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
Winter Clothing Set Rental in Rovaniemi
Rent warm and trendy winter clothes for adults and kids in Rovaniemi
Korouoma Canyon – Snowshoe Trip
Korouoma Canyon is a famous hiking destination year around. In the summer time you can admire natural rapids and in the winter time famous ice falls.
Aurora Dinner at Private Happy Fox Farm, 3 hours (Private Tour)
Private traditional Finnish Dinner inside the luxurious Fox Cottage and have the opportunity to see the Auroras in the midst of the forest.
Capturing Auroras – a Photography Workshop in Pyhä
Learn the basics of photographing the magnificent Aurora Borealis
Family Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling equals great family time! During this tour, adults take the wheel of snowmobiles, while children enjoy the ride on a sled. Later, the kids can have a blast with mini snowmobiles.
Cross-Country Skiing Trip
Learn to ski cross-country skiing and admire beautiful landscapes with a local guide. Spend a nice day or half exploring the nature!
Snowshoe Trip in the Forest
Enjoy the beautiful wilderness of Lapland on the snowshoe trip and admire the landscape and enjoy warm beverages and snacks.
Northern Lights Tour
Slow Travel Northern Lights Tour
Visiting package: Ice sculpting, sauna, jacuzzi and dinner at Kota Restaurant (Autumn)
Create your own ice sculptures, relax in outdoor jacuzzi and have a 3 course dinner by the fire at the Kota restaurant
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. Travel deep into the Finnish…
Northern light tour Reindeer Safari
Join us on a night safari with reindeer as we journey through the mystical Lapland forests in pursuit of the Northern Lights
Aurora Picnic by Campfire at Private Happy Fox Farm, 3 hours (Private Tour)
Have a luxury experience on Aurora Adventure and Photography Tour at private forest. Enjoy the beauty of the Nordic nature by forest walk with campfire and a traditional Finnish picnic.
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.
Snowshoe Fun
Experience the pure, silent nature by snowshoes!
Santa Claus Safari 7.1.-7.4., Rovaniemi
An arctic day of snowmobiling and reindeer sleigh riding completed with meeting Santa
To the Kingdom of Snow and Ice – Full day snowmobile safari to ice hotel
The Arctic SnowHotel is one of the must-to-see places, when visiting Rovaniemi and what would be better way than snowmobiling to see this masterpiece.
The Happy Trail Tour
2,5 hour family friendly program with 45 minute self driven husky tour (travel distance approx 6-10 km)
Northern Lights Tour At The Campfire
Enjoy the peace and quiet of our private forest location to watch the northern lights. Includes an enclosed Teepee for roasting snacks over the campfire + our winter clothing.
Rovaniemi Sauna World Ticket (Man)
Arctic Sauna World
Santa Claus Safari 1.12.-6.1., Rovaniemi
An arctic family day of snow fun activities and reindeer sleigh riding completed with meeting Santa
Wilderness Survival Tour – Winter
Experience the wild Taiga forest and what the Lapland wilderness has the best to offer. On this tour, you will feel the peace of Arctic nature, hike through the snowy forest, and learn about your surroundings and some basic survival skills.
Vikakongas Hike Nature and Silence
Vikakongas Hike – Where Every Season Unveils a Spectacular Symphony of Colors and Landscapes
Hiking in Riisitunturi National Park
Experience the ultimate adventure in Riisitunturi National Park
Frozen Lake Ice Fishing
Drill a hole through the thick ice and experience the peaceful thrill of ice fishing in the Arctic wilderness. A true winter tradition!
Mystical New Year’s Party 31.12, Rovaniemi
Welcome in the New Year on the Arctic Circle like you’ve never done before!
Northern Lights Snowmobile Driving Safari
Experience the wilderness by driving a snowmobile and hunting the Northern Lights.
Dinner at Snow restaurant in Snowman World
Dine in a restaurant surrounded by snow and ice sculptures!
Auroras – Northern Lights Trip (photographing tour)
Lapland Welcome legendary evening trip for searching Aurora Borealis – the Northern Lights at the best possible spot. 21.8.-21.4.
AuroraScapes – Guaranteed Aurora Hunting Tour from Rovaniemi with Local Guide
Join a hunt for the Auroras with a rare 100% money-back guarantee. Find clear skies with an experienced local guide and witness one of the most beautiful shows nature has to offer!
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.