What's the Weather like in Helsinki in July
Temperature
The hottest month of the year in Helsinki, July is still very mild compared to most summers further south. The average daily temperature is a lovely 17°C, with highs reaching about 21°C on average, and lows dipping to 12°C. The highest temperature ever recorded in Helsinki was on July 18, 1945, at 33°C. The summer heat tends to peak in mid- to late July, as summer extends into August before temperatures dip down for the fall.
Rain
Though not quite the wettest month (a title that August claims), July is close, with about 70mm of rainfall on average throughout the month. July typically sees 15 rainy days, though they usually are only a light drizzle. The sea temperature warms up to 12°C as this coastal city enjoys a break from its long and cold winters.
Wind
The wind speeds drop down to their lowest throughout the year, with winds in July reaching just 11km/hours, still comfortable despite their seaside location.
Sunshine Hours
Another benefit of summer is the longer days, as the sun stays up for nearly 19 hours at the beginning of this month. By the end of July, the sun will be up for just 17 hours. The daylight will continue to decrease as Helsinki's summer peaks and begins to end.
Humidity
Though slightly more humid than the rest of the year, July is still a comfortable month for the area. The days without rain tend to be mostly sunny, making this a very pleasant time of year to visit the area. Most others think so too and tourism is quite high at this time.
Helsinki Hotels in July
Hotel Anna
A quiet retreat in the middle of the city, Hotel Anna is a welcoming place only minutes away from the Stockmann store, the Design Museum and other city center highlights. A smaller operation, the hotel has 64 rooms, each of which offer a private bathroom, flat screen TV, minibar and WiFI. There is also a small meeting room, a sauna, and breakfast offered daily. Parking spots are available as well. Rooms range from a small, single room up to a family room with two bedrooms, making Hotel Anna a flexible destination for many tourists.
Omena Hotel
Another option in central Helsinki is Omena Hotel on Yrjönkatu. The local chain offers affordable hotels for travelers on a budget. The rooms include amenities like WiFi, mini refrigerators, tea and coffee, and large screen televisions. Though breakfast is not included, the hotel partners with a cafe just across the street to offer a low price option for guests. Group and business rates are offered at a discount. Self check-in and check-out are available with the use of door codes rather than keys, making this a good option for independent travelers.
Hilton Helsinki
Travelers looking for a resort feeling and a getaway from the bustle of the city center will enjoy staying at Hilton Helsinki Kalastajatorppa. Perfect for a summer stay, the hotel is located on the seaside northwest of Helsinki and even has a private beach for guests to enjoy. There are 238 spacious rooms and suites to choose from. Other amenities include a tennis court, a gym, a heated indoor pool, saunas, and a restaurant with beautiful sea views. Though the hotel is located in a peaceful, quiet neighborhood, it is only a 10-minute drive to the city center. With easy access to Helsinki, this relaxing escape is highly rated and a great option for beach-going travelers.
Klaus K Hotel
A boutique option, the Klaus K Hotel is inspired by Finland's national epic, "Kalevala". The rooms are each designed uniquely to represent the main themes of the story: mystique, passion, desire and envy. A combination of two historic buildings, one built in 1882 and one in 1912, the Klaus K is centrally located with easy access to the rest of Helsinki. Everything from the flooring to the decorations were crafted just for the hotel, making a stay at Klaus K rich in details. There are single and double rooms, as well as Sky Doubles, which include access to a rooftop terrace. Part of the Kämp collection of hotels, guests will receive amenities such as an art card that offers a discount to museums throughout the city.
Bars and Restaurants
Cafe Bar No. 9
Centrally located, Café Bar No. 9 is an easy stop for tourists visiting the center of Helsinki. With an Italian-based menu, the food offers an international alternative to Scandinavian cuisine. The salads, soups and pastas make for familiar choices, while the burgers and specialty items put a unique Finnish flare on the menu. While most of Scandinavia is known for being expensive, Café Bar No. 9 is a popular choice for travelers and locals on a budget, yet looking for a full service restaurant with a filling meal.
Kappeli
The beautiful Kappeli is a landmark in Esplanadi park. Meaning "chapel" in English, the stunning restaurant features white stone and a green top, reminiscent of Helsinki Cathedral. The menu features classic Finnish dishes like roasted duck and fried reindeer. There is also a bar with a large selection of beers, wines and classic drinks. Summers at Esplanadi are the perfect time to enjoy a meal on the terrace, which is opened from spring to autumn. The signature restaurant is popular with tourists thanks to its central location.
Fat Ramen
Tourists looking for something outside of the traditional Scandinavian menu will enjoy a meal at Fat Ramen. The ramen bowls offer a hearty meal for a decent price, and feature all kinds of toppings, like the smoked duck bowl or a vegan cauliflower bowl. The restaurant is centrally located between the Punavuori and Kamppi districts, making it easy to access for visitors staying throughout central Helsinki.
Sports Academy
Though the name doesn't sound much like a bar, Sports Academy is one of the most popular sports bars in central Helsinki. Just across the way from the Central Railway Station, the grill and pub is easy to access and offers American-style fare with an energetic atmosphere. The first floor houses casino games, while large televisions cover the walls of the second floor, showing live sports. A great selection of beers accompany the burgers, pizzas, wings and other options on the menu.
Things to do in Helsinki in in July
Korkeasaari Zoo
The beautiful weather in Helsinki's mild summer makes July a perfect time to head out into the archipelago and enjoy the Korkeasaari Zoo. Home to 150 animal species and over 1,000 plant species, the Helsinki Zoo opened in 1889 and is one of the oldest zoos in the world. Located on its own island, the ferry is available only in the summer (though the zoo can be reached at other times of the year by car, and is open 364 days of the year). The unique experience of the ferry ride, the island and the zoo make this family-friendly activity one to remember Helsinki by.
Pihlajasaari Recreational Park
Though it's the hottest month of the year, July is still cool and the weather is great for outdoor exploring in Helsinki. Pihlajasaari Recreational Park is a great destination for visitors hoping to explore Helsinki's beaches. Whether going for a chilly swim on the sandy beach, or hiking through the woods, the island brings in visitors both local and foreign. It was once a villa resort with cottages both in the forest and on the seaside. Today the 64 acre park can be reached by boat and guests are welcome to explore the beautiful nature and colorful cottages. Sites are designated for camping, and there is a restaurant inside of a 19th century wooden villa that serves traditional Finnish fare.
Bike Riding
Travelers hoping to see more of the city may wish to rent a bicycle. The city is home to more than 150 bicycle stations at which users can pick up or drop off bicycles. The quick process makes it easy to explore the city at any time. Faster than walking but more personal than public transportation or driving, renting a bicycle is a great way to get a quick overview of the area. Passes are available by the day, week, or season. Bicycling is an affordable mode of getting around, making it a great option for travelers on a budget or anyone hoping to stay fit on their vacation.
Helsinki Central Station
Many visitors will go through Helsinki Central Station as some point in their trip. The busy station sees approximately 200,000 passengers every day, from local commuters to those traveling from further away. The beautiful station was opened in 1919 and displays a Finnish granite exterior, a clock tower and two pairs of statues holding spherical lamps outside of the main entrance. Whether travelers are taking a train to or from the station, it's worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate the architecture, symbolism, and shops and restaurants available throughout the station.
