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
Daytime Reindeer Safari – 3-hour Wilderness Experience in Rovaniemi
A beautiful reindeer sleigh ride experience in the forest.
Ice Fishing and Snowmobile Experience on a sled
Come and experience an amazing ice fishing adventure with us in the Finnish nature! You’ll get to travel on a snowmobile sleigh to a nearby lake and enjoy the joy of ice fishing.
Early Snow Hiking Adventure from Rovaniemi (October – November)
Experience the first snowfalls of Lapland! In the very early winter, snow is not always guaranteed in Rovaniemi, but don’t worry! Your guide will take you for a snowshoeing adventure and enjoy the fresh snow wherever it has come in the region of Lapland!
Northern Lights safari and meeting reindeer on electric snowmobiles in Rovaniemi
Go in search of the Northern Lights and meet the reindeer! Enjoy the silence of Porovaara, the atmospheric glow of the campfire and the fun company of our reindeer.
Private Aurora Hunting Trip in Rovaniemi
Discover the best Northern Lights spots in Rovaniemi on a private adventure with an expert guide.
Private Wooden Saunahut with Ice Swimming Possibility
Book our traditional wooden saunahut for your company!
Ice Fishing Experience Tour & Barbeque – Small Group
Imagine yourself standing on a frozen lake accessed from our private lakefront property, far from tourists, with breathtaking scenery, crisp air tingling your skin, and the thrill of catching your own fish—followed by a cozy barbecue!
Elf Adventure with Mrs. Claus, Rovaniemi
Get to know how elves spend their freetime!
Riding Tour with Finnhorses at Santa Claus Village
Fun with Finnhorses
Private Ranua Wildlife Park Experience
An adventurous day trip to Ranua Wildlife Park. Ranua Wildlife Park is located about one hour drive from Rovaniemi.
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…
Guaranteed Ultimate Aurora Hunt (Guaranteed or Refund)
Join the most successful & recommended Aurora chasing Tour in the region for an unforgettable journey under the mesmerising Northern Lights!
Children Aurora Tour
Children Aurora Tour
Ranua Zoo and Bbq Picnic
Walk through the nature path as you greet loving and unique local Arctic animals.
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!
Rovaniemi: Lapland In a Day – Reindeer, Sledding, Snowmobile & Nature
Experience the ultimate Lapland day adventure — all the iconic Arctic experiences in one unforgettable day!
Reindeer and Husky Experience, Rovaniemi
Meet two furry arctic favourites on one trip – and take rides with both!
Private Ranua Zoo tour
Private tour to Ranua Zoo. Your group or family only, flexible timing.
Winter Electric Fatbike Rental in Pyhä Lapland – 2, 3 or 4 hours
E-fatbike changes cycling on the forest trails much less strenuous. Often the level of assistance correlates the width of the rider’s smile!
Northern Lights Tour in Atmospheric Cottage
Feel the heritage and natural beauty of Finn-Lapland at the atmospheric cottage. Enjoy +100 years old traditional Finnish cottage located by a lake and a Laavu and explore the beautiful landscape.
Santa Claus Village Tour
Perfect for families with kids, our guide will provide the maximum experience in a streamlined tour so that all the most fascinating parts of Santa Claus Village will be experienced before nap time.
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.
Traditional Finnhorse Sleigh Ride at Scv (3km)
Fun with Finnhorses
Northern Lights Photography Trip & Guaranteed or Moneyback
AuroraPhotographyLXT
Deep Snow Powder Driving
Like it out of trails? Our new deep snow driving safari brings you far to the wilderness where drive partly on untouched powder snow and explore new tracks and spots every day.
Rovaniemi: Book Your Customized Private Tour
PrivateTour
Arctos Winter Spa – Day session (Private)
Spa experience against an Arctic backdrop. Includes wood-heated sauna, hot tub & ice-dipping. Price: 155€ per person
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
Lappish Lunch Break – Snowmobiling, ice fishing and tasty food
Today we do what the locals do on their day offs: snowmobile to a frozen lake for ice-fishing!
Ski Trekking Safari in Lapland
Explore the breathtaking scenery of Lapland on backcountry skis, designed to let you glide over the deep snow in style and live an experience you will long remember.
5km Husky Sleigh Ride not self driven
Embark on an exhilarating 5km husky sled ride as a passenger, surrounded by the stunning Lapland scenery
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.