The climate of Sodankylä
Sodankylä, located in
Finland, belongs to the Dfc Köppen climate classification. This subarctic climate signifies severe winters, no dry season, and cool summers. The monthly weather parameters show a predictable pattern. The coldest temperatures dominate the year's beginning and end, specifically from
January to
February and from
November to
December, where the average highs range from -8.8°C (16.2°F) to -6°C (21.2°F) and the lows range from -14.6°C (5.7°F) to -10.7°C (12.7°F). In contrast, the months from
May to
August witness the warmest temperatures, with average highs from 8.4°C (47.1°F) to 18.8°C (65.8°F) and lows between 1.3°C (34.3°F) and 10.3°C (50.5°F).
Despite the region's colder climate, the relative humidity is highest, around 96%, during the extreme cold months of January, February, November, and December. The drier months, with the lowest humidity, occur from
June to August, with an average of 69% to 78%. Regarding rainfall, June to August receive the highest rainfall volumes, from 56mm (2.2") to 61mm (2.4"), with 18 to 19 days of rainfall per month. The least amount of rainfall is observed in the colder months, approximately 30mm (1.18"), falling over 2 to 4 days in the month. On the other hand, snowfall is prevalent from November to
April, with the deepest depths recorded in December and January.
Examining wind speeds, the data indicates that they remain relatively constant throughout the year, with average speeds peaking slightly from February to April and the highest gust speeds recorded in February and December. In terms of daylight and sunshine, the longest hours occur from May to
July, with daylight hours from 20.4h to 24h and sunshine hours varying from 6.5h to 6.9h. However, the least amount of daylight is seen in December, at merely 1.3h.
The best time to visit Sodankylä
The best time to visit
Sodankylä depends on the visitor's weather preference. If warmth and sunshine are desirable, the months from
May to
August would be the most suitable. During these months, average high temperatures range from 8.4°C (47.1°F) to 18.8°C (65.8°F), and the daylight hours extend from 20.4h to 24h, providing extended daylight for exploration and outdoor activities. Rainfall is moderate, providing a balance between sun and rain.
The worst time to visit Sodankylä
If extreme cold and reduced daylight hours present challenges, it is recommended to avoid visiting
Sodankylä from
November to
February. During these months, the average low temperatures plummet to between -6.6°C (20.1°F) to -14.6°C (5.7°F), and the daylight hours are considerably shorter, ranging from 1.3h to 5.3h. Additionally, the region experiences substantial snowfall, with depths reaching up to 261mm (10.28") in
December.
Spring weather in Sodankylä
Spring weather in
Sodankylä, encompassing
March,
April, and
May, is quite variable. March still witnesses winter-like conditions, with highs of -3.8°C (25.2°F) and lows of -11°C (12.2°F), snowfall up to 239mm (9.41"), and only 11.8h of daylight. Moving to April, temperatures rise slightly, ranging between -5.3°C (22.5°F) and 0.7°C (33.3°F), and snowfall decreases substantially to 186mm (7.32"). By May, the weather takes a turn, with highs reaching up to 8.4°C (47.1°F), trace amounts of snowfall, and extended daylight hours to 20.4h.
Summer weather in Sodankylä
From
June to
August, summer weather permeates
Sodankylä. The city experiences its highest temperatures of the year, with highs from 15°C (59°F) to 18.8°C (65.8°F) and lows from 7°C (44.6°F) to 10.3°C (50.5°F). Rainfall is at its peak, reaching up to 61mm (2.4") in
July. However, it is also the season of longest daylight hours, extending from 22.3h in July to a full 24h in June.
Autumn weather in Sodankylä
Autumn, from
September to
November, sees a gradual change in
Sodankylä's weather. September still enjoys high temperatures around 10.7°C (51.3°F), but by November, the temperature drops to -2.7°C (27.1°F). Autumn also marks the return of snowfall, going from minimal 8mm (0.31") in September to a significantly higher 200mm (7.87") by November.
Winter weather in Sodankylä
Characterized by extreme cold temperatures and heavy snowfall, winter in
Sodankylä sets in
December and extends until
February. The average high temperatures fluctuate from -8.8°C (16.2°F) to -6°C (21.2°F), and lows range from -14.6°C (5.7°F) to -10.7°C (12.7°F). Snowfall is severe, reaching a yearly high of 261mm (10.28") in December. Moreover, daylight is minimal during these months, falling to as short as 1.3h in December.
Weather in January
Sodankylä,
Finland, begins the year deep within the winter season, characterised by a visible coat of heavy snow and a near-constant chill in the air.
January observes the highest volume of snowfall on average with 205mm (8.07").
Weather in January » Weather in February
The cold continues into
February albeit with a slight moderation in temperature compared to
January. There is an impressive accumulation of snow - around 215mm (8.46") - which persists from the previous month. Although
Sodankylä remains blanketed in winter conditions, the daylight hours start to expand noticeably, providing more opportunities to appreciate the surrounding snow-covered landscapes.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The first month of the spring,
March, is still a freezing cold month in
Sodankylä,
Finland, with temperature in the range of an average low of -11°C (12.2°F) and an average high of -3.8°C (25.2°F). March marks a minor ascent in the average high-temperature, adjusting from
February's -7.8°C (18°F) to a still subzero cold -3.8°C (25.2°F).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
By the time
April arrives in
Sodankylä, the firm grip of winter starts to loosen. The snowfall notably decreases to 186mm (7.32"), a trend indicative of the impending arrival of spring. Even though April is still considered part of the transition period from winter to spring, the increased daylight and sunshine hours begin to make their presence felt.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May ushers in a considerable change in the weather pattern in
Sodankylä. The snowfall plummets to 88mm (3.46"), giving way to more rainfall. May brings with it the anticipation of spring’s arrival, and the last vestiges of winter slowly fade away.
Weather in May » Weather in June
With
June, summer sets foot in
Sodankylä, accompanied by a significant decrease in snowfall, going down to a negligible 10mm (0.39"). The month brings in the warmest temperatures of the year, and an appreciable rise in daylight time.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the warmest month of the year in
Sodankylä. No snowfall is noticed this month, marking a distinct shift in the weather pattern from the corresponding winter months. This month witnesses the peak of summer, and outdoor activities are at full bloom.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Weather in
Sodankylä witnesses a marginal dip in
August as the hot months reach their tail end. There is no snowfall recorded this month either, assuring continuation of summer activities. Even though the splendid warmth of
July might begin to dissipate, the pleasant weather conditions make it an excellent time for various outdoor pursuits.
Weather in August »Weather in September
In
September, the weather in
Sodankylä starts to transition towards autumn. The month observes a slight resurgence in snowfall with around 8mm (0.31") recorded. September's weather blend is an interesting assortment of the receding warmth from the summer and the initial touch of the arriving fall season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Sodankylä signifies the onset of colder temperatures and a significant increase in snowfall, with an average of 126mm (4.96"). The decrease in temperature marks October as the gateway to the forthcoming winter season.
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
November,
Sodankylä delves deeper into the winter season with an increasing snowfall that averages around 200mm (7.87"). It's a definitive departure from the autumnal weather of the previous months. The shorter daylight hours and the gradual rise in snowfall reinforces the onset of the long Finnish winters.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December records the lowest average temperatures in
Sodankylä, accompanied by an outstanding level of snowfall, reaching up to 261mm (10.28"). The significant amount of snow and cold temperatures make December a quintessential winter month in Sodankylä.
Weather in December »