Helsinki Winter

[apocalypselate]

Hello there,

I already read a few topics on the subject but none of this here. Maybe there's some new insight to take.
I'll be on Helsinki from September 28th to March 1st, so I'm worried about Winter. Since I'm from a Mediterranean country (Portugal) my winters rarely go below 0ºC, nonetheless I'm still a little baby when it comes to cold :s

When exactly does winter temperatures begin in Finland? And what would be advisable "gear" to use to face Finnish winter? I already understood from previous threads I'm fated to view the floor from up-close due to all the ice Shoes, I'm thinking on getting there, probably boots? I'm constantly wearing running shoes here. That will be a change xD

Anyway, during the week I'm spending almost all day inside an hospital, but weekends I want to use those I can to know the city, so some walking around outside is bound to happen.

[jahasjahas]

You said that you read some previous threads... read more of them. Most of your questions should be answered if you search for "winter", "snow" and/or "shoes".

Also check the Seasons in Finland section (and "Snow statistics", "Weather in recent years", etc.) on the Finnish Meteorological Institute's site.

For what it's worth, this September has been unusually warm, but who knows what the winter will be like. The last few winters have been very snowy.

[rinso]

nonetheless I'm still a little baby when it comes to cold :s

Then I suppose you'll grow up quickly the next 6 months.

[Rick1]

Winter in Finland is like: Please let me have your flat the coming six months!

[cors187]

Shoes, I'm thinking on getting there, probably boots? I'm constantly wearing running shoes here. That will be a change xD

You will still see young people here wearing running shoes in the snow.

[apocalypselate]

You said that you read some previous threads... read more of them. Most of your questions should be answered if you search for "winter", "snow" and/or "shoes".

Also check the Seasons in Finland section (and "Snow statistics", "Weather in recent years", etc.) on the Finnish Meteorological Institute's site.

For what it's worth, this September has been unusually warm, but who knows what the winter will be like. The last few winters have been very snowy.

I'll do that. Thank you.

[Pursuivant]

Well, knowing Portugese houses and how wet it gets, lets say the difference is: inside is warm so you don't waer much clothes - outside might be cold and sometimes wet, so you wear clothes. Dry cold is not as bad as the wet damp.

[Rick1]

Also has to do with the sun,last winter not much sun here. agree about the wet but November here is not that dry either.

[cors187]

yep, crunchy snow conditions+enough cloths on = nice(the difference for me between cold and nice is a hoody)

[tizlit]

One way or other, you must venture outside. The temperatures are hard for someone living in the south of Europe, I am one of them, and never can get used to them.
Prepare to buy warm underwear, like some sort of long trousers under your jeans, warm lined rainproof jacket is a must with a hood, gloves, scarf and lined boots. A woollen hat (cap) is necessary. All these items you can purchase cheap in Finland if you look for, like second hand in Uff shops.
It might sound funny to you now, in autumn, but wait til the winter comes .... not a laughing matter. Of course it is impossible to predict what sort of weather is coming this year, I experienced minus 21, terrible. Still, it will be cold for you, in any terms.

[Flossy1978]

Only -21???

We've had -35 down here in southern Finland. One winter. I think the winter of 2001-02, we had three straight weeks of -30 and colder. That was cold. I remember the beautiful crystals in the air and the sky being almost white the entire time.

You don't need spikes, you just need to adjust how you walk. Walk like a granny.... Walk slower and watch your step. And make sure the shoes you wear have some kind of grip. Of course if you are going to go forest walking, then spikes would be alright. But watch how many people you'll see in Helsinki wearing spikes LOL. They're pretty good at keeping the pathways cleared and covered in rocks.

And what no one has mentioned is you DO NOT WANT TO OVER DRESS! If you are only going outside to get from A to B, you don't need all that long underwear crap. It is better to be a bit colder outside than to overheat. Overheating will make you sweat, which is actually worse for you in the cold than being a bit cold. Because you end up wet and cold. In Helsinki, a hat covering your ears, gloves, maybe a scarf if you want, and a good thick jacket is suffice for getting from A to B. Activities on the weekend can require the long underwear, depending on what you'll be doing. If you are going to spend a lot of time outside. It's most important you don't overheat.

[apocalypselate]

@anna.g That was very succinct and very useful help. Thank you so much!!! I'll be in Kannelmäki, so I guess that will be away enough from the sea.

@Flossy1978 That was some great tip! yeah, overheat, need to be careful with that. Thanks for the reminder!

Haven't had time yet to go over more older topics, but I'll do it too, even though you already gave me great information and insight. Any additional question those posts might rise, I'll redirect to here. Again, thank you all.

[kharnynb]

Layers, layers and more layers.
Don't get one thick sweater, one thick pair of pants or whatever.
Layer a shirt, with a sweater or a hoody etc. so you can easily remove a layer if you get warm inside.

[Pursuivant]

Buy a good warm pipo (woolly hat) because a great deal of body heat escapes from the head, and you want your ears covered.

Just like in Portugal

[llewellyn]

To be honest a cold winter in Helsinki is a good thing - it will be dryer and less windy than the regular winter here these days, and of course with snow it will be much lighter. I don't much mind the cold, but the awful darkness feels worse every year... We certainly didn't pick this place for its climate.