In a way, i miss that harsh cold. There is something rewarding about challenging nature and defying it (i.e. scraping windows, unburying a car, and driving on slick roads only when you really REALLY have to go somewhere).

I can only read and try to create a concept of how winters are in Finland (i’m interested in visiting). I’d still rather be living in Nebraska than Georgia (my life situation doesn’t allow that to change) because of the numerous other reasons: nicer people, quieter atmosphere, scenic sunsets, less frantic lifestyles. Places here have kind of lost their sense of neighborism, nobody interacts with each other except for in the churches. Back where i was from, you needed to know your neighbors. When you got snowed in for days, they may be the only people you can rely on.

Great site btw, i’ve enjoyed all the reads!

I feel tricked! Before I moved to Finland, my husband was always telling me about the wonderful summers in Finland. To me Finland = cold, but I gave it a shot. I moved to Finland in 2007 only to find the summer very short and cool/cold. Then after this summer I now understand why there is a high suicide rate. I think there has been maybe 1 week of “nice” weather. Maybe I need to recalibrate and understand that Finnish summer (or heck all seasons) = rainy and cold. I need to throw away all shorts, sun dresses and bathing suits and replace with a winter wardrobe to wear all year long ….and maybe I will start to adjust.
I never appreciated the sun until I moved to Finland, and now it is teaching me a lesson in appreciation.

Let me suggest checking some other sources as well before taking much that is written here at face value.

Depends. Just came back from Scotland. How’d you like £200 a night for a hotel by the loch (well yes, it was that one)?

In comparison, the rate for a double room at Kämp is roughly the same and is “slightly” posher.

We have a miserable winter too, but there’s much more light and at least it’s short — our summers are long.

After reading your description of the weather, my fears are confirmed..

as is food, restaurants, taxis, any form of entertainment, hotels… Finland is a great vacation destination if you don’t expect to get much value for your money.

IMHO, Finland should advertise its weather in the US, for the summer. 16 to 22 hours of sunlight. 70 degree weather. Reasonably priced summer cottages (although renting a car is really, really expensive, as is beer). Great festivals (Savolinna and Pori).

What’s not to like?

If you are living in Finland and want some warm weather, there is a good alternative, go to Spain, Turkey, or Italy. And, given the great benefits working there, you can spend 4 to 6 weeks on vacation.

So many times, I would get ready for the beach, but by 12 Noon, the weather looks marginal, and by 1 pm, I just give up the idea of spending a day on the beach. By 5 pm, when it is too late for the beach, it is again sunny and warm.

Does anyone know why this takes place so often?

Is it the mix of warm water of the Baltic Sea raising in the cool morning air? By mid afternoon, the water temperature and air temperature finally equalise, and the condensetion finally stops, and the clouds dissipate? If not, then what?

Any amateur metereologists out there?

Phil, why don’t you relocate to someplace nicer, like California? I’m sure it’s not that difficult since you are working for Nokia.

If you have a girlfriend or wife here, just take her with you. The wages and purchasing power are so much better in California that you could easily live on your salary alone.

I would move immediately out of this country if I had the chance.

How ever I also grew up my later part of my life in California. Ill take Cali over Finland any day in this context.