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Early Winter in Rovaniemi
Experience the crispy winter wonderland at the Arctic Circle, Lapland, Finland. Early winter brings the first breeze of cold air, shortening days and expectation of snowy and cold winter days.
Early winter is a wonderful experience without snow as well – one of the best times to spot the Northern Lights as the nights are getting darker and sky is clear. Most early winter activities are open already in October and many sights & attractions are open all year round – including Santa Claus Village and the cultural centres. Read also more about midwinter.
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Northern Lights season
Northern Lights season
Northern Lights are visible starting from late August, so you don’t need snow to be able to spot the Auroras! Northern Lights season continues from end of summer to early spring in Lapland, Finland. Seeing the dancing lights in the sky is a dream come true experience!
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Early-winter activities
Early-winter activities
There is plenty to do during the early winter in Rovaniemi. Santa Claus Village is an all year-round open attraction, city centre is buzzing, nature is inviting for soft adventure, tour guides are ready to take you for an unforgettable trip.
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First Snowfall
First Snowfall
Night-time temperatures drop below zero in October, sometimes even in late September, and frost turns mornings glistening white. People eagerly wait for first snow to fall, and when it does, kids (and enthusiastic adults) rush outside to enjoy it.
The first cross-country skiing tracks are opened with the help of stored snow from the previous winter. Some local companies store snow and ice to open early-winter activities already before natural snow fully arrives and enable wintery experiences already around October.
First snow melts away fairly quickly, only to return permanently within weeks, usually in late November, sometimes earlier or only around December.
Information about the winter months
Northern Lights: Possible to appear
Snow: Possible to appear
Phenomenon: Northern lights
Average temperature: Between October: 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
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
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Finnish Sauna Culture
There are over 3 million saunas in Finland – that’s more than passenger cars. It’s safe to say we love our saunas! For an absolute Rovaniemi experience one must try sauna.
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Reindeer & Wilderness Sauna (Private)
A unique private tour from Rovaniemi, which combines an authentic reindeer farm visit with a relaxing time at a lakeside sauna in the wilderness. For a complete local experience, other activities are possible at the sauna cabin : swimming, canoeing…
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Traditional Finnish Christmas Eve with Santa Claus and Sauna, 4 hours (Private Tour)
Experience a traditional Finnish Christmas Eve with Sauna, Christmas Dinner and meet Santa Claus in private.
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Sauna and Ice Swimming – Comfort Level
Experience traditional Sauna and ice swimming in Ounas River close to Rovaniemi centre!
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Arctos Winter Spa – Evening session (Private)
Spa experience in a magical setting. Includes wood-heated sauna, hot tub surrounded by cosy candles and ice-dipping. Price: 179€ per person
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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
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Floating Sauna and Swimming in the Ounasjoki River, 3 hours (Private Tour)
An invigorating private experience on a floating sauna and swimming!
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Private Traditional Finnish Sauna Boat Scenic Lake Cruise
Cruise the lake in style on this unique Sauna Boat equipped with a wood-heated sauna. Enjoy the beautiful Arctic landscapes as you bathe in the lake beneath the midnight sun.
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Arctos Summer & Autumn Spa – Day session (Private)
Includes the private use of the wood-heated sauna, hot tub and swimming in the Arctic lake. Price: 129€ per person
Explore early winter options
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Northern Lights in Rovaniemi Lapland
Northern Lights Tours
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10 Northern Lights activities
Aurora Borealis are visible from late August until end of March or beginning of April
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A day in Rovaniemi city
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Alvar Aalto Architecture in Rovaniemi
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Finnish Sauna Culture
There are over 3 million saunas in Finland – that’s more than passenger cars. It’s safe to say we love our saunas! For an absolute Rovaniemi experience one must try sauna.
![](https://www.visitrovaniemi.fi/wp-content/uploads/family-restaurant-kotahovi-Santa-Claus-Village-Rovaniemi-Lapland-Finland-9.jpg)
Lapland’s food culture in Rovaniemi
Read more about Lappish treats
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Nature trails in Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi area is a versatile playground for day hikers. Explore the rugged wilderness, climb a fell, and wander in the relaxing sounds of nature
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Reindeer, husky and other Arctic Animals
Examples of Activity products
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Rovaniemi cultural attractions
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Rovaniemi with kids
Santa Claus and Christmas time sights & attractions Christmassy winter activities for families Indoors –…
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Romantic holiday in Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi at the Arctic Circle – the most magical romantic getaway
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Santa Claus Village at the Arctic Circle
Accommodation in Santa Claus Village Restaurants in Santa Claus Village Sights and attractions in Santa…
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Shopping in Rovaniemi
From small boutiques to shopping centres. Versatile products and services at the Arctic Circle and Rovaniemi City centre
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Sustainable Tips for visitors
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Sustainable Travel Finland companies
The local companies and Visit Rovaniemi are taking part in the Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) program
Fall in love with the Rovaniemi phenomena
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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!
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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.
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Northern Lights
Experience the magic of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in Rovaniemi. Find out viewing spots, times and more here.
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Polar Night
Experience the Polar Night, celebration of mysterious lights on glittering snowdrifts.
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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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Santa Claus
There’s no place like Rovaniemi, the Official Hometown of Santa Claus, for genuine Christmas experiences. See here for some Rovaniemi Christmas magic.
Explore the Arctic Seasons
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Winter
Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa Claus and reallife winter wonderland located at the Arctic Circle in Lapland Finland.
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Christmas time in Rovaniemi
Explore Seasons in Rovaniemi
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Spring
Rovaniemi is the city of the Midnight Sun, surrounded by Arctic nature, where Lappish culture and a wide range of activities meet!
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Summer
Rovaniemi is the city of the Midnight Sun, surrounded by Arctic nature, where Lappish culture and a wide range of activities meet!
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Northern Lights Season
Seasons when Northern Lights appear Read more about Northern Lights in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland Explore…
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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.