Finland — Water Temperature in Seas, Lakes and Rivers
Check today’s water temperatures across Finland, including seas, lakes, and rivers. View real-time updates and seasonal ranges for both coastal and inland waters. We find every place where you can swim and show you the water temperature there today and throughout the year.
Sea Water Temperature Along the Coast
Chart of Average Temperature Changes Over the Last 60 Days
Places with the Warmest Sea Water Today
The Most Popular Seaside Places
Coastal Seas and Oceans
Water Temperature in Lakes and Rivers
Popular Lakes
Popular Rivers
Popular Places
Water Temperature and Swimming Overview
Regions and Map
Water Temperature Trends
Finland’s coastal waters and inland lakes show clear seasonal swings. Along the southern sea coast and the Gulf of Finland, summer sea-surface temperatures typically range from about 15–20 °C (59–68 °F), with sheltered bays occasionally reaching 20–22 °C (68–72 °F) during warm summers. The Gulf of Bothnia and northern coastal areas are cooler, more often 12–16 °C (54–61 °F) in summer. Rivers tend to be cooler than lakes because of flow, commonly 10–20 °C (50–68 °F) in the warm months. Lakes, especially shallow and sheltered ones, warm fastest and frequently reach 20–25 °C (68–77 °F), with small lakes hitting 25–27 °C (77–81 °F) in heat spells. In spring and autumn most waters are cool, often 0–10 °C (32–50 °F), and in winter the sea near the coast can be close to freezing, about 0–4 °C (32–39 °F), while many lakes freeze over solid for several months.
Swimming Conditions
Swimming is widely permitted and popular across Finland; public access to shores is customary and largely protected by local tradition and laws that allow people to use natural areas, so most beaches, lakes and coastal spots are open for swimming. Popular municipal beaches have lifeguards and facilities in summer, while more remote sites require personal caution about currents, boat traffic and depth. Water quality is generally good, though occasional cyanobacterial blooms or local contamination can lead to temporary advisories. Cold-water swimming and the practice of alternating sauna and ice dips are part of Finnish culture, but such activities need care, support and awareness of health and safety risks.