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

Should you visit Saaremaa or Kemi?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa or Kemi, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Saaremaa or Kemi?

Saaremaa

Saaremaa is the largest island in Estonia and it has a unique and rural atmosphere that makes it an interesting place to visit. Saaremaa has remained rural and frozen in time due to its isolated location, particularly during Soviet occupation when it was used as a military base. The island still has working windmills, hand placed stone walls, and old stone churches that feel like you've stepped back in time.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Finland, and The Best Adventure Tours to Finland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saaremaa and Kemi, we can see that Kemi is more expensive. And not only is Saaremaa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saaremaa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa.

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

Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Kemi?

Kemi has a larger population, and is about 52% larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa and Kemi, 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 Saaremaa or Kemi?

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 Saaremaa or Kemi in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and Kemi. Many travelers come to Saaremaa for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saaremaa is generally around the same temperature as Kemi. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 17°C (62°F), and Kemi fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kemi this time of the year. In Saaremaa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saaremaa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kemi during summer. Saaremaa gets 302 hours of sunny skies, while Kemi receives 304 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saaremaa usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kemi. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kemi receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Kemi in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saaremaa as well as Kemi. Many visitors come to Saaremaa in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

Kemi can be very cold during autumn. Saaremaa is much warmer than Kemi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 8°C (47°F) in October, and Kemi fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the autumn, Saaremaa often gets more sunshine than Kemi. Saaremaa gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kemi receives 82 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Kemi. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kemi receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Kemi in the Winter?

Both Kemi and Saaremaa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saaremaa for the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Kemi can be very cold. Saaremaa can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Saaremaa is much warmer than Kemi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saaremaa in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Kemi averages at about -12°C (10°F).

Saaremaa usually receives more sunshine than Kemi during winter. Saaremaa gets 33 hours of sunny skies, while Kemi receives 19 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saaremaa usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kemi. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Kemi receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Kemi in the Spring?

Both Kemi and Saaremaa during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Saaremaa because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Kemi in the spring. The weather in Saaremaa can be very cold. In April, Saaremaa is generally much warmer than Kemi. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 4°C (38°F), and Kemi fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

In the spring, Saaremaa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kemi. Saaremaa gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kemi receives 194 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kemi. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Kemi receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kemi and Saaremaa