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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10 Romantic Winter Tips
5 Snow and ice buildings in Rovaniemi
Winter activities
Hunting Northern Lights with Lappish Barbecue
Hunt for the Northern Lights in the middle of the untouched nature, escaping from the light pollution of the town. Taste a traditional Lappish barbecue and warm yourself by the fire while waiting for the magical lights.
Husky Experience (3km), Rovaniemi
An introduction to dog sledding with your new furry friends
Santa´s Ice Karting 12.00
Ice driving fun with Go-karts!
Rovaniemi: Insider Guided Food Tour With 5 Tastings
Taste Finnish classics across five local restaurants, from salmon soup to reindeer and dessert
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!
Amethyst Mine Tour on Electric Fatbike
Exciting and unique activity in Luosto, Lapland. Ride to the top of the Lampivaara fell and dig for your very own lucky Lappish gem! No active cycling background required.
The Frozen Waterfalls of Kourouoma
Explore the Frozen Waterfalls of Kourouoma on an Enchanting 5km Hike from Rovaniemi
Reindeer and Husky Experience, Rovaniemi
Meet two furry arctic favourites on one trip – and take rides with both!
Combo: reindeer safari & ice fishing experience
Join us and experience our daily life! Combine a reindeer safari with in Lapland’s beautiful nature with an unforgettable ice fishing experience in Sierijärvi Lake.
Visiting package: Introduction to Arctic SnowHotel with lunch at the Ice Restaurant
Dine in a restaurant where tables and benches are made of ice!
Walking with Alpacas 30 min + visit
Walking with alpacas in Santa Claus Village and visit in Santa’s Pets.
Northern Lights Snowmobile Safari from Rovaniemi with Campfire Picnic
Embark on a safari to drive a snowmobile through snowy forests and along the river in the shadows of the…
Rovaniemi: Snowshoe Tour in Vikaköngäs Wilderness & Bbq – Small Group
Snowshoe through Lapland’s snowy forests and frozen lakes at Vikaköngäs. Small groups, expert guides, brand-new 2025 luxury 4×4 vans, thermal gear, and a cozy barbecue by the fire
Snowmobile Safari into the Wilderness
Learn the basics of snowmobiling while enjoying the stunning winter landscape. Watch as snow, ice, and frost transform the scenery, each month adding its own unique touch of Arctic beauty.
Husky Park Visit with Tiny Quarter (2 km) Husky ride
Experience memorable moments and trill of speed sitting pulled by a husky team! After the safari you’ll get to know the other residents of the kennel.
6 km twilight twirl, Nov-Dec
Husky tours at Korvala: 6 km sledding, including driving lesson, kennel tour, dog cuddles, photo ops, winter clothing, warm drinks & cookies. Max 4 sleds/departure. Starts at 13:00 on Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri & Sat. Price: €65/child & €130/adult.
Lapland Winter Park Area Ticket
Lapland Winter Park Area Ticket – Great experiences for the whole day!
Cross Country Skiing Experience – Rovaniemi
Discover Lapland’s winter landscapes the way locals have for generations; peacefully, naturally, and at your own 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.
Aurora ice floating
Dip yourself into frozen lake under the Auroras and let your mind and body float wearing rescue suit that covers your whole body and keeps you dry.
Aurora Dinner at Private Happy Fox Farm, 3 hours (Private Tour)
Private traditional Finnish Dinner inside the luxurious Fox Cottage and have the opportunity to see the Auroras in the midst of the forest.
The Happy Trail Tour
2,5 hour family friendly program with 45 minute self driven husky tour (travel distance approx 6-10 km)
Local Husky experience with sled ride and photographer
Meet the Huskies, the Arctic’s most adorable animals! On this tour, you get to the meet the huskies, try husky sled riding and have the experience captured in memorable, professional photographs.
Snowmobile Safari 2h (Adult), Rovaniemi
Discover Lapland’s unique snowy nature and the fun of snowmobiling
Rovaniemi – Ranua Wildlife Park transfer
Rovaniemi – Ranua Wildlife Park – Rovaniemi transfer for 1-4 people
Kota Dinner at Ounasvaara Chalets, with transfers, Rovaniemi
Traditional dinner in a traditional setting – enjoy an evening of Lappish food and culture
Santa’s Husky Rides, 2.5km Husky ride at the Santa Claus Village
For all our guests who wish to have a shorter ride or are only visiting for a short while we have a cozy kota, some friendly dogs and a nice experience waiting at the Santa Claus Village.
Family Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling is perfect for family fun! Adults drive the snowmobiles while kids enjoy a sled ride. Later, children get to have their own adventure on mini snowmobiles for even more excitement.
Visiting package: Ice sculpting, sauna, jacuzzi and dinner at Kota Restaurant (Autumn)
Create your own ice sculptures, relax in outdoor jacuzzi and have a 3 course dinner by the fire at the Kota restaurant
Snowmobile Driving Experience – Rovaniemi
An effortless introduction to snowmobiling, an unforgettable way to explore Lapland in winter.
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.
Arctic Wildlife Adventure Ranua Wildlife Park Trip
Arctic Wildlife adventure to Ranua
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.