Last updated: August 21, 2025
In October, Helsinki experiences a striking transition as autumn deepens, with maximum temperatures reaching 16°C (62°F) and averaging at 7°C (45°F), while the chill of winter begins to creep in with lows of -4°C (25°F). This month is characterized by a significant precipitation level of 89 mm (3.5 in) spread over approximately 17 days, underscoring the city's dampness, with humidity levels soaring to 93%. Visitors and residents alike can expect a blend of crisp air and vibrant autumn colors, making Helsinki an enchanting experience as the season shifts.
In October, Helsinki begins to feel the chill of autumn, with temperatures typically ranging from a brisk -4°C (25°F) at night to a mild 16°C (62°F) during the day. The average temperature hovers around 7°C (45°F), marking a clear transition from the warmth of summer to the cold of winter. As the month progresses, the temperatures dip, echoing the patterns seen in previous months, such as September's mild days but with a noticeable drop in nighttime lows. The vibrant fall foliage adds a beautiful backdrop to the cooling air, making October a captivating time to experience the city’s charm before winter sets in. In a city that endures harsh winters, October serves as a reminder of the changing seasons, bridging the warmth of the past months with the upcoming cold.
October in Helsinki marks a notable spike in precipitation, receiving an average of 89 mm (3.5 in) over 17 days, making it one of the wettest months of the year. This increase in rainfall is a significant shift from September's 76 mm (3.0 in), reflecting the transition into autumn. The higher precipitation days not only intensify the city's vibrant fall colors but also contribute to the overall atmosphere of coziness as residents and visitors alike seek refuge in cafes and cultural venues. Comparatively, the cooler temperatures and increased cloud cover during October signal the onset of winter, enhancing the city's charm as it prepares for the colder months ahead. As the rain falls, it serves as a reminder of nature’s rhythm, sustaining the lush landscapes that define Helsinki's fall scenery.
As October unfolds in Helsinki, the city experiences a notable shift in humidity, settling at 93%, which reflects a slight decrease from the 90% of September. This month acts as a bridge between the summer's relatively lower humidity levels in May and June, at 75%, and the progressively damp conditions that define the later months, climbing back to 94% in November. The pattern shows a gradual transition from the summer warmth to the chill of winter, illustrating how the air grows heavier with moisture as the year progresses. As the leaves turn and the days shorten, Helsinki’s October humidity serves as a reminder of the approaching cold, preparing residents for the more humid months ahead.
As October arrives in Helsinki, the UV Index drops to a low 2, signaling a shift in the seasonal sunlight dynamics. After a summer of high levels in June and July, where the Index peaked at 7, the tail end of the year reflects a more temperate sun exposure. With a burn time of 45 minutes, it's a great opportunity for outdoor activities without the intense risk of sunburn. This trend of decreasing UV levels continues into November and December, maintaining a consistent low of 1. As the days grow shorter and the sun's intensity wanes, remember to stay informed about your sun exposure with resources like the Helsinki UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
As October rolls into Helsinki, the city's sunlight begins to wane, offering a notable contrast to the vibrant light of earlier months. With 190 hours of sunshine, October sees a decrease from the 290 hours basked in during September, marking a significant shift as the days grow shorter. This downward trend continues as the year progresses, hinting at the impending winter months that follow. After basking in the abundance of light from the previous summer months, the gradual decline serves as a poignant reminder of nature's rhythms, making October a time for reflection in the midst of fading daylight.
As the autumn months unfold in Helsinki, the likelihood of sunny weather takes a notable dip in October, with only a 19% chance of sunshine. This marks a significant decrease from the summer highs, where July enjoys a bright 56% probability of sunny days. The trend shows a gradual decline in sunlight from mid-summer, with August and September also experiencing lower chances of clear skies at 29% and 28%, respectively. As temperatures drop and days grow shorter, Helsinki residents can expect more overcast conditions, making the fleeting sunny moments in October all the more special. Embrace the beauty of fall while keeping your fingers crossed for the occasional sunbeam amidst the clouds!
As October unfolds in Helsinki, the city experiences a noticeable shift in daylight duration, with the sun gracing the skies for about 10 hours. Following the vibrant summer months when daylight peaked at 18 hours in June, the gradual decline becomes evident as fall progresses. In September, daylight began to wane to 12 hours, and October marks a further reduction, setting the stage for the darker months ahead. This trend continues into November, where Helsinki sees just 7 hours of daylight, illustrating the stark contrast between the sunlit days of summer and the impending hibernation of winter. The transition underscores the beauty of the changing seasons, inviting residents and visitors alike to cherish each fleeting moment of daylight while anticipating the cozy embrace of longer nights.
As October unfolds in Helsinki, the winds begin to pick up, with an average speed of 5.2 m/s (12 mph), marking a noticeable increase compared to the preceding months. This invigorating breeze is a departure from the calmer summer months, where the average wind speed dipped to 3.0 m/s (7 mph) in June. When looking at the transition from September, which has a gentle 4.1 m/s (9 mph) wind, it’s clear that October signals the onset of brisk autumnal gusts that invigorate the city's atmosphere. This energetic wind not only energizes the landscape but also heralds the arrival of colder days ahead, creating a backdrop of vibrant fall colors swaying in the fresh air. As the winds rise, so too does the unique charm of Helsinki during this enchanting season.
Weather in Helsinki varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares October’s weather to other months in Helsinki, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
October and January present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In October, temperatures range from a chilly -4°C (25°F) at their lowest to a milder average of 7°C (45°F) and a maximum of 16°C (62°F). The month sees substantial precipitation, with 89 mm (3.5 in) falling over 17 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 93%. In comparison, January is significantly colder, with temperatures dropping to a minimum of -23°C (-9°F) and averaging -3°C (28°F), reaching a peak of 8°C (46°F). Precipitation decreases to 55 mm (2.2 in) across just 11 days, while humidity remains high at 97%. For more detailed information, you can check Helsinki weather in January.
October and February present strikingly different weather conditions. In October, temperatures range from a chilly -4°C (25°F) at night to a mild average of 7°C (45°F) during the day, with maximums reaching 16°C (62°F). The month sees considerable precipitation at 89 mm (3.5 in) over about 17 days, and high humidity at 93%, creating a damp atmosphere as autumn deepens. In contrast, February experiences much colder temperatures, dipping to a minimum of -23°C (-8°F) and averaging around -3°C (26°F), with highs peaking at 6°C (43°F). The precipitation is lower at 48 mm (1.9 in) over only 10 days, and the humidity remains high at 95%, contributing to the biting cold typical of winter in the region. For more details, you can check out Helsinki weather in February.
When comparing the weather in October and March, notable differences are evident. October experiences milder temperatures, with averages around 7°C (45°F) and maximums reaching 16°C (62°F), while March is significantly colder, with an average of -1°C (31°F) and maximums only reaching 10°C (51°F). Precipitation is more frequent in October, occurring over 17 days compared to just 12 days in March, although the total rainfall is higher in October at 89 mm (3.5 in). Interestingly, the humidity remains constant at 93% in both months. For a more detailed look into the conditions during March, you can visit Helsinki weather in March.
October and April present distinct contrasts in weather conditions. In October, temperatures range from a chilly -4°C (25°F) to a comfortable high of 16°C (62°F), with an average of 7°C (45°F). This month experiences considerable precipitation, totaling 89 mm (3.5 inches) over 17 days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 93%. In contrast, April is characterized by a more varied temperature range, with lows of -12°C (10°F) and highs reaching up to 19°C (67°F), averaging around 4°C (39°F). The month is drier, with only 48 mm (1.9 inches) of precipitation spread across 9 days and a slightly lower humidity of 86%. For a detailed look at April weather, you can visit Helsinki weather in April.
Comparing the weather in October and May reveals significant differences. October typically sees a range of temperatures, with a minimum of -4°C (25°F) and a maximum of 16°C (62°F), resulting in an average temperature of 7°C (45°F). It also experiences higher precipitation, with around 89 mm (3.5 in) spread over 17 days and elevated humidity at 93%. In contrast, May offers milder conditions with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -3°C (27°F) to a maximum of 27°C (80°F), leading to an average of 10°C (50°F). May also enjoys less rainfall, approximately 56 mm (2.2 in) over just 10 days and lower humidity at 75%. For more detailed information, you can visit Helsinki weather in May.
October and June present distinctly different weather experiences. In June, temperatures range from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a maximum of 30°C (86°F), with an average of 16°C (62°F), making it a much warmer month compared to October, which sees average temperatures from a chilly -4°C (25°F) to a mild 16°C (62°F). Precipitation is more frequent in October, with 89 mm (3.5 in) falling over 17 days, while June experiences less rain at 61 mm (2.4 in) across just 10 days. Humidity levels also contrast significantly; October's humidity can reach a high of 93%, whereas June maintains a more comfortable 75%. For a closer look at June's climate, visit Helsinki weather in June.
The weather in October is markedly cooler than in July, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -4°C (25°F) to a maximum of 16°C (62°F), and an average of 7°C (45°F). In contrast, July features much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (46°F) and a maximum that can soar to 32°C (90°F), averaging around 18°C (65°F). While both months see some precipitation, October records slightly higher rainfall at 89 mm (3.5 in) over 17 days, compared to July's 91 mm (3.6 in) but over just 13 days. Additionally, October boasts higher humidity levels at 93%, compared to July's 80%, making it feel significantly more damp and chilly. For a closer look at the warm summer days, visit Helsinki weather in July.
In comparing the weather of August and October, it’s clear that October brings much cooler temperatures. While August enjoys milder conditions with average temperatures around 17°C (62°F) and maximums reaching up to 29°C (84°F), October's temperatures drop significantly, averaging just 7°C (45°F) and peaking at 16°C (62°F). Precipitation levels are fairly similar, with October experiencing 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain over 17 days compared to August's 83 mm (3.3 in) over 13 days. Additionally, October is more humid, with 93% humidity compared to August's 83%. For a closer look at Helsinki's weather in summer, check out Helsinki weather in August.
In comparing the weather of October and September, October presents a notable shift towards cooler temperatures and increased precipitation. While September experiences milder conditions with an average temperature of 12°C (54°F) and a maximum of 23°C (73°F), October sees a drop in average temperature to 7°C (45°F), with maximums reaching only 16°C (62°F). Additionally, October is characterized by higher rainfall, accumulating 89 mm (3.5 in) over 17 days, compared to September's 76 mm (3.0 in) over 13 days. Humidity levels are slightly elevated in October at 93%, compared to 90% in September. For a more detailed look at September's weather, you can refer to Helsinki weather in September.
October typically experiences milder temperatures, with averages around 7°C (45°F), while November sees a further drop, averaging just 3°C (38°F). The minimum temperatures in October usually reach -4°C (25°F), compared to November's lower minimum of -7°C (19°F). Precipitation is more frequent in October, with 89 mm (3.5 in) over 17 days, compared to November's 62 mm (2.5 in) over 13 days. Humidity remains high in both months, with November slightly edging out October at 94%. For more details on November weather, you can check Helsinki weather in November.
October and December present notably different weather conditions. In October, temperatures range from a minimum of -4°C (25°F) to a maximum of 16°C (62°F), with an average of 7°C (45°F). This month sees frequent precipitation, totaling 89 mm (3.5 in) over 17 days, and a high humidity level of 93%. In contrast, December experiences colder temperatures, with a minimum of -18°C (0°F) and a maximum of 7°C (44°F), averaging -1°C (31°F). While precipitation decreases slightly to 73 mm (2.9 in) over 15 days, humidity remains high at 95%. For more detailed insights, visit Helsinki weather in December.
As October unfolds in Helsinki, the city experiences a notable transition marked by cooler temperatures and increased precipitation compared to the preceding months. With an average temperature dipping to 7°C, the warmth of September gives way to the crisp, brisk air that signals the approach of winter. The high humidity levels of 93% coupled with about 17 rainy days contribute to a distinctly damp atmosphere. This month encapsulates the essence of Finnish autumn, as the vibrant fall foliage contrasts with the occasional gray skies. For those interested in a deeper dive into what to expect throughout the year, be sure to check out Helsinki Climate.