Autumn in Rovaniemi
Ruska is the Finnish word for Autumn leaf colour. Natures amazing display is at its best usually in mid-September or at the end of September. This phenomenon is triggered by the dropping temperatures as the nature begins to prepare for winter. Trees get different leaf colours from sparkling yellow to warm oranges and fiery red, even with splashes of purple.
Some summer activities continue until autumn and some early winter activities start at the autumn months, so it is a wonderful time to experience a lot in between the seasons. Versatile services guarantee a lovely holiday.



Harvesting season
Harvesting season
August and September in Rovaniemi are defined by harvesting nature’s crops, namely berries and mushrooms. Locals flock to forests in search of cloudberries, bilberries, lingonberries, boletuses and russula / brittlegill. For visitors, guidance on what and where to pick is available. Typical temperature is 10°C to 20°C.
Northern Lights season
Northern Lights season
Northern Lights are visible starting from late August, so you can combine your autumn trip with unforgettable Auroras. The Northern Lights season continues from the end of summer to early spring in Lapland, Finland. Seeing the dancing lights in the sky is a dream come true experience!
Autumn activities
Autumn activities
Ruska time is one of the best hiking and activities season in Lapland, the nature is booming of colours of fire, it is cooler to hike and the scent is earthy and soft, you can truly breathe nature in and let it fill all your senses. Ruska is also one of the photographic seasons in Lapland. Being one of the best periods for landscape photographers, Rovaniemi might surprise you with easy access to Autumn Colour nature just outside the city centre. There are plenty of routes close to the rivers and scenery spots to marvel the fiery landscapes.
Information about the autumn months
Northern Lights: Possible to appear
Snow: No snow
Phenomenon: Autumn foliage
Average temperature: Between 5 to 15 degrees Celsius
Lenght of the day, average: 13 hours
Northern Lights: Possible to appear
Snow: Possible to appear
Phenomenon: Northern lights
Average temperature: Between October: 0 to 10 degrees Celsius
Lenght of the day, average: 9 hours
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.
If there is no snow yet in November, the available activities are same as in autumn months.
Autumn activities
Children Aurora Tour (pre season)
Children Aurora Tour-autumn
Private Rovaniemi city & Santa Claus Village Tour
Get to know Rovaniemi city and meet Santa Claus at the Santa Claus Village on family-friendly private tour.
Arctic Snowmobile Tour on Private Trails
Join our snowmobile safari to feel the purity of the nature!
Private Traditional Finnish Three Course Dinner, 3 hours (Private Tour)
Experience the traditional Finnish home made dinner in cosy private Fox Cottage without other guests.
Husky visiting package
Come and see the life in Husky Park! You can take photos, visit our beautiful park and meet the genuine Siberian Huskies.
Husky Safari in Rovaniemi with Hot Drinks & Local Husky Farm
A real husky experience designed for those who value time and comfort.
From Rovaniemi: Tour to Ranua Zoo+Lunch
Tour to Ranua Zoo
Vikaköngäs Hiking Tour with Bbq
The Vikaköngäs Hiking Area, located at the southern end of Vikajärvi village, offers trails suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers. Enjoy scenic landscapes, and end your adventure with a relaxing BBQ in the heart of Lapland.
Arctic Summer Private Igloo Lunch
Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime lunch experience
Stand up paddle surf adventure
A new way to explore lapland wilderness by the river or lake! Combine sport and balance with silence and nature
Arctic Berries & Jam Workshop
Pick wild berries in Lapland’s forest and turn them into your own jam. Learn about local plants, enjoy warm drinks and snacks, and take home a sweet taste of the North.
Aurora Borealis Adventure, Rovaniemi
Escape the city lights and experience the northern night
Delightful Quad Bike Ride with Northern Lights and Bbq
Experience the thrill of riding an ATV across the Lappish landscapes and hunt for the magical Northern Lights dancing above your head!
Korouoma Frozen Waterfalls Hike
Korouoma is a Finnish national park known in winter for its frozen waterfalls, and where ice climbers can be found.
Arctic Summer Daylight Spa with Lunch
Arctic Daylight Panoramic Sauna, Hot Tubs, Heated Blue Lagoon Pool and Lunch
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.
Autumn Delight – Visit to reindeer, husky and Santa Claus
Discover the secrets of Santa Claus and visit the husky and reindeer farms
Rovaniemi: Korouoma Canyon Hike Tour & Barbeque – Small Group
Discover Korouoma’s autumn canyon — hike 4–6 km through glowing fall colors, golden forests, and pristine Arctic wilderness. Small groups only, brand-new 2025 luxury 4×4 vans, expert guides, hot drinks & barbecue by the fire
Autumn: Aurora Floating
Dip yourself into a frozen lake under the Auroras and let your mind and body float wearing rescue suit that covers your whole body and keeps you dry.
Taste of Lapland
One of the best summer activities in Lapland shows you awesome hidden places of untouched wild nature.
Explore holiday tips
Unbelievable Seasonal Experiences in Rovaniemi
A day in Rovaniemi city
Alvar Aalto Architecture in Rovaniemi
Finnish Sauna Culture
There are over 3 million saunas in Finland – that’s more than passenger cars. It’s safe to say we love our saunas! For an absolute Rovaniemi experience one must try sauna.
Lapland’s Food Culture in Rovaniemi
Get to Know the Flavours of Lapland
Nature Trails in Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi area is a versatile playground for day hikers. Explore the rugged wilderness, climb a fell, and wander in the relaxing sounds of nature
Reindeer, Huskies and Other Arctic Animals
Book Your Activity with Arctic Animals
Rovaniemi cultural attractions
Rovaniemi is home to two impressive culture and science centres: Arktikum Science Center & Museum and Korundi House of Culture.
Rovaniemi with kids
Santa Claus and Christmas time sights & attractions Christmassy winter activities for families Indoors – all year round Culture experiences…
Santa Claus Village at the Arctic Circle
Santa Claus Village Services Activities in the Santa Claus Village Accommodation in the Santa Claus Village Restaurants in the Santa…
Shopping in Rovaniemi
From small boutiques to shopping centres. Versatile products and services at the Arctic Circle and Rovaniemi City centre
Sustainable Tips for Visitors
Sustainable Travel Finland Companies
The local companies and Visit Rovaniemi are taking part in the Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) program
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!
Santa Claus
There’s no place like Rovaniemi, the Official Hometown of Santa Claus, for genuine Christmas experiences. See here for some Rovaniemi Christmas magic.
Explore the Arctic Seasons
Early winter
Winter
Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa Claus and reallife winter wonderland located at the Arctic Circle in Lapland Finland.
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