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: Insider Northern lights trip for families
Enjoy a cozy, family-friendly Northern Lights tour in Rovaniemi with short travel, warm indoor spaces, fun outdoor activities for kids, and tasty treats – perfect for families wanting a magical aurora experience without late nights.
Embrace the Forest
Hear the sounds, feel the life, taste the sweetness, smell the purity and witness with your own eyes the wonderment of Lapland. Immerse yourself into nature and embrace the healing energy of the forest like a Finn.
Pure husky kennel visit
Visiting the husky kennel and walking with the huskies in the forest to train them to be with people.
Early Winter Snowmobile Safari 2 hours
Gear up and hop on a snowmobile for a thrilling ride through the wild. Enjoy the peaceful early winter landscape as you explore the wilderness on this exciting and scenic adventure.
Rovaniemi: Korouoma Frozen Waterfalls Hike with Hot Bbq Lunch
Discover the Frozen Beauty: Korouoma’s Breathtaking Waterfall Expedition!
Best of Rovaniemi – Hidden gems and polaroid photos
Discover hidden gems around Rovaniemi, learn about the local lifestyle and get polaroid photos to keep as a memory.
Canoeing Trip from Husky Home to Reindeer Farm
See the huskies and reindeer while enjoying a lovely paddle trip.
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.
Ranua Wildlife Zoo Park Visit & Auttiköngäs Visit
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Ranua Zoo in Lapland’s winter wonderland.
Reindeer Sleigh School – The Science of Animal Training
Go behind the scenes of our Reindeer Sleigh School and discover how young reindeer learn to become calm, confident partners…
Yoga Hike
Experience the healing power of nature by hiking and doing yoga in the nature.
Private Northern Lights Photo Tour
Private Northern Lights photography tour from Rovaniemi with a flexible itinerary.
Kayaking Adventure
Paddle through the serene waters of river and Lake Alajärvi, a secluded Arctic gem just 60 km from Rovaniemi, experience Lapland’s unspoiled wilderness.
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.
Early Winter Reindeer Sleigh Ride 1-2km
Glide through Lapland’s snowy landscapes on a traditional reindeer-drawn sleigh, experiencing a timeless Arctic tradition for yourself.
Quad Tour – 1 hour in Arctic Forest with Hot Drink
Enjoy a quad tour through the peaceful forests of Lapland. Ride about 1 hour on trails and take a break with a warm drink in the heart of nature.
Rovaniemi: Northern Lights Group Tour – Guaranteed View
Guaranteed Viewing – No Auroras, Full Refund
Korouoma Canyon Nature Reserve Area Summer Hike
Korouoma is a Finnish national park known in winter for its frozen waterfalls, but it offers spectacular views also in the summer time
VÄKI – Forest Bath
Welcome to this inclusive, private and guided experience. With our local guide you will feel and sense the power of the nature – Väki.
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.
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 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 Northern Lights appear Read more about Northern Lights in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland Explore Seasons in Rovaniemi