Weather in Oulu

Planning your day in the city of Oulu? In this section, you will find up-to-date weather data, forecasts, and useful charts to stay informed about all changes.

The climate in Oulu can be characterized as moderate continental with subarctic features, distinguished by clearly defined seasons and significant annual temperature fluctuations. Travellers should expect a cold, long winter and a short, moderately warm summer. The city is located in a zone where the change of seasons is felt very distinctly.

Winter in Oulu typically lasts from December to March, bringing stable freezing temperatures: average values range from -4.8°C to -7.8°C. During this period, a small amount of precipitation falls, predominantly as snow. Spring (April-May) is a time of nature's gradual awakening, when air temperatures rise from near-zero marks to +7°C on average. Summer, from June to August, is the warmest season with average temperatures from +14.1°C to +16.8°C; July is the peak of warmth. Autumn (September-November) is characterized by gradual cooling, with average temperatures dropping from +10.6°C in September to nearly -1°C in November, and an increase in the number of days with precipitation.

One of the features of the weather in Oulu is the relatively small total amount of precipitation throughout the year (on average 1-3 mm per month). However, this precipitation is distributed over quite a large number of days – from 8 to 15 "wet" days monthly. This means that instead of heavy downpours or snowfalls, there are more often prolonged periods with light precipitation, whether it be light snow in winter or drizzling rain during the warm season.

The weather in Oulu demonstrates a pronounced change of seasons with notable temperature contrasts throughout the year. The coldest months are traditionally January and February, when the average temperature holds at around -7.8°C, and night-time lows can drop to -10°C and below. Conversely, the warmest month is considered to be July, with an average temperature of +16.8°C and daytime highs reaching an average of +19.8°C. The transitional seasons, spring and autumn, are characterized by gradual temperature changes, with May bringing tangible warming and October bringing noticeable cooling.

The summer months in Oulu, from June to August, offer residents and guests of the city a pleasantly warm time. Average daytime temperatures range from +17°C to +20°C, creating comfortable conditions for walks and active outdoor recreation. Nights remain cool, with temperatures around +10°C to +14°C, ensuring refreshing sleep. Although heat is rare here, sunny days allow one to enjoy all the charms of the northern summer.

Winter in Oulu is a true snowy fairytale with stable frosts. From December to March, average temperatures consistently stay below zero. In January and February, the thermometer often drops to -5°C...-6°C during the day and to -10°C at night. Even in March, the average temperature is about -4.7°C. Diurnal temperature fluctuations in winter are usually less pronounced than in other seasons, but consistently low temperatures require warm clothing for a comfortable stay outdoors.

In Oulu, precipitation is distributed quite evenly throughout the year, without a clearly defined rainy or dry season in terms of total amount. However, the character and frequency of precipitation change noticeably depending on the time of year. In general, one can expect precipitation on average from 8 to 15 days per month.

The winter months, roughly from November to April, are characterized predominantly by snowfalls, as average temperatures during this period drop below zero. January, February, and December see from 10 to 14 days with precipitation (mainly snow), with the monthly amount being about 2 mm. March and April are transitional months when the amount of precipitation decreases to 1 mm, and the number of days with precipitation is about 9, with snow still being likely, especially in March.

With the arrival of warmth, from May to October, precipitation falls in the form of rain. The wettest months by amount of precipitation (3 mm) are July, August, September, and October. At the same time, October also stands out with the highest number of days with precipitation – about 15. July, August, and September are also quite rainy, with approximately 14 days of precipitation in each. The least amount of precipitation (1 mm) and days with it (about 8) is observed in May, making it the driest month of the year alongside March and April in terms of precipitation volume.

When planning a trip to Oulu, it is important to choose your wardrobe correctly, taking into account the changeable weather of this northern city. Winter here is long and cold; from January to March, the average temperature stays around -7°C...-8°C, and frosts are still possible in April. Therefore, for a visit from October to April, you will need very warm clothes: thermal underwear, woollen sweaters, insulated waterproof and windproof jackets and trousers, a hat, a scarf, and gloves. Do not forget warm, waterproof shoes with non-slip soles, as precipitation in the form of snow and wet snow is frequent, even if not abundant.

From May to September, the weather in Oulu becomes significantly milder but remains unpredictable. In summer, during June-August, the average temperature ranges from 14°C to 17°C, however, evenings can be cool. The key principle is layering. Take T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, light sweaters or a fleece jacket, as well as a windbreaker or waterproof jacket. Even in summer, it is worth having an umbrella or raincoat, as the number of rainy days remains high, especially from July to October. Comfortable walking shoes are mandatory at any time of the year. For the summer months, sunscreen and sunglasses will also be useful, as the daylight hours are long.