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!
6 ways to experience frozen waters in Rovaniemi
Northern Lights in Rovaniemi Lapland
Northern Lights Tours
6 Wintery surfaces in Lapland
10 Romantic Winter Tips
5 Snow and ice buildings in Rovaniemi
Winter activities
Snowmobile & Animals Day Tour
Experience an action-packed day in the Arctic and get to know the different means of transportation of the locals!
Aurora Arctic Ice Floating
We are about to introduce you to the most original, ultimately fun, and a fantastic way of experiencing the Northern lights. Take a dip in a frozen lake under the Northern lights!
Bucket List Bus Tour – Aurora Hunting Guaranteed Tour
Aurora Hunting with a Guarantee – See the Lights or Get Your Money Back
Fisherman’s Luck by snowmobile
Head for the wild waters on your snowmobile and learn all about the favorite leisure time activity of the locals.
Ice Fishing in Rovaniemi
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.
Santa Claus Safari 7.1.-7.4., Rovaniemi
An arctic day of snowmobiling and reindeer sleigh riding completed with meeting Santa
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.
Bus to Ranua Zoo from Rovaniemi
Bus to Ranua Zoo from Rovaniemi
Long Reindeer Safari in the nature of Lapland (sleigh ride about 50-60 min)
Welcome to experience a unique reindeer safari in Lapland’s beautiful nature in our long reindeer safari.
Scenic electric fat bike group ride in Rovaniemi
Join us to the group ride every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to experience the beutiful views and epic winter fat bike trails of Rovaniemi with electric fat bike.
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.
2-Hour Snowmobile Safari
Join us on this unique 2-Hour Snowmobile Safari and feel the excitement of driving through the snowy forests in the Lappish wilderness.
Wilderness Survival Tour – Winter
Experience the wild Taiga forest and what the Lapland wilderness has the best to offer. On this tour, you will feel the peace of Arctic nature, hike through the snowy forest, and learn about your surroundings and some basic survival skills.
Trail Riding in Breathtaking Arctic Hillscapes 1,5h
Trail riding in breathtaking arctic hillscapes. This experience is especially suitable for nature lovers who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and experience Lapland’s nature and the current season together with horses.
Santa Village & Arctic Animals Combo Adventure
What would you do if you wanted to experience an ultimate winter adventure? Well, of course, you would visit Santa’s village and try husky and reindeer sleigh rides!
Visit the Reindeer Sleigh School
If you love animals, this is the must have tour to you. Visit our Reindeer Sleigh school, meet our lovely students, and learn about animal friendly training methods usable also with other animal species.
Fishing Experience by Snowmobiles 7.1.-12.4., Rovaniemi
Ride through the white wilderness to enjoy ice fishing on a frozen lake
Ski Trekking under the Northern Lights
Enjoy an evening Ski Trekking safari through the scenery of Lapland and catch your chance to observe the Northern Lights in the middle of the wilderness!
Unlimited Northern Lights Guarantee Tour with Photographer & Unlimited Mileage/Time – Small Group
Unlike conventional tours that limit their guests to a single location, we take you on an exhilarating chase to follow the northern lights wherever they may appear
Traditional Finnish Sauna Experience at Lake Vuosku near Rovaniemi
Traditional Finnish Sauna Experience (4 Hours)
Atv Safari on Ice
Come and experience the winter nature by driving an ATV!
Area Ticket
Lapland Winter Park Area Ticket – Great experiences for the whole day!
Starry Sky & Northern Lights Experience with Snowshoes
Starry Sky & Northern Lights Experience at beautiful lake Vuosku
Visit to a Family Husky Home and 8-10 km Sled Ride
This is a lovely experience for families with small children. You will get to see local lifestyle, meet our lovely huskies, drive your own husky sled and enjoy relaxing with your family and friends.
Rovaniemi – Ranua Wildlife Park transfer
Rovaniemi – Ranua Wildlife Park – Rovaniemi transfer for 1-4 people
Visiting package: Ice sculpting and dinner at Kota Restaurant (Autumn)
Create your own ice sculptures and have 3 course dinner by the fire at the Kota restaurant
SnowExperience365
Entrance to the SnowExperience365
Rovaniemi Private Yogaclass
Yoga Experience Balanced Mind and Body
Snowmobile Safari 2h (Adult), Rovaniemi
Discover Lapland’s unique snowy nature and the fun of snowmobiling
Husky Safari Winter Tour & Barbeque – 6-10 km Self-Driving Mushing – Small Group
Experience the exhilaration of racing through snow-kissed forests and across frozen lakes with a team of spirited huskies. Feel the rush of the crisp winter air as you glide effortlessly, forging unforgettable memories in the heart of nature
Private Northern lights picnic by the lake, Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
Feel the athmosphere of Lapland evening and night and enjoy beautiful northern lights. You get to try also an easy winter activity, snowshoeing, and enjoy the quietness and beauty of the nature.
Elf Hat Academy in Santas Village
Welcome to the Elf Hat Academy, located near Santa’s main office in the Arctic Circle. Learn the elf wisdom and graduate as an elf in this interactive show!
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 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.