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
Reindeer Safari at a 200-Year-Old Farm & 2.5 km Sled Ride
Feel the rush of icy winds as you glide across pristine Lapland on a traditional reindeer sled at our 200-year-old, family-run working farm—an authentic slice of Rovaniemi heritage—and earn your reindeer driving license by the end!
Arctic Animals Combo Safari
It’s a Arctic Animals Adventure! Meet the magnificent Arctic Animals on our sweet combo adventure. Ride a reindeer sleigh and take a husky sleigh ride through winter landscapes.
Ice Climbing Day in Korouoma Canyon – from Rovaniemi
Unforgettable day trip to the Korouoma Canyon & Nature Reserve in Posio, where the mightiest ice falls in Finland are located.
Longer Trails
Your first ARCTIC ADVENTURE! Adults only*.
Santa Claus Safari 1.12.-6.1., Rovaniemi
An arctic family day of snow fun activities and reindeer sleigh riding completed with meeting Santa
Snowshoeing The white walk
Snowshoeing Adventure Where Every Step Unveils a Tale of Beauty and Bliss
Aurora Pass : Unlimited Northern Lights Hunting Pass
We know nature is unpredictable so we offer you 3 or 5-day pass to increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Our guides will show you where can you see the northern lights from and help you with capturing them on camera.
Vaattukikongas Hike : the forest trail
This is an all year round hike! A way to discover the lappish wilderness through it’s rivers and forests. Landscapes colours can change depending on the time of the year what make it magical
Rovaniemi: Book Your Custom Private Tour
PrivateTour
Sauna and Ice Swimming – Comfort Level
Experience traditional Sauna and ice swimming in Ounas River close to Rovaniemi centre!
Private Wooden Saunahut with Ice Swimming Possibility
Book our traditional wooden saunahut for your company!
Husky Park Visit with Jenga (500 m) Husky ride
An experience in a husky sled! After the tour you will visit the kennel with charming, purebred Siberian Huskies.
Riisitunturi Wilderness Expedition & Barbeque – Small Group
Experience Riisitunturi’s surreal ‘tykky’ snow sculptures and panoramic Arctic vistas on our Wilderness Expedition—perfect for adventurous souls and photo enthusiasts seeking Lapland’s pristine winter beauty, complete with a cozy barbecue
Ice fishing on a frozen lake
On this tour you will learn basics of Ice Fishing and enjoy a pleasant afternoon fishing and photographing on a frozen lake.
Arctic Adventure through Magical Frozen Forests of Riisitunturi
Explore the beautiful landscapes of Riisitunturi National Park with this all-day guided tour departing from Rovaniemi. Your guide will show you the most spectacular winter sceneries and magical snowy trees and teach you about life at the Arctic Circle!
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!
Asking for Ahti’s Treats
A unique ice fishing experience in Lapland’s beautiful winter scenery.
Husky Farm visit and 1 hour self ride safari 12:00-14:30
Husky farm visit and 1 hour self ride safari!
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.
Snowmobile Safari in the Evening 2h, Rovaniemi
Discover Lapland’s unique snowy nature and the fun of snowmobiling
3 hour Snowmobile Safari in Lapland Wilderness – Small Group – Rovaniemi
Escape the crowds and join on a thrilling small-group snowmobile tour through Lapland’s pristine winter landscapes, led by local expert guides.
Northern Lights Snowmobile Driving Safari
Experience the wilderness by driving a snowmobile and hunting the Northern Lights.
Northern Exposure
3 hour program with 1,5 hour self driven husky tour (travel distance approx 12 – 18 km). This is an adults-only tour with a maximum of only 10 participants.
Starry Sky & Northern Lights Experience with Snowshoes
Starry Sky & Northern Lights Experience at beautiful lake Vuosku
Animal Fun Day with Zoo, Husky & Reindeer Sleigh Ride
Observe more than 200 different species of Arctic animals, on your exciting day trip to Ranua Wildlife Park. Enjoy a traditional buffet for a lunch and experience husky and reindeer sleigh ride.
Delightful Quadbike Ride around the Arctic Circle
Join us if you want to drive an ATV (Quad Bike) from a lakeside and through the mystical Arctic forest!
Atv Safari on Ice
Come and experience the winter nature by driving an ATV!
Private transfer to Ranua zoo max 6 pessengers
Private transfer to Ranua zoo max 6 passengers
Rovaniemi City & Santa Claus Village Tour
Rovaniemi city tour with most popular sightseeings and guided Santa Claus Village tour
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.
Hiking with Reindeer 1 hour (private) + visit
Hiking with reindeer in Santa Claus Village and visit in Santa’s Pets.
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.