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
Rovaniemi: Northern Lights Group Tour – Guaranteed View
Guaranteed Viewing – No Auroras, Full Refund
Canoeing Tour on Lake Olkka
Paddle across magical Lake Olkka under the Arctic sun in a spacious eight-person canoe. Suitable for all skill levels, this scenic adventure promises fun, fresh air, and stunning Lapland views.
Private meeting with Santa in Santa Claus Cottage in Rovaniemi
Private Santa Meeting in Rovaniemi: Step into a snowy forest at Porovaara for a private meeting with Santa Claus and his reindeer. Cosy cottage, peaceful surroundings, and magical family moments await.
Reindeer Farm Summer Experience
Visit the most authentic reindeer farm in rovaniemi and learn about local lifestyle and about reindeers
Local Reindeer farm visit with photographer (summer & autumn)
On this tour you will visit authentic reindeer farm outside of Rovaniemi and meet these Arctic animals in very close distance.
The Aurora Trail (Family friendly)
The magic of a nocturnal forest can only be highlighted by a blaze of Auroras.
Overnight Bear Safari – Kuusamo & Oulanka rapids – Small Group Tour
Take an opportunity to seek for the bears in their habitat. These lovely ones have excellent senses of smell, sight, and hearing.
Unlimited Northern Lights Guarantee Tour with Photographer & Unlimited Mileage/Time – Small Group
Join Rovaniemi’s Original Aurora Hunters—20 generations since 1600s. Guaranteed Northern Lights, expert‑led small‑group tour, brand-new 2025 luxury 4×4 vans, unlimited mileage, professional photos & 24/7 Aurora tracking!
Pyhä-Luosto Natural Park Hiking Tour & Naava Exibition Center.
Explore Pyhä-Luosto Natural Park’s best hiking trails and stop by the Naava visitor centre for a fascinating nature exhibition on this guided day trip.
Northern Lights Hunting Adventure – Small Group Photography Tour – Rovaniemi
A small-group experience designed for comfort, flexibility, and the best possible Northern Lights viewing conditions.
Wilderness E-Bike Adventure
Join us for an electric fat bike adventure, taking you through peaceful forests and exciting uphill and downhill paths.
Husky Safari in Rovaniemi with Hot Drinks & Local Husky Farm
A real husky experience designed for those who value time and comfort.
Rovaniemi: Northern Lights Pro Guaranteed – Unlimited Distance
Local Guided Real Unlimited Aurora Hunting with Photography (small groups)
Private Northern Lights Photography Tour – Group up to 6 travellers
PrivateTour
Private Korouoma Hiking, Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
Private Korouoma Hiking
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.
Photoshoot in Nature Location
The cleanest air in the world, thousands of lakes, and an endless amount of forest – these are the things Lappish nature is made from.
Ranua Wildlife Park Photo Tour
Join a guided Ranua Wildlife Photography Tour and receive professional photos capturing the animals in stunning detail.
Private transfer to Ranua zoo max 6 pessengers
Private transfer to Ranua zoo max 6 passengers
A day in old Finnish Life – Traditional countryside home visit
Choose more than an activity — step into the warmth of old Finnish countryside life, where hospitality, stories, and slow living still shape the day.
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
Read more about Lappish treats
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, husky and other Arctic Animals
Examples of Activity products
Rovaniemi cultural attractions
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 Santa Claus Village Accommodation in Santa Claus Village Restaurants in Santa Claus Village Sights…
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 Northern Lights appear Read more about Northern Lights in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland Explore Seasons in Rovaniemi