What's the Weather like in Helsinki in February
Temperature
February is the coldest month of the year in Helsinki, Finland. It rarely warms to above freezing, with the average high temperature of the month staying at -1°C. The average low during February is a cold -10°C. Though the weather will warm slightly toward the end of the month as a warmer March approaches, visitors should plan on cold days and pack warmly.
Average Sea Temperature
The sea temperature is also at its coldest, remaining at 0° throughout the month, and it won't begin to warm up until May.
Pericipitation
One of the dryer months of the year, February typically brings only 40mm of rain, with an average of 11 rainy days throughout the month. This coastal city remains mostly overcast during the winter, with the skies being mostly cloudy about 75% of the time.
Humidity
Overall, the humidity is very low in the winter. There is approximately a 10% chance of a day of snow in February, and a 20% chance of a rainy day. The chance of snow peaks between mid-January and mid-February, though there is much more snow further north, away from the coast.
Sunshine Hours
The days are beginning to lengthen in February, as the sunrise time drops from 8:30am to 7:30am by the end of the month, and the sunset time increases from 16:30 to 17:45. The total daylight increases about 2.5 hours, from 8 hours of daylight at the beginning of the month to 10.5 hours at the end of February.
Wind
The average wind speeds are approximately 16km/hour throughout this month, though it begins to drop by the end of the month as Helsinki heads to a less windy spring and summer.
Helsinki Hotels in February
Original Sokos Hotel Presidentii
From the wintery deer murals on the walls to the midsummer flowers stitched on the pillows, visitors will feel truly Finnish when staying at the Original Sokos Hotel Presidentii. Within walking distance to the Central Station and the city center, the hotel is an excellent spot for exploring the best of the capital city. An indoor pool and a large, indoor play room make this an excellent destination for families traveling with children, particularly in case of bad weather or the very coldest days of February. There are several meeting rooms and venues to choose from as well for event or business travelers; the hotel is also a popular wedding destination. On the higher end of the hotel price scale, this beautiful, locally designed hotel offers a bar and restaurant as well.
Klaus K Hotel
No two rooms are the same at the Klaus K Hotel. The hotel's design is inspired by Finland's national Epic, "Kalevala", with the main themes of mystique, passion, desire and envy inspiring the details seen throughout the hotel. A combination of two historic buildings, the hotel promises a unique experience. Guests can choose from a variety of rooms such as luxurious Sky Lofts with a rooftop terrace, the specially-themed art rooms, or the small single rooms for travelers on a budget. Part of the Kämp collection of hotels, Klaus K Hotel guests will receive the You Are Here Art Card which entitles them to a 25% off discount to select museums in Helsinki.
Blu Plaza Hotel
The internationally recognized Radisson chain continues its strong reputation with the Blu Plaza Hotel in Helsinki. The historic building is as old as Finlandating back to 1917, when Finland became a country. At a mid-range price, the hotel offers 302 rooms with amenities such as free WiFi, free sauna access, and a fitness center. A popular choice for business travelers, the hotel boasts event and meeting rooms capable of hosting up to 700 people. A restaurant and bar are located in the hotel for hungry guests, tired after a day of exploring the nearby city center. Guests in business class rooms or higher have free access to the Plaza Lounge, with meeting rooms and complimentary refreshments.
Hellsten Helsinki Parliament Hotel
The affordable Hellsten Helsinki Parliament Hotel offers apartment rooms for travelers looking for all of the amenitites of home. The small-scale hotel offers 43 rooms, varying from small, single rooms to two-bedroom suites. Each room includes free WiFi, a kitchenette and TV. Close to the Central Station, it is an easy walk for visitors to enjoy popular destinations like the National Museum and Parliament House. Staff are available during the day and self-check-in is available at other times, making this a good option for travelers who are more comfortable touring on their own, with less room service and concierge options.
Bars and Restaurants
Puosun Kellari
Travelers looking for a unique dining experience will enjoy visiting Puosun Kellari, an authentic wooden ship, the Kathrina. The ship drops anchor at Kauppatori port in Helsinki from November through April, before offering private cruises later in the spring. Built as a freighter in 1949, the Kathrina sailed the Baltic Sea between Finland, Sweden and Denmark until the 1970s when a long restoration process began, and the ship sailed again in the 21st century as a passenger ship. Though the menu includes beef, chicken, and vegetarian dishes, guests may be inspired by their watery surroundings to choose from the many seafood options.
Cafe Regatta
Another waterside stop, Café Regatta offers travelers a cozy escape from the cold. In a traditional cottage style, the café brings the Finnish countryside into the middle of Helsinki. The café is decorated with Scandinavian trinkets inside, and has a fire pit outside to keep visitors warm even in the snow. The café is famous for fresh cinnamon buns, blueberry pie, and sausages grilled over the fire pit. Close to the Sibelius monument in Töölö, the building was built in 1887 as a shed for storing fishnets; today, guests can enjoy water views while sipping coffees, teas and hot chocolates.
Ravintola Makasiini
Connected to the Scandic Grand Marina Hotel, Ravintola Makasiini is particularly convenient for hotel guests, though visitors staying anywhere in Helsinki can enjoy this authentic Finnish restaurant. The menu includes simpler, more familiar dishes like burgers and chicken for less adventurous diners. The restaurant also offers gluten-free and lactose-free options for travelers with food allergies. A classy environment makes this a great destination for business travelers, while kid-friendly options on the menu help families feel welcome as well.
Bar Cafe Apero
For travelers looking to explore other cuisines, the "genuinely French" bar, Bar Café Apero is a favorite. The menu features French favorites, such as quiche, Crème Brulee, escargots, and croissants. Popular for their beers and wines, this friendly, neighborhood bar in the Hietalahti area is highly rated for offering a comfortable, home-like atmosphere. The spot is dog friendly and quite popular with the locals. Travelers looking to relax in a smaller destination with a glass of wine will enjoy the selection available at Apero.
Things to do in Helsinki in February
Stockmann Helsinki Centre
Stockmann department stores are located through Finland and other parts of northern Europe, but the Stockmann Helsinki Centre is the flagship of the company. It is also the largest department store in all of Scandinavia, both in size and in total sales. Stockmann carries internationally recognized luxury brands and has a high-end reputation. Built in the Nordic Art Deco style, it is a common meeting place for locals, and the clock at the main entrances (known as "Stocka's clock") is a symbol of Helsinki culture. The large store is a one-stop shop for travelers looking to find souvenirs and gifts to bring home, without having to venture into the cold too much. There is also a food and beverage department to serve hungry shoppers.
Finnish Design Museum
Another indoor option for visitors looking to escape the chilly weather is the Finnish Design Museum. It is open every day except for Saturday during the winter. Believing that design should improve life, making it more beautiful and functional, the museum showcases the best of both Finnish and international design. There is a permanent exhibition featuring the history of Finnish design from the 1870s (when the museum was founded) to present day. The museum is one of the oldest in the world with 140 years of history and expertise in cultivating beautiful collections. The Finnish Design Museum also tours exhibits, sharing its collection with the world. The hundreds of thousands of objects and drawings are enough to keep visitors entertained, while a café and shop make the trip even more enjoyable. Just around the block is the Museum of Finnish Architecture for guests hoping to find out even more about the history of Finland's beauty.
Johan Ludvig Runeberg Statue
Visitors willing to bundle up and head outdoors will find a wealth of parks and monuments throughout Helsinki. The Johan Ludvig Runeberg statue in Esplanadi Park should be included on any historical tour through central Helsinki. This bronze statue features the national poet of Finland at age 55, in a priest's coat, preparing to give a speech. In front of the pedestal is the Maiden of Finland, holding a copy of Runeberg's work "Our Land" and a laurel wreath in the other, with a pile of books at her feet. The statue was created by Walter Runeberg, Johan Ludvig's son.
Finnish Aviation Museum
Another museum and historical destination for travelers is the Finnish Aviation Museum. Open daily, this museum includes military, commercial and private aircrafts spanning multiple generations. In addition to approximately 70 aircrafts, a flight simulator, a collection of photographs, a library, and other aviation-related items round out the collections at the Finnish Aviation Museum. Guided tours are available though visitors are also welcome to explore at their own pace.
