Which place is cheaper, Barcelona or Helsinki?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Helsinki vs. Barcelona for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers
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Should you visit Helsinki or Barcelona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Helsinki and Barcelona can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Helsinki
Helsinki is a nature-focused, coastal, and environmentally conscious city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.
Barcelona
Barcelona is a colorful, laid-back, and historic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the live music, food, and beaches.
Helsinki and Barcelona: Pros and Cons
Helsinki
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Family-friendly
- Impressive beauty
- Less popular for food
- Less popular for nightlife
- Less popular with backpackers
Barcelona
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Good nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
How is Helsinki different from Barcelona?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Barcelona and Helsinki. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Helsinki or Barcelona?
Helsinki
Barcelona
Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Helsinki and Barcelona.
You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Helsinki. Many of the city's sights and attractions center around nature and the water. Major hightlights of the city include the Fortress of Sveaborg, Seurasaari open-Air Museum, and Temppeliaukio Rock Church. The city is also home to The National Museum of Finland.
You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Barcelona on the map. Architecture and history all contribute to the city's impressive sights and museums. Famous landmarks include the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, and the Palace of Catalan Music.
Is the Food Better in Helsinki or Barcelona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Helsinki
Barcelona
For a nice culinary experience, head to Barcelona, which is well known for it's local dishes and restaurants.
Many restaurants in Barcelona have been singled out for their culinary prowess. With easy access to fresh produce, there are many food markets around town. You'll also find great fresh local dishes at the many restaurants. Make sure you try the paella, croquettes, and Jamon Iberico.
There are many up and coming restaurants in the Helsinki area. Food in town is all about local flavors and simple ingredients. The dishes let the flavor speak for itself without fancy cooking techniques or complex flavor combinations. Many of the restaurants are locally sourced with traditional ingredients. You'll find a lot of seafood, herring, grilled sausages, pancakes, and desserts.
Is Helsinki or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?
Helsinki
Barcelona
For nightlife, head to Barcelona instead of Helsinki.
People head to Barcelona just to party. The city offers an amazing nightlife at a much more affordable price than many places in Europe. There are beach parties, boat parties, and bars that stay packed late into the night. The city also hosts many street fiestas and music festivals.
Helsinki has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is at its best on weekends when the city center comes to life with parties, dance clubs, and student activities. Many of the best clubs and bars are concentrated in the city center. Weekends are a bit calmer and things quiet down a lot.
Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Barcelona?
Helsinki
Barcelona
Shoppers can find a variety of stores in both Helsinki and Barcelona.
Helsinki is well-known for its shopping. The city is great for shopping, with many brands focused on sustainability. There are local boutiques as well as name brands. Flea markets and vintage shops are also popular.
Barcelona is a world class destination for shoppers. Head to Portal De L’Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.
Is Helsinki or Barcelona Better for Families?
Helsinki
Barcelona
Both Helsinki and Barcelona are fun to visit with kids.
Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Helsinki is very family-friendly. The coastal setting offers many activities that kids and adults alike will enjoy. This capital city has a calm atmosphere with plenty of parkland to explore. The shoreline is dotted by islands where you'll also find a zoo and a fort. Kids will also enjoy exploring the islands by boat.
Barcelona is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Check out the Magic Fountains Show near Plaça d’Espanya, wander through the aquarium, or sample some chocolate at the Chocolate Museum. There are also many great parks and playgrounds around town.
Is Helsinki or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Helsinki
Barcelona
Barcelona is a more popular city for backpackers.
With so many budget-friendly offerings, Barcelona is extremely popular for backpackers. There are many hostels around town, each with its own personality. Many of the hostels also organize activities or dinners for guests so it's easy to meet other travelers.
Helsinki is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. With its active nightlife scene, vibrant atmosphere, and inclusive personality, this city is a fun place for backpackers, but you should expect to pay a premium for the experience. Many backpackers avoid the city because they have heard how expensive it is. There are a few hostels around that will help you keep costs a bit more manageable.
Is Helsinki or Barcelona Better for Students?
Helsinki
Barcelona
Both Helsinki and Barcelona are popular destinations for students.
Students come from all over to stay in Helsinki. The city has an active student life with plenty of culture and nature. It's active nightlife scene and beautiful natural areas make it a wonderful place to study.
Barcelona is a very popular place to visit for students. This is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find international students from around the world. It's a beautiful city with plenty to see and do.
Is Helsinki or Barcelona Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Helsinki
Barcelona
Visitors will find public transit in both Helsinki and Barcelona.
The public transit in Helsinki can get you around easily. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.
Visitors in Barcelona can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There's a metro, bus, and tram system that navigates the city.
Is Helsinki or Barcelona a more walkable city?
Helsinki
Barcelona
Helsinki and Barcelona are similar when it comes to walkability.
Helsinki is a somewhat walkable place. Many neighborhoods are easy to explore on foot. The air is also clean and the setting is refreshing.
Barcelona is a very walkable destination. The city is more spread out than some other major European cities, but there are many plazas and outdoor areas that are fun to explore on foot. The city has designed "superilles," which are areas where car traffic has been directed around pedestrian-friendly plazas so visitors can explore, relax, or play.
Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Helsinki?
How long in Helsinki or Barcelona?
Both Helsinki and Barcelona have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Barcelona than Helsinki.
The ideal length of time for a trip to Helsinki is 2-4 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Barcelona is 3-7 days.
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How many days in Helsinki or Barcelona? Ideal Length of StayHelsinki 2-4Barcelona 3-7
One day in Helsinki or Barcelona?
You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Helsinki. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Barcelona is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
A weekend in Helsinki or Barcelona?
You'll find museums and nightlife around the active destination of Helsinki. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Barcelona is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
Five days in Helsinki or Barcelona?
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the nature-focused city of Helsinki. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
Barcelona is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Barcelona, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
A week in Helsinki or Barcelona?
Helsinki is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
Barcelona is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Barcelona has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHelsinki €139Barcelona €156
The average daily cost (per person) in Helsinki is €139, while the average daily cost in Barcelona is €156. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Helsinki and Barcelona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHelsinki €73Barcelona €96
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHelsinki €146Barcelona €192
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Barcelona
Looking for a hotel in Helsinki or Barcelona? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Helsinki Hotel Prices and Barcelona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Helsinki €22Barcelona €19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki
Also for Helsinki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Ultra - Helsinki Private Transfer from City Centre to Helsinki Cruise Port: $8.71
- Ultra - Helsinki Private Transfer from Helsinki Cruise Port to City Centre: $8.71
- Private Airport Transfer: from Helsinki to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL): $33
- Private Departure Transfer from Helsinki City Center to Helsinki Airport (HEL): $34
- From Tallinn: Return Day Trip Ferry Transfer to Helsinki: $36
- Private Departure Transfer from Helsinki City to Helsinki Vantaa Airport: $40
- Airport transfer in Helsinki: $50
- Best Transfer Helsinki: $50
- VIP Transfer Helsinki Airport: $53
- VIP car Airport Transfer Helsinki: $56
- Private Chauffeur Transfer Helsinki: $56
- Arrival Private Transfer Business Car Helsinki Port to Helsinki City: $62
Typical Local Transportation prices in Barcelona
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Barcelona are as follows:
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10 Trip Metro Ticket€7.80
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Airport Bus€5.00
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Metro€2.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Barcelona
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Barcelona:
- Ultra - Barcelona Private Transfer from City Centre to Barcelona Cruise Port: $9.41
- Ultra - Barcelona Private Transfer from Barcelona Cruise Port to City Centre: $9.41
- Ultra - Barcelona Private Airport Transfer city centre to El Prat Airport BCN: $9.41
- Transfers From Cruise Port to Barcelona Main Train Station( Sants Train Station): $30
- Transfer to Montserrat Monastery from Barcelona: $33
- Transfer in private vehicle from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Barcelona City: $39
- Transfer in private vehicle from Barcelona City to Barcelona El Prat Airport: $39
- Transfer in private minivan from Barcelona City to Barcelona el Prat Airport: $55
- Transfer from Barcelona to Valencia or viceversa: $498
- Transfer from Barcelona to Port Aventura Park: $435
- Transfer from Barcelona Airport to Barcelona CITY - ROUND TRIP: $124
- Transfer from Barcelona (any hotel or address) to Barcelona Airport (BCN): $61
Is it cheaper to fly into Helsinki or Barcelona?
Prices for flights to both Barcelona and Helsinki change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayHelsinki €34Barcelona €33
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Helsinki
For Helsinki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Helsinki Food Tour Including Tastings: $137
Typical Food prices in Barcelona
Some typical examples of dining costs in Barcelona are as follows:
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Hot Cocoa & Churro€4.15
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Sandwich€1.70
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Baguette & Horchata€3.80
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Tapas on the beach€8.28
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Gelatto€2.50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Barcelona
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Barcelona.
- Live from Potato Gnocchi Online Cooking Class: $23
- Live from Barcelona to China: Potato Gnocchi Online Cooking Class: $23
- Barcelona organic dinner in a beautiful rooftop garden: $35
- Paella Cooking Experience + Boqueria Market Tour: $48
- Interactive Spanish Cooking Experience in Barcelona: $49
- Hands-on Brunch Cooking Class with Bottomless Mimosas!: $50
- Born district food tour and tasting in Barcelona: $51
- Street Food Tour & Gothic Quater Sightseeing with Local Expert: $52
- Barcelona Street Food Tour: Local Market & Gothic Quarter with Expert Guide: $52
- Tasty Barcelona Street Food Tour With Local Market Visit: $59
- Skip the Line: Flamenco Show and Dinner Ticket: $62
- 2-Hour Bites & Flavors Private Food Tour: $66
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Helsinki €27Barcelona €33
Tours and Activities in Helsinki
For Helsinki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Skip the Line: Flying Cinema Tour Of Helsinki Experience, single ticket: $15
- Skip the Line: SEA LIFE Helsinki Entrance Ticket: $19
- Helsinki Self-Guided Audio Tour: $20
- Sea Life Entrance Tickets: $22
- Highlights & Hidden Gems Self-Guided Walking Tour: $25
- Sightseeing Boat Tour in Archipelago of Helsinki: $27
- City Highlights 1.5-Hour Archipelago Cruise: $28
- 90-minute Helsinki Boat Sightseeing on Beautiful Canal Route: $28
- Helsinki Archipelago: Sightseeing Boat Tour: $28
- Private Tour with a Local Guide: $33
- Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour Valid for 24 Hours: $34
- City Sightseeing Helsinki Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $37
Typical Entertainment prices in Barcelona
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Barcelona are as follows:
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Picasso Walking Tour and Museum Pass€42
-
Souvenir Gaudi Book€8.55
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Admission to Museo Picasso€6.00
Tours and Activities in Barcelona
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Barcelona are as follows:
- #1dayBarcelona. 6-Hour Action Packed Private City Discovery Tour: $549
- 'Game Of Thrones' Small Group Tour in Girona from Barcelona: $125
- 1 hour private sailing tour: $158
- 1,5 hour Vermut & Sailing Experience Barcelona with drinks and snacks!: $41
- 1-hour Private Speedboat Cruise from Barcelona: $372
- 1.5-Hour Sights of Barcelona E-Bike Tour Led by a Local Guide: $34
- 2 Hours Private Sailing Tour for Family and Friends: $316
- 2 Hours Running Tour in Barcelona with Local Guide: $35
- 2 hour Private Sunset Sailing Cruise Barcelona: $372
- 2 hour Sailing Cruise Barcelona: $47
- 2 hour Sunset Sailing Cruise Barcelona: $47
- 2 hours Exclusive Sunrise Sailing Experience from Port Vell: $335
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHelsinki €16Barcelona €17
Sample the Local Flavors in Barcelona
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Barcelona:
- Estrella Damm Brewery Guided Tour with Tasting: $9.08
- Generation Pub Crawl in Barcelona: $19
- Barcelona Pub Crawl: $20
- Wine Tasting Experience in Barcelona: $22
- Opera Samfaina: Food and Wine Tasting Interactive Experience in Barcelona: $26
- Wine tasting & tapas: $39
- Barcelona Guided Local Wine Tasting Tour: $44
- Wine Tasting near Sagrada Familia: $47
- Home Food and Wine Tasting with Wine Lover: $51
- Fun Wine Tasting in Barcelona with a Sommelier!: $53
- Spanish wine tasting in a historic building with a Sommelier: $54
- Food Tasting Tapas and Wine Tour: $62
When comparing the travel costs between Helsinki and Barcelona, we can see that Barcelona is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
When is the best time to visit Helsinki or Barcelona?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Helsinki or Barcelona in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Barcelona. The summer months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.
In July, Helsinki is generally cooler than Barcelona. Temperatures in Helsinki average around 17°C (62°F), and Barcelona stays around 23°C (73°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Barcelona. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Helsinki this time of the year. In the summer, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun.
Helsinki usually gets more rain in July than Barcelona. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHelsinki 17°C (62°F)Barcelona 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Barcelona in the Autumn?
Both Barcelona and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Barcelona for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Helsinki is much colder than Barcelona in the autumn. The temperature in Helsinki is usually 6°C (42°F) in October, and Barcelona stays around 17°C (63°F).
Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during autumn. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHelsinki 6°C (42°F)Barcelona 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Barcelona in the Winter?
Both Barcelona and Helsinki during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Barcelona in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. In the winter, Helsinki is much colder than Barcelona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Helsinki in January are around -6°C (21°F), and Barcelona is about 9°C (48°F).
In the winter, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun.
Helsinki usually gets less rain in January than Barcelona. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHelsinki -6°C (21°F)Barcelona 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Barcelona in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Barcelona. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Barcelona for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.
Helsinki can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Helsinki is generally much colder than Barcelona. Temperatures in Helsinki average around 3°C (37°F), and Barcelona stays around 13°C (55°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Barcelona this time of the year. Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during spring. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHelsinki 3°C (37°F)Barcelona 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Barcelona and Helsinki
| Helsinki | Barcelona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -6°C (21°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (27°F) | 34 mm (1.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (51°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (33°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | -4°C (26°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
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