Which city is cheaper, Paris or Helsinki?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Helsinki vs. Paris for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples
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Should you visit Helsinki or Paris?
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 Paris 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 environmentally conscious, waterfront, and active city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.
Paris
Paris is a energetic, beautiful, and iconic 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 shopping.
Helsinki and Paris: Pros and Cons
Helsinki
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Impressive beauty
- Less popular for food
- Less popular for nightlife
- Less popular with backpackers
Paris
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Good nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
How is Helsinki different from Paris?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Paris and Helsinki. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Is Helsinki or Paris Better for Museums and Historical Sights?
Helsinki
Paris
Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Helsinki and Paris.
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 Paris on the map. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House.
Is Helsinki or Paris Better for Food?
Helsinki
Paris
For a nice culinary experience, head to Paris, which is well known for it's local dishes and restaurants.
Many restaurants in Paris have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.
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 Paris Better for Nightlife?
Helsinki
Paris
For nightlife, head to Paris instead of Helsinki.
People head to Paris just to party. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.
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 Helsinki or Paris Better for Shopping?
Helsinki
Paris
Shoppers can find a variety of stores in both Helsinki and Paris.
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.
Paris is a world class destination for shoppers. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées.
Is Helsinki or Paris Better for Families?
Helsinki
Paris
Both Helsinki and Paris 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.
Paris is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.
Is Helsinki or Paris Better for Couples?
Helsinki
Paris
Both Helsinki and Paris are good destinations for a couple's getaway.
Helsinki makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city's many parks offer the perfect setting for a picnic or a walk. There are also botanical gardens, evening boat rides, and saunas that will help you enjoy a romantic trip away.
Paris is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.
Is Helsinki or Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Helsinki
Paris
Paris is a more popular city for backpackers.
With so many budget-friendly offerings, Paris is extremely popular for backpackers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.
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 Paris Better for Students?
Helsinki
Paris
Both Helsinki and Paris 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.
Paris is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.
Is Helsinki or Paris Better for Public Transit?
Helsinki
Paris
Visitors will find public transit in both Helsinki and Paris.
The public transit in Helsinki can get you around easily. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.
Visitors in Paris can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.
Is Helsinki or Paris a more walkable city?
Helsinki
Paris
Helsinki and Paris 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.
Paris is a very walkable destination. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.
Should I spend more time in Paris or Helsinki?
How long in Helsinki or Paris?
Both Helsinki and Paris have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paris 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 Paris is 3-7 days.
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How many days in Helsinki or Paris? Ideal Length of StayHelsinki 2-4Paris 3-7
One day in Helsinki or Paris?
In Helsinki, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this active destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.
Paris is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Paris?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Helsinki. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
Paris is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 Paris?
Helsinki is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Helsinki. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.
Paris is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Paris, 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 Paris?
You'll find food and shopping around the active destination of Helsinki. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
Paris is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Paris has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHelsinki €112Paris €184
The average daily cost (per person) in Helsinki is €112, while the average daily cost in Paris is €184. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Helsinki and Paris in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHelsinki €59Paris €121
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHelsinki €118Paris €242
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Paris
Looking for a hotel in Helsinki or Paris? 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 Paris Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Helsinki €18Paris €17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki
Also for Helsinki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer: Helsinki to Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport (HEL): $622
- Private Transfer: Helsinki-Malmi Airpor (HEM) to Helsinki: $622
- Private Transfer: Helsinki to Helsinki-Malmi Airpor (HEM): $622
- Helsinki Private Panoramic Tour with Airport Transfer: $375
- Helsinki Private Departure Airport Transfer: $203
- Airport Private transfer via Marimekko & Iittala with Japanese Speaking Driver: $195
- Private arrival OR departure transfer in Helsinki (airport or hotel pick up): $185
- Helsinki Stopover Tour with Round-Trip Airport Transfers: $170
- Helsinki airport transfer to all Helsinki area hotels: $166
- Helsinki Airport Transfers: Helsinki City to Helsinki Airport HEL in Luxury Van: $113
- Helsinki Departure Private Transfer from Helsinki City to Helsinki Airport HEL: $110
- Helsinki Private Transfer : Port of Helsinki to Helsinki City in Luxury Van: $104
Typical Local Transportation prices in Paris
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Paris are as follows:
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Metro€6.40
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Train from Airport€9.00
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Metro tickets€6.80
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Train€20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paris
Also for Paris, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Your private transfer from Disneyland to Paris: $53
- Versailles Guided Tour Including Priority Access & Hotel Transfer from Paris: $159
- VIP Airport Transfer between Orly Airport & Paris Hotel: $90
- Ultra - Private Transfer from Paris to Giverny to visit Claude Monet's Garden: $9.57
- Ultra - Paris Airport Transfer from City Centre to Charles de Gaulle Airport CDG: $94
- Transfert from Paris To Airport Roissy Charles De Gaulle: $120
- Transfer in private vehicle from Paris City to Paris Orly Airport: $44
- Transfer in private vehicle from Paris City to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport: $46
- Transfer from Paris to Geneva or from Geneva to Paris: $1,431
- Transfer from Paris to Beauvais Airport: $112
- Transfer from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris - ROUND TRIP: $189
- Transfer from Paris (any hotel) to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport: $96
Is it cheaper to fly into Helsinki or Paris?
Prices for flights to both Paris 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 €27Paris €31
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 Paris
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Paris:
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Ice Cream€8.00
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Breakfast€7.00
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Breakfast for 2€30
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Dinner on River Cruise€86
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Dinner€57
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Cheese€13
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paris
For Paris, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Paris en Scene Boat 3-Course Dinner Cruise: $49
- Paris River Seine Lunch or Dinner Cruise: $60
- Italian dinner on the river Seine: $61
- Seine River Cruise with French Dinner on Champs-Elysees Avenue: $61
- Seine River Cruise & Dinner on Champs Elysées Avenue: $62
- Choux cooking class for kids in Paris: $62
- Capitaine Fracasse Boat 3-Course Dinner Cruise: $67
- Paris Small-Group Gourmet Food Tour With Optional Lunch and Wine Tasting: $75
- Bistro Parisien Dinner and Seine River Sightseeing Cruise Combination: $75
- NO DIET CLUB - Unique Bike and Food tour in Paris !: $75
- Romantic Cruise with 3-course Dinner on Seine River: $76
- Fondue Cooking Party - Winter is Coming: $78
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Helsinki €22Paris €62
Tours and Activities in Helsinki
For Helsinki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 Days tour to Moominworld and Turku Castle from Helsinki: $955
- 2-Hour Guided Tuk Tuk Tour in Helsinki: $274
- 2-Hours Helsinki Professional Photography Walking Tour: $70
- 2-Hours Photogenic Helsinki Walking Tour with a Local: $67
- 3.5 Hour Helsinki Highlights Private Tour: $350
- 5-hour sightseeing in Helsinki and Winterworld: $199
- 90-minute Helsinki Boat Sightseeing on Beautiful Canal Route: $28
- Architecture Tour of Helsinki with a city planner: $68
- Artificial Intelligence City Tour of Helsinki: $37
- Central Helsinki Tour: $84
- City Sightseeing Helsinki Hop On Hop Off Tour: $37
- City Sightseeing Helsinki Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $37
Typical Entertainment prices in Paris
For Paris, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Louvre Entry for Two€18
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Admission to Pantheon€5.00
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Catacombs (2)€23
Tours and Activities in Paris
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Paris.
- 1 Day Private Walking Tour Of Montmartre, Latin Quarter, Champs Élysées: $180
- 1 Day in Eiffel Tower, Cruise, City Tour, and Louvre: $139
- 1 Hour Real time Virtual Tour in Paris: $150
- 1 hour Sainte Chapelle- skip the line access - English or Español: $51
- 14-day Taste of Europe Tour: France, Italy, Monaco,Switzerland,Germany and more.: $1,565
- 15+ Top Sights Paris Tour with Fun Guide: $52
- 180° Paris by Night Tour: Exclusively for You & Your Group: $54
- 1:30 hours tour of Louvre museum: $261
- 1st Day in Paris Discovery Private Tour: 'How-to' Orientation & Sightseeing Fun!: $63
- 2 Hours Paris city center walking tour: $16
- 2 Hours Photoshoot tours at the Eiffel tower, Trocadero, Champs de Mars and more: $423
- 2-Day Loire Valley Castles Tour from Paris: $521
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHelsinki €13Paris €19
Typical Alcohol prices in Paris
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Paris are as follows:
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Wine€14
Sample the Local Flavors in Paris
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paris:
- Pub Crawl in Latin Quarter: $37
- Guided Visit and Wine Tasting in a Royal Wine Cellar in Paris: $40
- Guided tour and wine tasting in a historic cellar in the center of Paris: $41
- Cheese and Wine Tasting in the Latin Quarter with Chef Alex: $47
- Organic wine tasting in Paris: $56
- Wine Tasting In Paris: $83
- Paris Art of Pairing Cheese and Wine Tasting in a Cheese Cellar: $87
- Paris Wine Tasting Session with Expert Sommelier: $89
- Walk & Wine Tour in the Latin Quarter: $97
- Paris Wine Tasting plus Cheese & Cured Meat Lunch with an Expert Sommelier Guide: $97
- Paris Evening Wine Tour and Tasting: $112
- Montmartre Hill Sweet & Savory French Gourmet Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $112
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Helsinki and Paris, we can see that Paris is more expensive. And not only is Helsinki much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Helsinki would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Helsinki and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris than you might in Helsinki.
When is the best time to visit Helsinki or Paris?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Helsinki or Paris in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Paris. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Paris in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Helsinki is generally cooler than Paris. Temperatures in Helsinki average around 17°C (62°F), and Paris stays around 20°C (68°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Paris this time of the year. In Helsinki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Paris during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of rain as Paris. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHelsinki 17°C (62°F)Paris 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Paris in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Paris. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Paris for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Helsinki is much colder than Paris in the autumn. The temperature in Helsinki is usually 6°C (42°F) in October, and Paris stays around 13°C (56°F).
In the autumn, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Paris. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 127 hours of full sun.
Helsinki usually gets more rain in October than Paris. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHelsinki 6°C (42°F)Paris 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Paris in the Winter?
Both Paris and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Paris because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
The weather in Paris can be very cold. Helsinki can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Helsinki is much colder than Paris. Typically, the winter temperatures in Helsinki in January are around -6°C (21°F), and Paris is about 5°C (40°F).
Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Paris during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Paris. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHelsinki -6°C (21°F)Paris 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Paris in the Spring?
Both Paris and Helsinki during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Paris this time of year.
The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. In April, Helsinki is generally much colder than Paris. Temperatures in Helsinki average around 3°C (37°F), and Paris stays around 11°C (52°F).
In the spring, Helsinki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Paris. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 172 hours of full sun.
Helsinki usually gets less rain in April than Paris. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHelsinki 3°C (37°F)Paris 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Paris and Helsinki
| Helsinki | Paris | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -6°C (21°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (27°F) | 34 mm (1.4 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 52 mm (2.1 in) |
| Apr | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 50 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (51°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (33°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Dec | -4°C (26°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
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