Imatra, located in southeastern Finland near the Russian border, features a cold continental climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are long, snowy, and freezing, while summers are mild and pleasantly warm. The region experiences dramatic shifts in daylight, abundant natural beauty, and excellent conditions for both winter and summer outdoor activities throughout the year.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Imatra’s climate is characterised by cold, snowy winters and mild, relatively short summers. Winter (December to March) brings average highs from -5°C to 0°C and lows that can drop below -10°C, with frequent snowfall and thick ice covering local lakes. January is typically the coldest month, with average lows near -9°C and highs around -5°C. Snow cover is reliable, lasting from November to March, and humidity is high, often exceeding 90% in winter. Daylight is limited, with only 5–6 hours in December, but the region offers a magical winter landscape for skiing, ice fishing, and even ice swimming.
Spring arrives slowly, with temperatures rising from near freezing in March to 15°C in May. Rainfall increases, and snow melts gradually, revealing lush forests and lakes. Summers (June to August) are mild and bright, with average highs of 20–22°C in July and lows around 13°C. The warmest month is July, with up to 19 hours of daylight and pleasant conditions for hiking, cycling, and enjoying Lake Saimaa. Rainfall peaks in July and August, but showers are typically brief. Autumn (September to November) is cool and colourful, with temperatures dropping from 15°C to near freezing and rainfall gradually decreasing. Winds are generally moderate year-round, averaging 12 km/h, but can be stronger in late autumn and winter.
Imatra experiences significant seasonal contrasts in daylight: from long, bright summer days to short, dim winter afternoons. The combination of reliable snow, clean air, and beautiful natural surroundings makes Imatra a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
| Average climate data for Imatra, Finland | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | -5 | -3 | -0 | 7 | 16 | 19 | 23 | 21 | 15 | 7 | 3 | -1 | 23 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | -9 | -8 | -5 | 0 | 6 | 10 | 13 | 12 | 8 | 3 | -1 | -5 | -9 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 31 | 33 | 32 | 27 | 31 | 37 | 40 | 45 | 36 | 42 | 30 | 39 | 423 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 4 | 3 | 6 | 11 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 122 |
| Average snowfall (mm) | 212 | 207 | 171 | 59 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 52 | 73 | 181 | 970 |
| Average snowfall days (days) | 19 | 18 | 17 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 18 | 93 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 95 | 95 | 93 | 82 | 66 | 66 | 71 | 75 | 82 | 86 | 90 | 93 | 83 |
| Average wind speed (km/h) | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 6 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 5 |
| Average cloud coverage (%) | 81 | 83 | 75 | 65 | 45 | 46 | 43 | 44 | 59 | 64 | 77 | 82 | 64 |
| Average UV index | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
The best time to visit Imatra depends on your interests: mid-January to March is ideal for winter sports, with deep snow and opportunities for skiing, ice fishing, and Northern Lights viewing. For warm-weather activities like hiking and lake excursions, late June to mid-August offers mild temperatures, long days, and lush scenery.
The least favourable time to visit Imatra is typically November and early December, when temperatures hover near freezing, days are very short, and the landscape is often wet, muddy, and lacking snow cover. Outdoor activities are limited, and the weather can feel dreary before the arrival of true winter.
Imatra has a cold continental climate with long, snowy winters and mild, short summers. Winters are freezing and dark, while summers are pleasantly warm and bright, with dramatic changes in daylight between seasons.
The best time for winter sports is from mid-January to March, when snow cover is deep and reliable. This period is perfect for skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and even viewing the Northern Lights.
Winter temperatures in Imatra often range from -5°C to -10°C, with January being the coldest month. Lows can drop below -15°C during cold spells, and high humidity makes the cold feel even sharper.
Summers are mild, with average highs of 20–22°C in July and August. Nights are cool, and daylight lasts up to 19 hours. Rainfall is moderate, and conditions are ideal for outdoor activities.
Yes, Imatra receives significant snowfall from November to March, with reliable snow cover for winter sports. Snow depth peaks in February and March, and lakes are often frozen for ice activities.
In winter, pack thermal layers, a waterproof jacket, snow boots, gloves, and a hat. For summer, bring light clothing, a jacket for cool evenings, rain gear, and insect repellent for outdoor adventures.
Yes, Imatra offers unique experiences like ice swimming, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. The region’s spa resorts and saunas provide warmth and relaxation after a day in the snow.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is July (22.5 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (-4.9 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 8.3 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is July (13.1 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is January (-8.9 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 2.1 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is August (44.6 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is April (27.3 mm). Over the whole year there are 423.1 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is July (15.4 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is February (3 days). Over the whole year there are 122.1 days of rain on average.
The month with the most snowfall is January (211.6 mm). The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0 mm). Over the whole year there are 970.5 mm of snowfall on average.
The month with the most days of snowfall is January (19.1 days). The month with the fewest days of snowfall is September (0 days). Over the whole year there are 92.7 days of snowfall on average.
The month with the highest average relative humidity is February (94.8 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is May (66 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 82.7 %.
The windiest month, with the highest average wind speed, is December (12.1 km/h). The calmest month, with the lowest average wind speed, is July (9.7 km/h). The overall average wind speed over the whole year is 10.8 km/h.
The month with the cloudiest skies, so the highest cloud coverage, is February (83.1 %). The month with the clearest skies, so the lowest cloud coverage, is July (43.4 %). Over the whole year there is an average cloud coverage of 63.7 %.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 19 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 5.1 h). Over the whole year there are 12 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is May (Average sunshine: 10.1 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is November (Average sunshine: 1 h). Over the whole year there are 5 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are June and July (UV index: 5). The months with the lowest average UV index are January, February, March, October, November and December (UV index: 1). Over the whole year the average UV index is 2.3.
