A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kemi vs. Karlovy Vary for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kemi or Karlovy Vary?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kemi and Karlovy Vary. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Kemi or Karlovy Vary?

Kemi

Kemi is a town on Bothnian Bay in Lapland, Finland. It's known for the massive Sampo icebreaker, a giant ship built to ply the Arctic waters. The main economic activity in Kemi is centered on two large paper and wood pulp mills and on the only chromium mine in Europe. Kemi also has a claim to fame as the home of the world's largest snow castle (reconstructed every year with a different design). The SnowCastle is usually located at the inner harbor of Kemi.

Karlovy Vary

Founded in 1370, Karlovy Vary translates to "Charles' Bath" for its founder Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, as well as its famous hot springs. It is located in Bohemia in the western Czech Republic and is also known as Karlsbad (German) or Carlsbad (English). Another highlight is the International Film Festival in July with draws celebrities and other film enthusiasts worldwide.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Finland, The Best Adventure Tours to Finland, The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kemi and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Kemi is more expensive. And not only is Karlovy Vary much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Karlovy Vary would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Karlovy Vary 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 Kemi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kemi than you might in Karlovy Vary.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kemi Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kemi or Karlovy Vary?

Karlovy Vary has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Kemi. When comparing the sizes of Kemi and Karlovy Vary, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Kemi or Karlovy Vary?

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 Kemi or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kemi and Karlovy Vary.

In July, Kemi is generally cooler than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Kemi average around 15°C (60°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Karlovy Vary this time of the year. In Kemi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kemi usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during summer. Kemi gets 304 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kemi usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Kemi gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kemi or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kemi as well as Karlovy Vary.

Kemi can get quite cold in the autumn. Kemi is much colder than Karlovy Vary in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kemi averages around 2°C (36°F) in October, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Kemi often gets less sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Kemi gets 82 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun.

Kemi usually gets more rain in October than Karlovy Vary. Kemi gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kemi or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?

Both Karlovy Vary and Kemi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

The weather in Karlovy Vary can be very cold. Kemi can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Kemi is much colder than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kemi in January average around -12°C (10°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 1°C (33°F).

Kemi usually receives less sunshine than Karlovy Vary during winter. Kemi gets 19 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kemi usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Kemi gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kemi or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?

Both Karlovy Vary and Kemi during the spring are popular places to visit.

The weather in Kemi can be very cold. In April, Kemi is generally much colder than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Kemi average around -1°C (31°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Kemi often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Kemi gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun.

Kemi usually gets less rain in April than Karlovy Vary. Kemi gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Kemi