The climate of Joensuu
Notably,
Joensuu falls within the Dfc zone of the Köppen climate classification. This signifies a subarctic climate with a severe winter, cool summer, and no dry season. Located in the northeastern part of
Finland, this city experiences significant variations in weather parameters throughout the year.
Looking at the year-round averages, Joensuu witnesses minimum temperature between -10.4°C (13.3°F) in
January and 12.5°C (54.5°F) in
July. Conversely, the maximum temperature ranges from -6.4°C (20.5°F) in January to 21.2°C (70.2°F) in July. An assessment of recorded temperatures showcases stark differences in climate throughout the year, presenting a sharp contrast between the chilling winters and cool summers.
The region records the maximum amount of rainfall in July, with an average precipitation of 66mm (2.6"). However, the wettest periods stretch from
May to
August, characterized by increased rainfall days varying from 16.7 in
June to 16.9 in August. In terms of humidity, figures peak during winter months at 96% in
February and drop to a low of 68% from May to June.
Noteworthy exclusivities of Joensuu's climate include a staggeringly high average snowfall of 202mm (7.95") in
March and
December, with a notable absence of snowfall from June to August. Moreover, daylight duration in this region follows a distinct pattern that ranges from just 6.1 hours in January to a robust 19.9 hours in June.
The best time to visit Joensuu
Evaluating climate parameters, the period from
May to
August appears to be an ideal time to visit
Joensuu. During these months, visitors can enjoy moderate temperatures from 13.3°C (55.9°F) to 21.2°C (70.2°F), coupled with an average daily sunshine duration between 9.8 hours in May and 12 hours in
June. Additionally, the month of
July usually signifies the rainiest period in Joensuu with an average of 66mm (2.6") spread across 17.3 days. Despite the increased rainfall, this time is preferred due to the mild temperatures and long daylight hours.
The worst time to visit Joensuu
Considering the severe winter conditions,
January and
February represent the least favorable months to visit
Joensuu. During these months, the city experiences average maximum temperatures below freezing, at -6.4°C (20.5°F) and -5.1°C (22.8°F) respectively. Noteworthy during this period is the high relative humidity above 95%, along with a significant amount of snowfall averaging 181mm (7.13") in January and 182mm (7.17") in February.
Spring weather in Joensuu
Spring, defined as
March,
April, and
May in
Joensuu, presents gradual increase in temperature. March begins with an average of -1.6°C (29.1°F), while May experiences a considerable warmth of 13.3°C (55.9°F). Snow begins to recede in March and is replaced by rain in April, with an average precipitation of 26mm (1.02") spread across 11.2 days. May promises bountiful sunshine hours, reaching an average of 9.8 hours per day.
Summer weather in Joensuu
The summer season in
Joensuu, characterized by the months from
June to
August, is relatively cool but pleasant. During this period, temperatures peak at 21.2°C (70.2°F) in
July, with the lowest average recorded at 17.4°C (63.3°F) in June. Rainfall is frequent during summer, with a high precipitation rate of 66mm (2.6") in July. However, the extended daylight period compensates for the rainfall, stretching up to 19.9 hours in June.
Autumn weather in Joensuu
During the Autumn months, between
September and
November,
Joensuu witnesses a significant drop in temperature, from 13.5°C (56.3°F) in September to a chilling 1.2°C (34.2°F) in November. The rainfall averages from 39mm (1.54") to 37mm (1.46"), providing relatively wet conditions. Daylight hours decrease gradually throughout Autumn, with average sunshine duration dwindling from 6.3 hours in September to merely 2 hours in November.
Winter weather in Joensuu
Winter in
Joensuu, spanning
December to
February, is incredibly severe. December commences the winter season with a maximum temperature of -2.9°C (26.8°F), while
January and February reel under freezing temperatures. Snowfall during these months is immense, averaging 202mm (7.95") in December. The shortest daylight period is in December, amounting to a mere 5.1 hours. Concurrently, these months record the least sunshine duration, with December seeing just 0.7 hours daily.
Weather in January
January presents the most challenging weather extremes in
Joensuu,
Finland. Even though the short daylight hours, averaging 6.1h a day, can be daunting, a serene beauty often underlies the frosty conditions. This month sees some of the lowest temperatures of the year, with extremes ranging from -6.4°C (20.5°F) to -10.4°C (13.3°F).
Weather in January » Weather in February
The frigid winter continues into
February with similar conditions as
January. Snow fills the air, layering the grounds of
Joensuu and embracing the city with its winter charm. The temperatures see a slight upturn with lows of -10.1°C (13.8°F) and highs of -5.1°C (22.8°F).
Weather in February »Weather in March
March signifies the start of a meteorological transition in
Joensuu. There is a noticeable climb in temperature; however, the mean values still hover in the negative. The snowfall remains consistent, but the days are now longer with increasing daylight hours.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings a breath of freshness, with the ever slight warmth cutting through the past wintered months. The average temperature rises above freezing for the first time since the onset of winter, fluctuating from -1.6°C (29.1°F) to 4.1°C (39.4°F).
Weather in April » Weather in May
May is a time of renewal in
Joensuu, as winter finally surrenders to spring. A radiant sun takes over the sky, leading to a considerable increase in temperature. The warmth breathes life into the city, coaxing flowers to bloom and trees to flourish.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Come
June,
Joensuu basks under the summer sun. Humidity wanes, and sun-baked days replace the chilling breeze of the previous months. The city now enjoys the lengthiest daylight and sunshine hours, with temperatures pushing to a gratifying 17.4°C (63.3°F).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the heart of summer in
Joensuu, with comfortable temperatures and plenty of sunshine. The landscape is awash with a lush green, and the city is at its busiest with summer events and activities taking center stage. A heightened UV index of 5 prompts the need for protective measures during midday sun.
Weather in July » Weather in August
As
August rolls in,
Joensuu still clings onto the summer vibe. A mild decline in temperature is noticed, though the weather remains warm and mostly sunny. Displaying the highest rainfall of the year at 57mm (2.24"), intermittent showers bring a delightful change.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September signals the onset of autumn in
Joensuu. Trees begin to shed their leaves, adding a spectrum of colours to the cityscape, despite a marginal dip in temperatures. Conditions remain comfortable, with the daylight hours reducing further.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October witnesses a transformation in
Joensuu's weather. Temperatures plunge, declaring the onset of a fresh yet frosty season. Fall foliage paints the city in hues of yellow, orange, and red, creating a visually delightful contrast against the ever-shortening daylight hours.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November is when the first signs of the approaching winter are felt in
Joensuu. As the colder air takes hold, temperatures descend, with averages ranging between -1.5°C (29.3°F) to 1.2°C (34.2°F). Wintry days begin to form, with snowfall bringing a frosty overtone to the cityscape.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December ushers in the heart of winter in
Joensuu. Festive lights adorn the snow-clad city, creating a magical scape against the early falling darkness. Despite an increase in snowfall up to 202mm (7.95"), the city maintains its charm as locals and tourists alike partake in winter festivities.
Weather in December »