Climate Insights for Oulu
North Ostrobothnia, Finland
Climate Overview
The climate in Oulu is cool. The average annual temperature is 4°C and approximately 686 mm of precipitation falls per year. Oulu receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Oulu is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: July, August, June. The coldest months are January, February, March, when temperatures can drop to -11°C. Snowfall occurs from January to December, with around 197cm accumulating over the season.The climate in Oulu is cool. The average annual temperature is 39°F and approximately 27 in of precipitation falls per year. Oulu receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Oulu is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: July, August, June. The coldest months are January, February, March, when temperatures can drop to 12°F. Snowfall occurs from January to December, with around 78in accumulating over the season.
Temperature
Temperatures in Oulu vary considerably across the year, with a 32°C difference between the coldest and warmest months. July is the warmest month, though highs remain moderate at 21°C with a mean of 17°C. The coldest month is January, when overnight lows fall to -11°C and the daily average is -8°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 7°C between highs and lows. The sharpest temperature change occurs between April and May, with a 7°C shift in average temperatures.Temperatures in Oulu vary considerably across the year, with a 58°F difference between the coldest and warmest months. July is the warmest month, though highs remain moderate at 70°F with a mean of 63°F. The coldest month is January, when overnight lows fall to 12°F and the daily average is 17°F. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 12°F between highs and lows. The sharpest temperature change occurs between April and May, with a 13°F shift in average temperatures.
Precipitation
Oulu is a relatively dry area, receiving approximately 686 mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 57 mm per month. The wettest month is August, averaging 97 mm of rainfall. July and October also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is March, with just 34 mm. That's 62 mm less than August, the wettest month. Precipitation varies noticeably between seasons, with the second half (July to December) of the year generally seeing more rainfall. Snowfall is a regular feature from January to December, with around 197cm accumulating over the season. December typically sees the most snow at around 42cm.Oulu is a relatively dry area, receiving approximately 27 in of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 2.2 in per month. The wettest month is August, averaging 3.8 in of rainfall. July and October also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is March, with just 1.3 in. That's 2.4 in less than August, the wettest month. Precipitation varies noticeably between seasons, with the second half (July to December) of the year generally seeing more rainfall. Snowfall is a regular feature from January to December, with around 78in accumulating over the season. December typically sees the most snow at around 17in.
Wind
Oulu is mildly breezy, with an average annual wind speed of 12km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is January, averaging 14km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in July, with average winds dropping to 10km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 4km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months. Wind tends to be stronger during winter months, driven by seasonal pressure systems. The seasonal averages break down to 14km/h in winter, 12km/h in spring, 11km/h in summer, 13km/h in autumn.Oulu is moderately windy, with an average annual wind speed of 8mph. For context, sustained winds below 7mph are generally light, while anything above 16mph is considered strong. The windiest month is January, averaging 9mph, noticeable enough to affect lighter outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in July, with average winds dropping to 6mph, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 3mph gap between the calmest and windiest months. Wind tends to be stronger during winter months, driven by seasonal pressure systems. The seasonal averages break down to 8mph in winter, 7mph in spring, 7mph in summer, 8mph in autumn.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Oulu is during July, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 17°C with modest rainfall averaging 89 mm per month. By contrast, January can be quite cold with temperatures dropping to -11°C. Despite being the best months overall, some rain is still likely. Pack a waterproof layer and plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities.The best time to visit Oulu is during July, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 63°F with modest rainfall averaging 3.5 in per month. By contrast, January can be quite cold with temperatures dropping to 12°F. Despite being the best months overall, some rain is still likely. Pack a waterproof layer and plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Oulu based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Snow is measured in centimetres (cm) and reflects average monthly snowfall accumulation. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.The table below shows monthly climate averages for Oulu based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Fahrenheit (°F). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Snow is measured in inches (in) and reflects average monthly snowfall accumulation. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in miles per hour (mph). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.