Winter in Rovaniemi
Experience the snowy, crispy winter wonderland at the Arctic Circle, Lapland, Finland. Early winter brings the first breeze of cold air, shortening days and expectation of true winter days. By December, the darkness of the Polar Night has descended upon Rovaniemi, but the snow and Christmas lights brighten the surroundings with their merry glow. Beauty of the winter is unreal and worth experiencing it yourself.
Winter wonderland
Winter wonderland
Winter in Rovaniemi can be divided into 3 different kind of winter season; Early winter, Mid-winter and snowy spring.
Early winter is crispy and cold, days are getting shorter with daylight, Northern Lights appear and early-winter activities start.
Midwinter and Polar night starts in December. With only a few hours of daylight, a rather mysterious air of silence and peacefulness shrouds the natural surroundings. In the Official Hometown of Santa Claus December and Christmas is a special magical time.
The sun comes out in February and marks the start of the snowy, light-filled spring.
March and April are still snowy months, with a hint of spring vide. March and early April is often terrific time for Northern Lights viewing and sunny winter activities.
Snowish town half of the year
Snowish town half of the year
When do you get snow in Rovaniemi? This is one of the most common questions we get. We wish we could say for sure, but every year it is a surprise. The local winter enthusiastists are as excited about the first snow as the visitors!
Usually, the first snow falls in November, sometimes as early as in October, sometimes around December. Snowy winter months create a wonderful winter wonderland and enable a platform for fun winter activities and for unforgettable Rovaniemi holiday.
In some snowy years, there can be snow around 6 months of the year from late October until early May. Snow usually lasts until April, and in May the last traces of winter disapear as the nature wakes up and gets ready for arctic summer.
Magical Christmas time
Magical Christmas time
If you are a Christmas lover, you can combine the Christmas magic and snowy winter wonderland in Rovaniemi. The town is buzzing with visitors from around the world who have come to meet Rovaniemi’s most famous citizen, Santa Claus.
Polar night – shortest day of the year
Did you know? The shortest day of the year is December 21st or 22nd (varies annually). As Rovaniemi is located right on the Arctic Circle, on this day, the sun doesn’t rise at all in Rovaniemi. This is called Polar Night and it is an opposite phenomena to the Midnight Sun.
Information about the winter months
Northern Lights: Possible to appear
Snow: Possible to appear
Phenomenon: Northern lights
Average temperature: Between -10 to 5 degrees Celsius
Lenght of the day, average: In the beginning of the month around 7 hours, at the end of the month around 5 hours.
Northern Lights: Possible to appear
Snow: Most likely snowy
Phenomenon: Polar Night
Average temperature: Between -20 to -10 degrees Celsius
Lenght of the day, average: 2,5 hours
Northern Lights: Possible to appear
Snow: Snowy
Phenomenon: Polar Night
Average temperature: Between -30 to -15 degrees Celsius
Lenght of the day, average: 4 hours
Northern Lights: Possible to appear
Snow: Snowy
Phenomenon: Sun appears as the days get longer / snowy spring
Average temperature: Between -20 to -15 degrees Celsius
Lenght of the day, average: 8 hours
Northern Lights: Possible to appear
Snow: Snowy
Phenomenon: Snowy Spring
Average temperature: Between -15 to -5 degrees Celsius
Lenght of the day, average: 12 hours
Northern Lights: Possible to appear until around mid April. It becomes more difficult as the evenings and nights get lighter and brighter.
Snow: Most likely snowy
Phenomenon: Increasing light
Average temperature: Between 5 to 10 degrees Celsius
Lenght of the day, average: 15 hours
Explore winter
Polar Night
Experience the Polar Night, celebration of mysterious lights on glittering snowdrifts.
Snow And Ice
For many, Lapland is synonymous with snow. In Rovaniemi, there’s white stuff on the ground for approximately six months of the year. Find out more here!
6 ways to experience frozen waters in Rovaniemi
Northern Lights in Rovaniemi Lapland
Northern Lights Tours
6 Wintery surfaces in Lapland
10 Romantic Winter Tips
5 Snow and ice buildings in Rovaniemi
Winter activities
Snowmobile Safari in the Nature
Ride behind our guide on snowy hillsides and in forests crossing frozen rivers and swamps. You will also see plenty of nature during this half day trip into the wild! Great snacks included.
8 km double the fun, November-December
Husky tours at Korvala: 8 km or 2×4 km sledding, inc. driving lesson, kennel tour, dog cuddles, photo ops, winter clothing, warm drinks & cookies. Max 9 participants. Starts 12:00 & 13:00 Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri & Sat. Price: €135/adult & €70/child.
Husky Safari from Rovaniemi Including a Husky Sled Ride
Great Husky safari from Rovaniemi
Snowmobile Safari into the Wilderness
This tour offers a wonderful way to learn the ins and outs of snowmobiling. As for the scenery, it’s a visual feast, with captivating snowy forests and frozen marshlands awaiting your exploration. Daily at 10:00 & 14:00
Authentic Reindeer Farm Visit – Rovaniemi – including Snowmobile ride and transport
AUTHENTIC REINDEER FARM VISIT NEAR ROVANIEMI
Visiting package: Chill and Dine at Ice Restaurant
Dine in a restaurant where tables and benches are made of ice!
Full day Lapland Tour, with lunch and dinner
The reason we love full day tours is that we get a chance to show you the best of the best in just one day! We won’t overburden your schedule, we will just make sure that you see the best Rovaniemi has to offer.
Unlimited Time & Mileage – Aurora Hunting Pro Tour
Local Guided Real Unlimited Aurora Hunting with Photography (small groups)
Lappish Lunch Break – Snowmobiling, ice fishing and tasty food
Today we do what the locals do on their day offs: snowmobile to a frozen lake for ice-fishing!
Deep Snow Powder Driving
Like it out of trails? Our new deep snow driving safari brings you far to the wilderness where drive partly on untouched powder snow and explore new tracks and spots every day.
Ranua Zoo Family Tour from Rovaniemi
Daily tour to Ranua zoo
Arctos Winter Spa for 2 persons – Day session (Private)
Idyllic spa experience in a winter wonderland setting, just for the two of you. Includes wood-heated sauna, hot tub and ice-dipping. Total price: 399€
Family Reindeer farm visit private
Private reindeer farm experience for children and adults
Arctic Animals Combo Safari
It’s a Arctic Animals Adventure! Meet the magnificent Arctic Animals on our sweet combo adventure. Ride a reindeer sleigh and take a husky sleigh ride through winter landscapes.
Visiting package: Snow sauna experience with food by the fire
Try Finnish sauna and very unique & humid sauna made snow (!) and get to visit Arctic SnowHotel where everything is made of snow and ice
Northern Lights Tour in Atmospheric Cottage
Feel the heritage and natural beauty of Finn-Lapland at the atmospheric cottage. Enjoy +100 years old traditional Finnish cottage located by a lake and a Laavu and explore the beautiful landscape.
Ice Fishing and Snowmobile Experience
Come and experience an amazing ice fishing adventure with us in the Finnish nature! You’ll get to travel on a snowmobile sleigh to a nearby lake and enjoy the joy of ice fishing.
Reindeer and Husky Experience, Rovaniemi
Meet two furry arctic favourites on one trip – and take rides with both!
Walking with Alpacas 30 min
Walking with alpacas in Santa Claus Village and visit in Santa’s Pets.
Riding Tour with Finnhorses at Santa Claus Village
Fun with Finnhorses
Arctos Winter Spa – Day session (Private)
Spa experience against an Arctic backdrop. Includes wood-heated sauna, hot tub & ice-dipping. Price: 149€ per person
Winter Daytime ice floating
Do what you never thought you would be doing in your lifetime! Swim in an icy lake in the north of Finland in the middle of winter!
6 km twilight twirl, December
Husky tours at Korvala: 6 km sledding, including driving lesson, kennel tour, dog cuddles, photo ops, winter clothing, warm drinks & cookies. Max 9 participants. Starts at 14:00 on Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri & Sat. Price: €125/adult & €65/child.
Ski Trekking Safari in Lapland
Explore the breathtaking scenery of Lapland on backcountry skis, designed to let you glide over the deep snow in style and live an experience you will long remember.
Dinner at Snow restaurant in Snowman World
Dine in a restaurant surrounded by snow and ice sculptures!
Taste of Wilderness
Our best seller! The real feeling of snowmobiling
Snowshoe Trip in the Wilderness
Explore the Arctic wilderness on snowshoes to feel the white silence of nature that surrounds you. This tour offers a perfect excursion for nature-lovers and all those who are looking for a peaceful walk far away from their daily reality.
3-Hour Snowmobile Safari in Lapland Wilderness – Small Groups Only
Escape the crowds and embark on a thrilling small-group snowmobile tour through Lapland’s pristine winter landscapes, led by local expert guides.
Private Cultural Experience in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
Spend a memorable day in Rovaniemi and enjoy its diverse cultural athmosphere.
Aurora Pass : Unlimited Northern Lights Hunting Pass
We know nature is unpredictable so we offer you 3 or 5-day pass to increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Our guides will show you where can you see the northern lights from and help you with capturing them on camera.
Visit an Ethical Husky Kennel with 10 km Husky Sled Ride
Lead your own husky team like a musher through the beautiful winter landscapes of Lapland and live a thrilling experience of the Arctic!
Northern Lights Wilderness Tour with Professional Camera
Take your best chance to see the Northern Lights from Rovaniemi in small groups! With your personal guide and a minivan, you will explore the nature of Lapland and hunt the magic of the Aurora Borealis. Get ready for an unforgettable Arctic night!
Fall in love with the Rovaniemi phenomena
Autumn Colours
When bright arctic summer ends and nature is preparing for winter at the Arctic Circle, we are enchanted by the changing colors of the season. In Rovaniemi this amazing nature’s display is at its best in September when trees and ground is covered with spectacular colours. Get your cameras out and head to nature!
Midnight Sun
The Midnight Sun, the nightless night or polar day – can be seen only here in Rovaniemi on the Arctic Circle or above. From early June until early July, and nights are white throughout the summer. See more here.
Northern Lights
Experience the magic of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in Rovaniemi. Find out viewing spots, times and more here.
Polar Night
Experience the Polar Night, celebration of mysterious lights on glittering snowdrifts.
Snow And Ice
For many, Lapland is synonymous with snow. In Rovaniemi, there’s white stuff on the ground for approximately six months of the year. Find out more here!
Explore the Arctic Seasons
Early winter
Christmas time in Rovaniemi
Explore Seasons in Rovaniemi
Spring
Rovaniemi is the city of the Midnight Sun, surrounded by Arctic nature, where Lappish culture and a wide range of activities meet!
Summer
Rovaniemi is the city of the Midnight Sun, surrounded by Arctic nature, where Lappish culture and a wide range of activities meet!
Northern Lights Season
Seasons when Northern Lights appear Read more about Northern Lights in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland Explore Seasons in Rovaniemi
Autumn
There is something so magical in nights spent under the Auroras in Glass Cabins and Igloos or waking up from a unique accommodation to a first snowfall.