Discover the enchanting Arctic seasons in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
Lapland and the Arctic Circle area are full of breathtaking phenomena and natural elements. Are you wondering when to visit Rovaniemi or how is the weather like on different seasons? The best time depends on what you are after – the constantly changing Arctic seasons all have their own characteristic of light, temperature, natural phenomenas, and ideal activities. Explore the seasons to find the best one for your holiday.
Early winter
Christmas time in Rovaniemi
Explore Seasons in Rovaniemi
Winter
Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa Claus and reallife winter wonderland located at the Arctic Circle in Lapland Finland.
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!
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.
Northern Lights Season
Seasons when Northern Lights appear Read more about Northern Lights in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland Explore Seasons in Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi Webcams
Santa Claus Village webcam, Ounasvaara webcam and Koivusaari webcam all give you a chance to sneak peek the accurate, current view in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland.
Explore different months in Rovaniemi
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
Northern Lights: not visible
Snow: Snow melting
Phenomenon: Increasing light, nature is slowly waking up after winter
Average temperature: 10 to 20 degrees Celsius
Lenght of the day, average: 19 hours
Northern Lights: Not Visible
Snow: No snow
Phenomenon: Midnight sun – the nightless night with 24 hour daylight
Average temperature: Between 15 to 20 degrees Celsius
Lenght of the day, average: 24 hours
Northern Lights: Not Visible
Snow: No snow
Phenomenon: Midnight sun
Average temperature: Between 20 to 25 degrees Celsius
Lenght of the day, average: 21 hours
Northern Lights: Possible to appear in the end of August
Snow: No snow
Phenomenon: Northern Lights
Average temperature: Between 10 to 20 degrees Celsius
Lenght of the day, average: 17 hours
Northern Lights: Possible to appear
Snow: No snow
Phenomenon: Autumn foliage
Average temperature: Between 5 to 15 degrees Celsius
Lenght of the day, average: 13 hours
Northern Lights: Possible to appear
Snow: Possible to appear
Phenomenon: Northern lights
Average temperature: Between 0 to 10 degrees Celsius
Lenght of the day, average: 9 hours
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
Different arctic seasons
There are traditionally four distinctly different seasons clearly present in the annual cycle of Rovaniemi. However, many locals would say that the year consists of up to eight seasons, each with its own distinct characteristics: midwinter, snowy spring, spring, summer, harvest season, autumn leaf color, first snowfall, and Christmas. Please bear in mind that there is annual fluctuation in weather, and these are mere guidelines.
Weather and climate
Lapland is in the continental climate zone. The winters are cold and rich in snow, but thanks to the Gulf Stream, the summers are relatively warm. Rovaniemi is part of the arctic region; its climate, however, is subarctic and temperate, characterised by strong seasonal contrasts of dark versus bright and cold versus warm.
When do we have snow?
So is there snow at the moment? This is a common early winter topic, that’s sometimes asked from us. In Rovaniemi, snow typically starts to fall in November, although it can sometimes arrive as early as October or as late as December. The snowy months create a beautiful winter wonderland, perfect for various winter activities. Snow usually lasts until April, with the last traces disappearing in May. Please check short term weather forecast or view live weather and snow situation through webcams.
Northern Lights Alert Login Key for Rovaniemi Area
Real-Time northern lights alerts to your phone
Rovaniemi Webcams
Santa Claus Village webcam, Ounasvaara webcam and Koivusaari webcam all give you a chance to sneak peek the accurate, current view in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland.
7 Safety instructions for travellers
Safety instructions for travellers
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!
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The Arctic Rovaniemi seasons – Quick Facts
- September: +5 to +15 °C
- October: 0 to +10 °C
- September: 13 hours
- October: 9 hours
- November: 7 hours
- December: -20 to -10 °C
- January: -30 to -15 °C
- February: -20 to -15 °C
- March: -15 to -5 °C
- December: 2,5 hours
- January: 4 hours
- February: 8 hours
- March: 12 hours
- April: +5 to +10 °C
- May: +10 to +20 °C
- April: 15 hours
- May: 19 hours
- June: +15 to +20 °C
- July: +20 to +25 °C
- August: +10 to +20 °C
- June: 24 hours
- July: 21 hours
- August: 17 hours
Autumn: September and October
Typical daytime temperatures:
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Early winter: November
Average temperature: -10 to +5 °C
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Winter: From November until March
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Spring: April & May
Typical daytime temperatures:
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Summer: June – August
Typical daytime temperatures in the summer:
Average length of the day at spring: