Weather in Kajaani

Planning a trip or a stroll around the city of Kajaani? In this section, you will find the most up-to-date information on the current weather, detailed charts, and forecasts for the coming days.

The climate of Kajaani can be characterised as temperate-continental transitioning to subarctic, which is typical for central Finland. The weather here offers travellers the chance to experience the full charm of the four seasons: from a truly snowy winter to a comfortable, mild summer. Overall, the climate is quite severe in winter but pleasant and fresh during the summer months, making the region attractive for lovers of northern nature.

Seasonal contrasts are very distinct here. Winter lasts a long time, with consistent sub-zero temperatures: in January and February, the thermometer averages around -8°C, dropping below -10°C at night. Summer, on the other hand, is mild and perfect for walking: the warmest month is July with an average temperature of about +16°C and highs reaching nearly +20°C. Spring and autumn pass quite quickly, marking a sharp change in scenery.

A characteristic feature of the weather in Kajaani is stable cloudiness and regular precipitation throughout the year. Although the intensity is low (only 2-3 mm per month), the number of "wet" days remains high — from 10 to 16 days monthly. This means that in winter, light snow often falls, creating picturesque drifts, while short rains are not uncommon in summer. Travellers are advised to always have an umbrella or raincoat with them, regardless of the season.

The climate in Kajaani is characteristic of northern latitudes and is distinguished by pronounced seasonality. Winter here is genuine, prolonged, and quite severe. The coldest months of the year are January and February, when the average temperature hovers around -8°C, and at night the thermometer regularly drops below -10°C. Travellers planning a trip at this time should prepare for frosty and snowy weather, which, however, creates a fairytale atmosphere for a winter holiday.

The summer season brings pleasant but moderate warmth, without exhausting heat. July is traditionally considered the warmest month: the average air temperature is about +16.3°C, and during the day the air often warms up to a comfortable +20°C. June and August also delight with mild weather with averages around +14...+15°C. This time is ideal for long walks and exploring the region's nature, as the climate remains fresh and invigorating.

It is also worth noting the features of the transitional seasons: spring in Kajaani arrives slowly, and even in March, sub-zero temperatures persist (averaging -4.9°C). In autumn, it gets cold quite rapidly — by November, a stable "minus" sets in. In addition, noticeable daily temperature fluctuations are observed throughout the year. Especially in summer, the difference between the daily maximum and the cool of the night can be 6–7 degrees, so even in July, tourists are recommended to carry warm clothes for evening outings.

Precipitation in Kajaani is distributed quite evenly throughout the year, so there is no pronounced dry season here. Due to the city's northern location, the nature of precipitation depends directly on the temperature: from late autumn to early spring, snowy weather prevails, while rains fall in the summer months. Despite the total volume of precipitation being small, tourists should be prepared for frequent changes in weather.

The winter period, starting in November and lasting until March, is characterised by stable sub-zero temperatures and snowfall. December stands out as one of the gloomiest months, when snow can fall for up to 16 days, creating classic Finnish winter landscapes. January and February also remain snowy, but the number of days with precipitation gradually decreases towards the beginning of spring.

In summer, it rains quite often, especially in the second half of the season. August is one of the leaders in terms of precipitation frequency (about 16 rainy days), with July and September slightly behind. The most favourable and relatively dry period can be called spring: in March, April, and May, the minimum number of days with precipitation is recorded (on average about 10), making this a good time for planning a trip.

When packing for Kajaani, it is important to remember that the weather in this Finnish region requires a careful selection of wardrobe, especially in winter. From November to March, the temperature remains steadily below zero, dropping to an average of -8°C, so the basis of your luggage should be high-quality thermal underwear, woollen sweaters, and a reliable down jacket or insulated parka. Be sure to take a hat, scarf, and warm mittens, and also take care of winter boots with thick non-slip soles to feel comfortable on snowy streets.

Summer here is mild and fresh, without exhausting heat: the average temperature in July and August is about +15...+16°C. Even in the warmest season, it is recommended to use the layering principle: wear a fleece jacket or light jumper over a t-shirt, and throw a windbreaker on top. Given that in summer the number of rainy days can reach 15–16 per month, a waterproof jacket, raincoat, or sturdy umbrella are essentials for your trip.

For the off-season, when the weather is particularly changeable, clothing that protects against wind and moisture is best. Comfortable waterproof shoes for long walks will be useful at any time of the year, whether it is the spring thaw or the autumn chill. Also, do not forget sunglasses: they will be needed not only in summer but also in early spring, when the bright sun actively reflects off the snow cover, creating a strong strain on the eyes.