Finland is one of the northernmost areas in the world with a permanent population. Winter in Finland varies in duration from about three to seven months, depending on the part of the country, but regardless of location, it’s cold, dark and snowy. But those features don’t disrupt life. Finns will get to work or school in the morning no matter how cold it is or how much snow has fallen.
The arrival of the cold, dark, snowy winter doesn’t mean life stops. On the contrary, discover how Finns not only survive it, but enjoy it!
In Finnish Lapland, the sun sets in late November and generally does not rise until mid-January. This can last as long as 50 days in northern Finland. According to the Finnish Meteorological Institute, 2020 was the warmest year on record in Finland. But “warm” is a relative term. Utsjoki municipality in Lapland recorded temperatures of –41°C in December, and even Turku – which has some of the mildest weather in Finland – was pretty chilly, with temperatures hovering around 0°C.
You may imagine that winter in Finland would mean endless snow and temperatures that were consistently way below freezing. It turns out that impression is only partly true. In the central and northern parts of the country, it is likely that you will experience snow and ice for several solid months. However, in southern parts of the country (like Turku and Helsinki) the winter is warmer and less predictable. November and December are often cold and rainy, with the temperatures close to freezing. Sometimes there might be a bit of sleet or snow, but it will often melt within a few days.
Life is about enjoying yourself, not just surviving, and this goes for Finland in winter as well. Coffee, clothing, snow play key roles.
Wrap Up Yourself Warm
The secret to staying comfortable in cold weather is simple: wear many thinner layers, rather than one super-thick piece of clothing. This rule applies to your legs as well! Remember to wear a pair of leggings under your trousers and you will be much warmer. If you use the layering trick, you can make the most of the clothes you already own. There is no need to buy a completely new wardrobe for winter.
Walk like a Penguin
One of the hazards of winter is icy ground. It can be extremely slippery! To avoid falling, you need to adjust the way you walk. Slow down, bend your knees a bit, and take smaller steps with flat feet.
Surround Yourself with Reflectors
You are also much less visible to vehicles when you’re on the roads in the dark. It’s important to compensate for this (especially if you wear dark clothes) by wearing reflectors. You can get reflective armbands, keyrings and patches to put on your clothes or bags. Reflectors are available at most shops, but if you keep an eye out at the start-of-year student events you should be able to collect a few branded reflectors for free.
Get Some Daylight in & Go Out for Walks
Now that we have recommended all the right things to wear, it’s time to venture into the great outdoors. You don’t have to go for a run or exercise in order to feel the benefits of being outside, but it’s a long-confirmed way to avoid seasonal affective disorder and depressive feels hitting you. It’s not the most appealing maybe, but it makes such a huge difference.
Keep Your Body Moisturized
Moisturize both inside and outside. If you are someone who does not apply cosmetics regularly, you may need to gradually get used to using moisturizer for the face and body after coming to Finland. Because if your skin is not moisturized enough, it will become dry, worse, crack and peel like lips.
Embrace the Season
Make a list of movies you’ve been meaning to see, stock up on your favourite hot chocolate and get a really awesome pyjama or onesie. It’s stupid to say that it’s all about your attitude, but a part of it sure is. If you want to hate the season, you will hate it. Finding ways to make this time of year enjoyable and connect good memories with it, can make a big difference – and the darkness in Finnish winter can also be something beautiful!
