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
Hunting Northern Lights by Snowmobile – Rovaniemi
Embark on an unforgettable nighttime snowmobile adventure into the silent Arctic wilderness in search of the Northern Lights.
Arctic Circle Highlights
Enjoy a full day of arctic experiences in Rovaniemi with the huskies and reindeers, visit Santa Claus himself, and make unforgettable memories in Rovaniemi!
Rovaniemi: Ice Fishing Tour on Private Lakefront & Bbq – Small Group
Go ice fishing from our private lakefront property — on a quiet Arctic lake far from tourist crowds. Small groups only, brand-new 2025 luxury 4×4 vans, thermal overalls, all equipment, hot drinks & barbecue by the fire
In Search of the Northern Lights – Reindeer Sleigh Ride Under the Arctic Sky
Available from Mon – Sat at 20.00 or 21.00 departure!
Traditional Finnish Christmas Eve with Santa Claus and Sauna, 4 hours (Private Tour)
Experience a traditional Finnish Christmas Eve with Sauna, Christmas Dinner and meet Santa Claus in private.
Kennel Tour at Korvala
Come and visit our Siberian husky kennel and learn all about the daily life of our dogs. Starts at 12:30, Mon-Tue & Thur-Sat.
Ranua wildlife park
Take a journey in the Ranua wildlife Park and it’s arctic animals
Longer Trails
Your first ARCTIC ADVENTURE! Adults only*.
Visiting package: Introduction to Arctic SnowHotel & Ice Sculpting
Ice sculpting and introduction to Arctic SnowHotel
Night Safari: Chasing Northern Lights with Reindeer (sleigh ride about 40-60 min)
Night safari with reindeer: let’s go through the mystical forests of Lapland and look for the Northern Lights
Riisitunturi National Park Adventure
This wilderness adventure takes you to our absolute best photography location in Riisitunturi national park.
Northern Lights 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
Scenic Sleighride
Glide through the serene beauty of the Arctic on our Scenic Sleighride, a relaxing one-hour daytime experience designed for those who want to enjoy Lapland’s winter landscapes at a more relaxed pace.
Private Reindeer Herder Day Experience, Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
Private Reindeer Herder Day Experience
Pure Snowmobile experience (Small-Group)
A unique and intimate small group snowmobile adventure in Lapland’s beautiful forest scenery in Rovaniemi.
Northern Lights Experience by a Campfire in Traditional Finnish Style from Rovaniemi
Enjoy a peaceful Northern Lights experience in a cosy private forest location away from light pollution.
Visit of authentic reindeer farm in winter (with a reindeer ride if conditions permit)
Visit an authentic reindeer farm in Sierijärvi Village in Rovaniemi, Lapland. Enjoy also a reindeer ride.
Private Northern Lights photography tour
On this private Northern Lights hunting tour we will take you to best locations to experience and photograph the amazing Auroras. Guaranteed best chance to witness the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi!
Rovaniemi: Insider Private Aurora Hunting Trip
Discover the best Northern Lights spots in Rovaniemi on a private adventure with an expert guide.
Horseback Ride in Finnish Forest from Rovaniemi
Trail riding in breathtaking arctic hillscapes. This experience is especially suitable for nature lovers who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and experience Lapland’s nature and the current season together with horses.
Snowmobile Experience on a Sled
Escape Rovaniemi for a small-group sleigh adventure in the remote village of Marrasjärvi. Ride through snowy forests, enjoy campfire coffee and homemade buns, and discover Lapland’s traditions in an authentic, peaceful setting.
Family Snowmobile Experience at Arctic Park
Experience safe, family-friendly snowmobiling, sledding, campfires, and reindeer encounters—an authentic winter adventure for all ages, guided by a local Lapland family.
Horse-Drawn Sleigh Experience
Come and experience an unforgettable horse sleigh ride in the traditional Finnish way. Kotatuli Experience offers a snowy adventure in a horse-drawn sleigh, where you can admire the winter Lapland nature and snowy forests.
Small Group Ice Fishing Experience With Snowmobile Sleigh ride
Experience the untouched silence of Lapland on a private ice fishing adventure. Ride a snowmobile-towed sleigh, try ice fishing, enjoy a campfire snack, and meet real reindeer.
Insider Ice Fishing Adventure
Experience traditional Finnish ice fishing on a frozen lake, complete with campfire and hot drinks.
Private Riverside Sauna with Arctic Bath & Outdoor Hot Tub
A Nordic wellness experience: sauna, Arctic bath, and outdoor hot tub by the riverside.
From Kemi: Icebreaker Sampo Cruise and Ice Floating
Step aboard Icebreaker Arktis and dive into a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Snowmobiling Quick Spin – 2 h snowmobile experience
Master the art of driving a snowmobile on 2 hour snowmobile safari
Searching for the Auroras
Aurora Prime Time and the Snowmobiling Adventure!
Magic of the Forest and Log Sauna Winter, 4 hours (Private Tour)
Feel the healing effects of the forest, herbs and log sauna of Fox Cottage with herbal bath for feet or treatment for hands. After the sauna we’ll serve you traditional Finnish dinner.
Husky Safari 5 km, Meet Reindeers, Hot Drink by the River, Self Driving Private and Small Group
Husky safari 5 km self driving and reindeers visit with a hot drink in the chalet by the river in small or private group.
New Year Party at Kingdom of Snow and Ice
Safartica invites you to celebrate the New Year 2027 to the amazing Arctic SnowHotel!
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.