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.
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!
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.
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
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.
Visiting package: Sauna, jacuzzi and dinner at Kota Restaurant (autumn)
Great chance of seeing the northern lights in the evening! Try also Finnish sauna with outdoor jacuzzi
Wilderness Sauna Experience in Winter (Private)
Enjoy a relaxing moment in a wilderness sauna located on the sides of a lake in remote forests. An ice hole in the frozen lake can be open so you may enjoy a dip in the cold waters between two sauna sessions!
Sauna and Ice Swimming – Comfort Level
Experience traditional Sauna and ice swimming in Ounas River close to Rovaniemi centre!
Luxury Log Sauna and Finnish Dinner, 3 hours (Private Tour)
Experience the gentle heat of a log sauna and its invigorating health effects only with your own family or friends. After the sauna we’ll serve traditional Finnish home made dinner.
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…
Relaxing Day of Yoga and Husky Therapy
Come and visit us for a day of relaxation and enjoyment! This is a lovely combination where you can really relax, enjoy your life, the beautiful nature and our lovely furry friends. After this you will feel refreshed and happy.
Private Wood-fired Sauna with Winter Swimming
Here’s a unique opportunity to experience a private, wood-fired sauna on a lake, with winter swimming in an “avanto”. Price: 50€/person, min 2 people, max 6 people.
Private Wooden Heated Sauna and Ice Swimming
Experience a local winter tradition with a sauna session followed by a refreshing ice swim. Cleanse and strengthen your body, mind, and spirit on this exhilarating private tour in Rovaniemi.
Explore early winter options
Northern Lights in Rovaniemi Lapland
Northern Lights Tours
10 Northern Lights activities
Aurora Borealis are visible from late August until end of March or beginning of April
A day in Rovaniemi city
Alvar Aalto Architecture in Rovaniemi
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.
Lapland’s food culture in Rovaniemi
Read more about Lappish treats
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
Reindeer, husky and other Arctic Animals
Examples of Activity products
Rovaniemi cultural attractions
Rovaniemi with kids
Santa Claus and Christmas time sights & attractions Christmassy winter activities for families Indoors – all year round Culture experiences…
Romantic holiday in Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi at the Arctic Circle – the most magical romantic getaway
Santa Claus Village at the Arctic Circle
Santa Claus Village Activities in Santa Claus Village Accommodation in Santa Claus Village Restaurants in Santa Claus Village Sights and…
Shopping in Rovaniemi
From small boutiques to shopping centres. Versatile products and services at the Arctic Circle and Rovaniemi City centre
Sustainable Tips for visitors
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
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!
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
Winter
Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa Claus and reallife winter wonderland located at the Arctic Circle in Lapland Finland.
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.