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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Snow and Ice Buildings in Rovaniemi
Winter activities
Northern Lights Safari by Electric Snowmobiles in Rovaniemi
eSleds do not disturb animals or nature’s delicate balance
Children’s Pulk Rental in Pyhä Lapland – 1 day, 3 or 5 days
Fjellpulken Classic Children’s pulk offers outstanding safety, comfort, and wind protection for kids. Built for harsh winter conditions, it’s ideal for family adventures in the snow.
Electric Snowmobile Safari & Reindeer Experience in Rovaniemi
Go and admire the snowy forests of Porovaara on an electric snowmobile! On a silent and peaceful electric snowmobile safari you will get closer to nature and forest animals.
From Kemi: Icebreaker Arktis Cruise with Ice Floating
Icebreaker Arktis cruise with ice floating
Lapland Wilderness Husky Safari 7,5 km
Let the huskies guide you – a 7,5 km sled journey through breathtaking winter terrain.
Scenic Snowshoeing on the top of Pyhä Fell
Hop on the chairlift and enjoy the vast natural scenery from the top of the fell while taking your first steps in snowshoes, right next to Pyhä-Luosto National Park. Feel the peak and see the sights with the best views to fill up your Instagram!
6 km twilight twirl, Christmas-New Year Season
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, Nov-Jan.
Apukka Husky Adventure
Dreaming of mushing? Our huskies at Apukka are ready to take you on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking Arctic landscape.
Snowmobile Safari to Search for Northern Lights
Given extra light by the white snow reflection or the stars and the moon, we follow the snowmobile trails away from city lights and search for a spot to admire the evening sky and expect the magic of the northern lights..
Campfire Tour
Experience the ride of 10km driven by a professional musher through snow-crusted forests to a wilderness camp and enjoy a cup of fire-brewed coffee!
Family Snowmobile Experience
Experience safe, family-friendly snowmobiling, sledding, campfires, and reindeer encounters—an authentic winter adventure for all ages, guided by a local Lapland family.
Rovaniemi: Insider Reindeer Farm Visit and Short Sleigh Ride
Enjoy a peaceful 400 m reindeer sleigh ride, meet the animals up close, and warm up with drinks and cookies by the fire—just a short trip from Rovaniemi and perfect for all ages.
Snowmobiling, Ice Fishing & Lappish Lunch – Catch the Arctic Spirit
Guided snowmobile safari with Ice fishing break and outdoor lunch
Snowmobile Safari and Reindeer Experience
Drive a Snowmobile and meet the Reindeer in Rovaniemi!
Reindeer and Husky Experience, Rovaniemi
Meet two furry arctic favourites on one trip – and take rides with both!
Barrel sauna and ice dipping in Kemijoki river Rovaniemi
Barrel sauna and ice dipping in Kemijoki river
Private Tour : Husky safari 5 km with hot drink
Private Husky Safari – Exclusive Experience in Wild Lapland
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.
Visiting package: Introduction to Arctic SnowHotel & Ice Sculpting
Ice sculpting and introduction to Arctic SnowHotel
Kuoksa Husky & Reindeer Adventure
Drive your own husky sleigh, glide through the snowy forest on a reindeer sleigh ride and warm up with open-fire salmon soup in a traditional teepee. Two classic Lapland experiences in one adventure, with a cozy break in between.
Arctic Ice Floating
Experience the Calm of Arctic Waters: Float in Cozy Comfort with Warm Drinks Under the Lappish Sky
Call of the Wild Tour
A 3 hour small group program with 1,5 hour self driven husky tour (travel distance approx 12 – 18 km)
Hunting Northern Lights by Snowmobile – Rovaniemi
Embark on an unforgettable nighttime snowmobile adventure into the silent Arctic wilderness in search of the Northern Lights.
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!
Aurora Borealis Safari by Electric Snowmobile, Rovaniemi
Scan the arctic night sky on a snowmobile looking for the Northern Lights
Trip to Santa’s Hideaway 24.12, Rovaniemi
Discover Santa’s secret spot and join his helpers on the Christmas fun!
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.
Northern Lights Photo Hunt
Chase the Northern Lights from Rovaniemi with a professional photography guide.
Santa´s Ice Karting 16.00
Ice driving fun with Go-karts!
Mini Snowmobile Experience for Children – Lapland Winter Park
Kids can enjoy a fun and safe mini-snowmobile adventure on a specially designed track, perfect for young explorers.
Try Ice Climbing & Snowshoeing in Pyhä Lapland
Experience the thrill of ice climbing and the magic of snowshoeing – all in one epic Arctic adventure, designed for first-timers and outdoor lovers alike!
Santa Village & Arctic Animals Combo Adventure
What would you do if you wanted to experience an ultimate winter adventure? Well, of course, you would visit Santa’s village and try husky and reindeer sleigh rides!
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.