Originally Posted by
thegrailer
What great info - and the walking tour looks great. Here is the dilemma, will the weather be comfortable enough for the walking tour in early May? We simply want to walk around the city, sort of urban trekking, and take in what the city and its surroundings show us.
Also, what would HEL be like around Vappu? [long weekend is the US and the reason to get on a plane] Will that weekend be something to see or avoid? We're not the youngsters we used to be, but we find nothing wrong with having a party
Cheers
Early May can be very variable. Anything from snowfall to 20+ °C weather is possible. The likelihood is 10 °C and upwards with sun and some wind. You should be fine for walking. Rain is a distinct possibility, though.
Vappu is quite something. From about 5 pm or so on April 30, the centre of town will be completely filled with people, the crowds centering on the Esplanade (the highlight being the Havis Amanda statue getting her hat).
There will be a LOT of people in various degrees of drunkenness, but Vappu eve is the time when there is something like a Mardi Gras atmosphere in Helsinki. Should be quite safe if you don't mind the crowds.
May 1st is more of a family thing. There will still be a lot of people about but it will be a lot calmer than the night before. There will be some marches and a lot of political speeches on markets and at malls.
On May 1st, most restaurants tend to be full for lunch.
Cheers,
T.