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Haukivesi

Lake

Haukivesi, part of Finland's Saimaa lake system, attracts boaters and anglers to its island‑strewn waters, summer cottages and saunas, with narrow channels linking lakeside communities.

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In this guide

Haukivesi essentials

Address: Haukivesi (Saimaa lake basin), South Savo, Finland
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About Haukivesi

Haukivesi is a principal basin of the Lake Saimaa system in South Savo, southeastern Finland, characterized by a broad set of channels, islands and sheltered bays.

It is used extensively for boating, angling and cottage recreation and forms part of the wider Saimaa freshwater landscape with a complex shoreline and thousands of islands.

The basin has important conservation value as part of the Saimaa lake system and lies near towns such as Savonlinna that serve as regional gateways.

  • Activities and wildlife: The basin is important for recreation and wildlife - boating, fishing and island-hopping are common in summer, and it is part of the habitat network for the endangered Saimaa ringed seal.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Haukivesi

Summer for boating and lake travel; winter for frozen-lake activities-both seasons offer very different experiences.

Summer
June-August · 15-25°C (59-77°F)
Boating, kayaking and long daylight hours.
Winter
December-March · -10-0°C (14-32°F)
Frozen surfaces for ice-fishing and cross-country skiing; extreme cold at times.

Weather & Climate near Haukivesi

Climate

Haukivesi's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -12°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (600 mm/year).

Air Quality: AQI 18 Good
Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
30°
Warmest Month
-40°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor -11° - -5° -13° 41 mm overcast 99% 2.8 m/s 0.0 low 5.8h
February Poor -12° - -5° -14° 31 mm overcast 99% 2.7 m/s 0.0 low 8.5h
March Poor -7° - 0° -8° 34 mm partly cloudy 96% 2.9 m/s 0.2 low 11.6h
April Poor -2° - 6° -1° 33 mm overcast 85% 2.9 m/s 0.5 moderate 14.6h
May Acceptable 4° - 13° 7° 33 mm overcast 76% 2.8 m/s 0.9 moderate 17.5h
June Good 10° - 19° 15° 58 mm overcast 75% 2.7 m/s 1.1 high 19.3h
July Good 13° - 22° 17° 68 mm overcast 78% 2.6 m/s 1.1 high 18.4h
August Good 12° - 19° 15° 79 mm overcast 81% 2.5 m/s 0.8 moderate 15.7h
September Acceptable 7° - 13° 8° 61 mm overcast 87% 2.7 m/s 0.3 low 12.7h
October Poor 2° - 7° 2° 58 mm overcast 93% 3.0 m/s 0.1 low 9.7h
November Poor -3° - 1° -5° 54 mm overcast 97% 3.1 m/s 0.0 low 6.7h
December Poor -8° - -3° -10° 50 mm overcast 98% 2.9 m/s 0.0 low 4.7h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Haukivesi

Haukivesi is in the South Savo region; Savonlinna is a common gateway town with rail and road links. From Savonlinna or nearby towns, local marinas, boat rentals and tour operators run excursions into the Saimaa system.

Tips for Visiting Haukivesi

  • Explore from Savonlinna or Varkaus-both towns provide better transport and facilities than smaller lakeside settlements.
  • If hoping to see Saimaa ringed seals, hire a licensed guide and keep distance; the species is protected and sensitive to disturbance.
  • Consider canoeing or kayaking the Haukivesi channels at dawn for the quietest water and best light.