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
Snow and Ice Buildings in Rovaniemi
Winter activities
Wilderness Kota Dinner, Rovaniemi
Traditional dinner in a traditional setting – enjoy an evening of Finnish food and culture
Apukka Snow and Fun
Looking for a family-friendly daytime adventure? Enjoy meeting huskies and reindeer, riding mini snowmobiles, and more! This fun-filled tour also includes a delicious lunch to keep everyone energized.
Scenic Sleighride
Glide through the serene beauty of the Arctic on our Scenic Sleighride, a relaxing one-hour daytime experience designed for those who want to enjoy Lapland’s winter landscapes at a more relaxed pace.
Rovaniemi: Insider Northern lights trip for families
Enjoy a cozy, family-friendly Northern Lights tour in Rovaniemi with short travel, warm indoor spaces, fun outdoor activities for kids, and tasty treats – perfect for families wanting a magical aurora experience without late nights.
Rovaniemi: Insider 5 km Husky Self Drive Adventure
A 5 km self-drive husky safari from Rovaniemi at the kennel we co-own in Jokela. Transfers, winter clothing and a kota break included.
Dinner in Snowland Igloo-restaurant 26.12, Rovaniemi
Dine in a truly arctic atmosphere on ice tables and chairs
Walking with Alpacas 30 min + visit
Walking with alpacas in Santa Claus Village and visit in Santa’s Pets.
Private Guided Ranua Wildlife Park Tour from Rovaniemi with Lunch & Arctic Animal Encounters
Discover Lapland’s leading wildlife attraction on this 5-hour private guided tour from Rovaniemi.
Experience Lapland – Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is the best choice for people seeking for an authentic local experience. Rovaniemi is an ideal location for fishing enthusiasts with a land of forests and lakes covered in snow.
Crossing the Arctic Circle by Electric Snowmobile, Rovaniemi
Enjoy the arctic nature with new silent and emission free electric snowmobile
Snowmobile Safari with Ice Fishing Experience
Join us for a great afternoon of snowmobiling and ice fishing. This tour gives you the opportunity to experience something the local people really enjoy doing on their free time.
Private Premium Northern Lights Hunting
A premium private Northern Lights hunting experience designed for guests who want the highest chance of seeing the aurora in comfort, style, and complete privacy.
Lakeside Sauna & Arctic Bath
Relax in the cozy warmth of our Lakeside Sauna and experience true Finnish calm. Whatever the season, a refreshing dip in Lake Olkka adds an exhilarating touch to your relaxation.
Cross Country Skiing Experience – Rovaniemi
Discover Lapland’s winter landscapes the way locals have for generations; peacefully, naturally, and at your own pace.
8 km double the fun, 11th January-10th April
Husky tours at Korvala: 8 km sledding, including driving lesson, kennel tour, dog cuddles, photo ops, winter clothing, warm drinks & cookies. Max 3 sleds/departure. Starts at 11:00 & 12:00 on Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri & Sat. Price: €70/child & €140/adult.
Guaranteed Aurora Tour with Photos
Guaranteed Aurora Hunt with Photos
Rovaniemi: Ranua Wildlife Park Tour with Transfers
Explore the Arctic’s diverse fauna at Ranua Wildlife Park on a guided tour from Rovaniemi. Enjoy round-trip transfers, entrance tickets, and insights into the region’s wildlife.
Ice Fishing Experience by the lake, Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
Ice Fishing Experience – Feel the athmosphere of Lapland and enjoy the day with us while ice fishing in a private lakeside location.
4 km run for fun, Christmas-New Year Season
Husky tours at Korvala: 4 km sledding, including driving lesson, kennel tour, dog cuddles, photo ops, winter clothing, warm drinks & cookies. Max 4 sleds/departure. Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri & Sat. Price: €60/child & €120/adult, November-January.
Horse trail riding to the snowy hill
Embark on an unforgettable winter adventure in Lapland with a magical horseback ride through snow-covered hills. Small groups!
Northern Lights skiing adventure
On this tour you will go out searching and photographing the Northern Lights by skis!
Sunrise Safari to Scenic Hillside by eSleds
This is the way to start an unique day!
Small Group Electric Reindeer safari with Reindeer Farm visit
Arctic Electric Reindeer safari
Northern light E-Snowmobile adventure in Ruka
Experience the magic of the Arctic night on a truly unique electric snowmobile safari.
First Tracks — Morning Snowmobile Tour from Sinettä, Rovaniemi (3h, small group)
The first ride of the day, when the snow is fresh and the trails are quiet. A 3-hour morning tour from Sinettä, 20 minutes north of Rovaniemi. Small group of 4–6 snowmobiles, an experienced local guide, and free city pickup. Beginner and family friendly.
Northern Lights Electric Snowmobile Safari & Reindeer Experience in Rovaniemi
Ride under the Arctic sky on electric snowmobile and meet the reindeer! Enjoy the silence of Porovaara, the atmospheric glow of the campfire and the fun company of our reindeer.
Snowmobile Photography Trip to Hunt the Auroras
Northern Finland is full of marvelous places for watching the Northern Lights. The first rule is go away from the city lights. The clear and starry sky means you can see the brightest Auroras Borealis!
Kennel Tour at Korvala
Come and visit our Siberian husky kennel and learn all about the daily life of our dogs. Starts at 12:30, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays.
Arctic Wildlife Adventure Ranua Wildlife Park Trip
Arctic Wildlife adventure to Ranua Zoo
Snowshoeing & ice fishing in Ruka
Experience the joy of winter fishing!
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.