Two women enjoying summer day and eating ice cream near Kemijoki in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland.

Unbelievable seasonal experiences in Rovaniemi

Your ideal visit to Rovaniemi depends on what you’d like to experience.

Cold winters, warm summers, colourful autumns and light-filled springs that bring about the rebirth of nature are the foremost nominators in the northern annual cycle. In Rovaniemi, the changing seasons are completed by seasons of transition in between them, which means the weather is ever-changing and providing beuaty and different phenomena all year round.

Here are 10 seasonal facts to consider; what would you like to experience at your holiday?

Rovaniemi city pictured from above in winter scenery with snow and ice. Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland.

Northern Lights dancing in the sky in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland.

1. The Northern Lights are best viewed on clear nights and they can appear between late August and early April.

2. The blue twilight of the Polar Night lasts from mid-November to mid-January, and is an ideal time for meeting Santa Claus and having a genuine Christmas experience in Rovaniemi.

3. In February, days start getting longer and the dark winter turns into a light-filled spring.

4. The perfect time for snowy winter activities is from December to March.

People hiking during summer and under the midnight sun in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland.

5. The snow melts in the latter half of April; by early May, the river ice breaks and melts downstream.

6. May marks the awakening of nature.

7. Rovaniemi basks in the light of the Midnight Sun from early June to early July.

8. The bright days and nights of June through August mark the pinnacle of summer activities and events.

First snowfall in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland.

9. September is the time of Autumn Leaf Colour, and nature virtually explodes into a spectacular display of earthy hues.

10. Early winter brings crispy wintery feeling and covers trees and ground with white frosting. There might not be snow but the chilly arctic vibe gives you an idea what is coming. This is often one of the best times to spot the Northern Lights.

Explore Seasons

Fall in love with the Rovaniemi phenomena

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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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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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Experience the magic of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in Rovaniemi. Find out viewing spots, times and more here.

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Experience the Polar Night, celebration of mysterious lights on glittering snowdrifts.

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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!