Climate trends at Helsinki (1845–2025)
Helsinki, the vibrant capital of Finland, has been experiencing significant climate changes over the last two centuries. The data from the Helsinki Kaisaniemi station, spanning from 1845 to 2025, reveals a notable warming trend that reflects broader global patterns. With a population of approximately 1.36 million, the city is not only a cultural hub but also a crucial area for observing climate impacts.
During the first ten years of observation (1845–1855), the average temperature was 4.26°C. In stark contrast, the last decade (2016–2025) shows an average temperature of 7.4°C, marking a significant increase of 3.14°C. This trend highlights the ongoing warming in the region, with recent averages also indicating a rise compared to historical baselines.
Trend Summary
The climate data indicates that Helsinki's average temperature has increased markedly over the years. The mean temperature from 1991 to 2020 was approximately 6.52°C, compared to a mean of 5.3°C from 1961 to 1990. This represents a warming of about 1.22°C over the last few decades. Furthermore, the warming since 1980 is estimated at around 2.06°C, with a significant trend of 0.565°C per decade since that time.
Climate change impacts
As temperatures continue to rise, Helsinki faces increased risks of heat waves and droughts. The changing climate can lead to more extreme weather events, which can impact the city’s infrastructure, ecosystems, and overall quality of life. The data illustrates the urgent need for adaptation and mitigation strategies to address these challenges.
Comparison vs National Benchmark and Paris
When compared to the national benchmark, Helsinki's mean annual temperature of 6.52°C from 1991 to 2020 is slightly above the national average of 5.46°C for the same period. Additionally, Helsinki's temperatures are significantly warmer than those in Paris, with a difference of -6.08°C.
Top-5 warm years
- 2020: 8.67°C
- 2025: 8.27°C
- 2024: 7.84°C
- 2015: 7.79°C
- 2008: 7.61°C
The record coldest temperature recorded in Helsinki was 1.67°C in 1867, showcasing the significant changes in climate over the years.
For more detailed data, you can access the raw data in CSV/TXT format or JSON format. For an interactive exploration of climate data, visit our map tool.