ushers in a tangible chill, with temperatures falling to 7°C (44.6°F).
Vaasa's weather undergoes a discernible change, signaling the exit of autumn and the looming onset of winter. The shrinking daylight hours are more evident, casting long shadows and shorter days.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November nudges
Vaasa back into the clutches of winter. Temperatures plunge to a chilly 1°C (33.8°F), as daylight hours continue to diminish rapidly. The sea too loses its summer warmth, its surface often glazed with thin ice.
Weather in November » Weather in December
The weather conditions in
Vaasa culminate in
December, marking the onset of the coldest period. Temperatures can drop as low as -9°C (15.8°F). Daylight is at its yearly minimum, casting the city in a long, frigid twilight. Regular precipitation is most likely to fall as snow, blanketing Vaasa in its festive winter cover.
Weather in December »