Summer is warm with relatively mild weather in spring and autumn. Winter, which lasts from November to mid March, is very cold. In the north (see the chart for Sodankylä), the snow cover lasts from mid October until mid May, but, in the brief Arctic summer, the sun doesn't set. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year with snow in winter, but the low humidity often has the effect of making it seem warmer than the temperature would indicate (even in Lapland, the temperature can rise to over 30°C/86°F). During June and July, gnats and mosquitos are a major nuisance, particularly in the north of the country. Bring a good supply of insect repellent.

Light- to mediumweights in warmer months. Medium- to heavyweights in winter, with particularly warm clothing needed for the Arctic north. Waterproofing is essential throughout the year. You may want to consider a netting veil for trekking in the mosquito season in Lapland.