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 season; 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 night starts 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 still snowy months, with a hint of spring vide. March and early April is often terrific time for Northern Lights viewing and sunny winter activities.
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 enthusiastists are as excited about the first snow as the visitors!
Usually, the first snow falls in November, sometimes as early as in October, sometimes around December. Snowy winter months create a wonderful winter wonderland and enable a platform for fun winter activities and for 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 disapear as the nature wakes up and gets ready for 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 an 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
Sunrise Safari to Scenic Hillside by Electric Snowmobiles in Rovaniemi
This is the way to start an unique day!
Ice-fishing and snowshoe adventure by snowmobile (3h)
Head for the wild waters on your snowmobile and learn all about the favorite leisure time activity of the locals. During this experience you can also try snowshoes!
Ranua Wildlife Park – photography tour
This photography tour takes us to Ranua wildlife park where we can meet more than 50 species of Arctic animals.
Snowmobile Driving
You will traverse snowy wild forests and feel the fun of driving modern snowmobiles. This is an experience of lifetime!
Northern Lights Hunt Including Snacks on Campfire from Rovaniemi
Discover the magic of the Finnish wilderness on this 3-hour Northern Lights hunt from Rovaniemi….
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.
Rovaniemi 2 days Adventure Package
Join us for the Rovaniemi 2 day adventure package! Experience the most sought-after Rovaniemi activities from your to-do list!
Thrilling day with Siberian Husky and snowmobile safari (Small group)
Action-packed, small group adventure day with real Siberian Huskies, authentic Laplandic lunch and a thrilling snowmobile ride through the pristine, snowy Lapland forests in Rovaniemi!
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.
Finnish Christmas with Santa Claus, 3 hours (Private Tour)
Experience a traditional Finnish Christmas Dinner and meet Santa Claus in private.
Korouoma Frozen Waterfalls Hike
Embark on an unforgettable hiking expedition to the stunning Korouoma Waterfalls!
Lapland Reindeer and Husky Safari from Rovaniemi
Reindeer & Husky fun in one day
Snowshoeing The white walk
Snowshoeing Adventure Where Every Step Unveils a Tale of Beauty and Bliss
Wilderness Kota Dinner, Rovaniemi
Traditional dinner in a traditional setting – enjoy an evening of Lapland food and culture
Reindeer safari in forest of Lapland (sleigh ride about 30-40-min)
Welcome to experience a unique reindeer safari in Lapland’s beautiful nature.
Bus to Ranua Zoo from Rovaniemi
Bus to Ranua Zoo from Rovaniemi
Private transfer to Ranua zoo max 6 pessengers
Private transfer to Ranua zoo max 6 passengers
Snowmobile Safari 2h (Family), Rovaniemi
Discover Lapland’s unique snowy nature and the fun of snowmobiling
Private experience; Local Food with Local Style
Not just an activity, but a local experience, with the locals. We take you beyond pathless roads, electricity and all other comforts we are used to. In a small group setting we let you experience the local food of Lapland in a traditional tiipii!
Riisitunturi wilderness adventure
This wilderness adventure takes you to our absolute best photography location in Riisitunturi national park.
Fatbike Downhill Experience in Pyhä Lapland
Let the ski lift pull you on a fatbike to the top of a slope and then enjoy the fun and speedy ride down with a Bliss Adventure guide! This only-in-Pyhä-Lapland activity is well-suited for mountain bike riders from moderate to expert level.
Ice Fishing Experience by Minivan
Catch trout, perch, and whitefish in the best fishing spots and learn the secrets of ice fishing in Rovaniemi with our Ice Fishing Experience by Minibus!
Husky Farm visit and 1 hour self ride safari 12:00-14:30
Husky farm visit and 1 hour self ride safari!
Private Ranua Zoo tour
Private tour to Ranua Zoo. Your group or family only, flexible timing.
Explore the wilderness
A half-day wilderness adventure is our way to experience the remote and untouched nature of Lapland.
Winter Biking Experience with E-bikes, Rovaniemi
Ride the snowy trails on an electrically-assisted fatbike
The magical smoke sauna and a traditional Lapland dinner
Experience a magical smoke sauna and a traditional Lapland dinner
Snowshoeing Adventure by Night (Aurora Borealis Tour)
Enjoy an evening snowshoeing adventure into the arctic nature of Lapland! Your outdoor guide will take you to some elusive nature area with no light pollution so you can observe the Northern lights in the sky.
Pure amazing mushing husky experience (Small group)
A unique and intimate small group Husky experience in the Lapland’s beautiful winter scenery in Rovaniemi.
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…
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.