A sun that never sleeps: why July is the best time to visit Finland

Known as the land of a thousand lakes, Finland boasts a diverse landscape that ranges from dense forests to sprawling meadows, snow-capped mountains to rugged coastlines. For the discerning traveler researching when to go to Finland, you’ll find July to be the best month to experience the country’s abundant treasures.

Ready for a day that never ends? Travel to Finland in July for the the Midnight Sun, one of the most extraordinary natural phenomena in the world. For three months of the summer, the sun never fully sets below the horizon. Rather, the sky remains bathed in a soft, glowing light throughout the night – creating an otherworldly atmosphere that must be experienced to be fully appreciated. It’s an unforgettable experience to hike, kayak or just relax outside at midnight, while the sun casts long shadows across the landscape.

It occurs because of Finland’s location in the northern hemisphere, where the tilt of the Earth’s axis is inclined towards the sun during the summer solstice. As a result, the sun remains visible above the horizon for almost 24 hours a day between mid-May and mid-August

This extended daylight has a profound effect on the Finnish people and their way of life. It allows them to take advantage of the long summer days and spend more time outdoors, enjoying activities like hiking, fishing, and camping. It also means that the cities and towns come alive in a new way, with bustling outdoor cafes and street performers entertaining crowds late into the night.

You may also like: The unknown icons of travel you’ve never head of, but should have

July is a month filled with vibrant festivals and events, making it the best time to visit Finland if you’re looking for a bit of buzz. These events reflect the warmth and hospitality of the Finnish people and offer a glimpse into their way of life. Some of the most popular festivals and events during July include:

Ruisrock Festival: Held in Turku, this music festival is one of the oldest and largest in Finland, featuring a wide range of local and international artists across multiple stages.

Savonlinna Opera Festival: Enjoy world-class opera performances in the beautiful town of Savonlinna and the stunning setting of Olavinlinna Castle.

Turku Medieval Market: Just when June transitions to July, this event takes visitors back in time to the Middle Ages, with reenactments, markets, and concerts that recreate a Medieval atmosphere.

You may also like: Travel Director Siobhan, on the important role folklore plays in understanding Irish culture

The Finnish wilderness is vast, and teeming with wildlife. Luckily, there are also plenty of opportunities for spotting Finland’s diverse fauna. For example, the Rovaniemi Forest Walk on the Scandinavian Heritage tour takes you on a nature walk through an arctic forest in Lapland, all guided by a Local Expert. Here you might come across some of Finland’s iconic animals, from reindeer to elk, or birds like the white-tailed eagle and the black grouse. For something more daring, try a trip to nearby Ranua Wildlife Park, where you could see bears, wolves, lynxes or even wolverines.

Enjoy these wildlife experiences on the Scandinavian Heritage tour

July is definitely the best time to visit Finland if you’re a fan of stunning natural scenery. The forests are lush and green, the lakes are sparkling, and the mountains are majestic. The long days also mean that there is plenty of time to explore and appreciate the beauty of the Finnish landscape.

Finland is known as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes” for a reason, with over 188,000 lakes scattered throughout the country. If it wasn’t for these beautiful bodies of water, Finland might have been known as the Land of a Thousand Islands, as it’s home to one of the largest archipelagos in the world. Over 40,000 islands dot the Finish coastline, from the southwestern corner to the eastern border with Russia. The archipelagos are a paradise for boaters and kayakers, with calm waters and breathtaking views at every turn.

As well as lakes and islands, Finland is covered with acres of tranquil forest wilderness and stunning mountain ranges, including the fells of Lapland and the Halti mountain. In July, with long days and comfortable weather, you’re spoilt for choice of unspoiled paradises that will appease any nature enthusiast.

July is one of the warmest months in Finland, with average temperatures ranging from 59-68°F (15-20°C). This makes ideal weather for enjoying outdoor activities like hiking, biking, swimming, and kayaking. If the previous couple of months have been warm enough, by July the mosquito numbers should have dropped off, making exploring Finland’s natural wonders more comfortable.

You may also like: Maya Sherpa: The woman who climbed to the top of the world

July is undoubtedly the best time to visit Finland to experience natural beauty and unique culture at its finest. If you’re researching when to travel to Finland, consider a stress-free travel experience with Insight Vacations, where you can take the guesswork out of planning and ensure that every aspect of your trip is expertly handled. With everything organized by Travel Experts, from premium accommodation to perfectly crafted itineraries, you can ensure a stylish trip through Finland without doing any work. All the more time to relish in all the sights and insights without a worry in mind.

Discover Finland with Insight Vacations