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 seasons; 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 nights start 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 warmer and sunnier snowy months, with a hint of spring. They are great for sunny winter activities and often March and the beginning of April are also a terrific time for Northern Lights viewing.
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 enthusiasts are as excited about the first snow as the visitors!
Usually, the first snow falls in November, sometimes as early as in October, sometimes only around December. Snowy winter months create a wonderful winter wonderland and enable a platform for fun winter activities and for an 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 disappear as the nature wakes up and gets ready for the 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 the 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!
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Northern Lights in Rovaniemi Lapland
Northern Lights Tours
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Snow and Ice Buildings in Rovaniemi
Winter activities
Snowmobile Safari to Reindeer Farm by Electric Snowmobile, Rovaniemi
Cross the Arctic Circle and acquire a Reindeer Driving Licence!
Hiking with Reindeer 1 H & Visit
PRIVATE Hiking with reindeer in Santa Claus Village and visit in Santa’s Pets. Share a reindeer walk. Price is per person for 2 people walking one reindeer.
Sunrise Safari to Scenic Hillside by eSleds
This is the way to start an unique day!
Ice Fishing at Private Kuoksa lake
Ice Fishing at a picturesque location away from the cityscape. Your guide will dress you warmly head to toe and prepare all the necessary ice fishing equipment, while teaching and showing you the way.
Snowtrain to Northern Lights Camp
Looking for a truly unforgettable path deep into the Lappish wilderness? Step aboard our legendary Snowtrain! This journey immerses you in the mesmerizing hues of the Arctic night.
Rovaniemi: Insider Complete Winter Clothing Set
Rent a full set of warm winter gear—jacket, pants, gloves, and boots—for a comfortable day in Lapland’s cold.
Husky Safari 5 km, Barbecue, Meet Reindeers, Hiking to the Lake, Ice Fishing, Day Tour.
Husky Safari 5 km, Finnish Barbecue, Meet Reindeers, Hiking to the Lake, Ice Fishing, Day Tour.
Rovaniemi Insider: Aurora Self-Drive Adventure
Aurora Self-Drive Adventure gives you a new 5-seat car, curated viewing spots, and handy tools for spotting and photographing the Aurora. With safety tips for Arctic driving and optional comfort add-ons, you get the freedom to chase the Northern Lights
Scenic Snowshoeing on the top of Pyhä Fell
Hop on the chairlift and enjoy the vast natural scenery from the top of the fell while taking your first steps in snowshoes, right next to Pyhä-Luosto National Park. Feel the peak and see the sights with the best views to fill up your Instagram!
Snowmobile Safari to Search for Northern Lights
Given extra light by the white snow reflection or the stars and the moon, we follow the snowmobile trails away from city lights and search for a spot to admire the evening sky and expect the magic of the northern lights..
Winter Explorer Camp in Ruka
Step into the magical stillness of Ruka’s snowy fell landscape and surrounding forest and discover the essentials of winter survival.
Northern Lights Chase & Photography Tour (Full Refund) + Deep Sky Telescope Experience
Chase the Northern Lights from Rovaniemi with a photographer
Ranua WildLife Zoo Park Visit
Ever been to an arctic animal zoo, where in the winter the whole place is covered in snow and ice? Come see over 200 species of winter animals including polar bears. Spot the camouflaged animals.
Quad Tour – 1 hour in Arctic Forest with Hot Drink
Enjoy a quad tour through the peaceful forests of Lapland. Ride about 1 hour on trails and take a break with a warm drink in the heart of nature.
Fun on Skis: Cross-country ski adventure in Ruka
Experience most classical Finnish winter-sport: cross-country skiing.
Family Snowmobile Safari
This snowmobile safari is specialised for families and is tailor made for parents with little children. Snowmobiling experience for adults and children alike.
Snowshoeing Tour in the Private Kuoksa Wilderness
Snowshoeing is a great way to experience traversing through the untouched arctic nature. Invigorate yourself with this aerobic winter hike into pure arctic nature.
Aurora Picnic by Campfire at Private Happy Fox Farm, 3 hours (Private Tour)
Have a luxury experience on Aurora Adventure and Photography Tour at private forest. Enjoy the beauty of the Nordic nature by forest walk with campfire and a traditional Finnish picnic.
Authentic Ice Fishing Experience With Snowmobile Safari
Experience the untouched silence of Lapland on a small-group snowmobile and ice fishing adventure. Drive through snowy forests, try traditional ice fishing, enjoy a campfire snack, and meet real reindeer.
Ice Fishing Trip by Minibus, Rovaniemi
Enjoy the silence of a wilderness lake while ice fishing
Husky Safari 5 km, Meet Reindeers, Hot Drink by the River, Self Driving Private and Small Group
Husky safari 5 km self driving and reindeers visit with a hot drink in the chalet by the river in small or private group.
Rovaniemi: Northern Lights Group Tour – Guaranteed View
Guaranteed Viewing – No Auroras, Full Refund
Oulanka national park Adventure
Embark on an adventure to Oulanka National Park and observe the power and might of water! This new, private wilderness adventure takes you to one of the most picturesque and beautiful national parks in Finland.
Ranua Zoo Family Tour from Rovaniemi
Daily tour to Ranua zoo
Rovaniemi Insider Aurora Train at Night
A festive Aurora Train evening through the Lapland wilderness, with an optional Northern Lights mystery game on board
Lapland Dream Tour: Husky Safari & Reindeer Sleight Ride in Rovaniemi at Local Farms
An authentic Arctic experience designed for those who want to discover the most iconic animals of Lapland in one unforgettable tour. This is a unique opportunity to visit authentic and iconic reindeer and husky farms.
Santa Claus Village Tour
Perfect for families with kids, our guide will provide the maximum experience in a streamlined tour so that all the most fascinating parts of Santa Claus Village will be experienced before nap time.
Spend the Night in Nature Like a Reindeer Herder
Spend the night in nature of Lapland in a traditional reindeer herders’ wooden lean-to, laavu. Above, the sky is infinite, and you are surrounded by the silence of Porovaara and the reindeer pastures.
AuroraScapes Rovaniemi: Guaranteed Aurora Hunting Tour with Local Guide
Join a hunt for the Auroras from Rovaniemi with a rare 100% money-back guarantee. Find clear skies with an experienced local guide and witness one of the most beautiful shows nature has to offer!
Rovaniemi: Northern Lights Pro Guaranteed – Unlimited Distance
Local Guided Real Unlimited Aurora Hunting with Photography (small groups)
8 km double the fun, Christmas-New Year Season
Husky tours at Korvala: 8 km sledding, when there’s enough snow, inc. driving lesson, kennel tour, dog cuddles, photo ops, winter clothing, warm drinks & cookies. Max 3 sleds/departure. Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri & Sat at 14:00. Price: €70/child & €140/adult.
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 the Northern Lights Appear Read More about the 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.