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
Private transfer to Ranua zoo max 6 pessengers
Private transfer to Ranua zoo max 6 passengers
Visiting package: Guided Tour at Arctic SnowHotel & Ice Sculpting
Ice sculpting and guided tour of the Arctic SnowHotel
Visit Arctic Snow Hotel
The Arctic Snow Hotel is located 25km away from Rovaniemi and is entire world of snow. Explore a guided tour in snow and ice hotel.
Northern Lights Hunting on Electric Fatbike
Ride through Lapland’s snowy landscapes on an electric fatbike, chasing the elusive Northern Lights under the dark Arctic sky. The thrill of navigating the darkness adds excitement, as the lights could appear at any moment, making each tour unforgettable!
Ice Climbing Day in Korouoma Canyon – from Rovaniemi
Unforgettable day trip to the Korouoma Canyon & Nature Reserve in Posio, where the mightiest ice falls in Finland are located.
Rovaniemi: Family Aurora Evening Tour – Easy & Affordable Northern Lights Experience
A relaxed and family-friendly Northern Lights tour in Rovaniemi. This affordable aurora evening tour is especially for families who want to experience the Aurora Borealis in Lapland without long drives, late nights, o
Family Reindeer farm visit private
Reindeer farm visit in a winter wonderland.
Walking with Reindeer 30min & Visit
Walk with reindeer in Santa Claus Village and visit in Santa’s Pets. Share a reindeer walk. Price is per person for 2 people walking one reindeer.
4 km run for fun, Christmas Season
Husky tours at Korvala: 4 km sledding, including driving lesson, kennel tour, dog cuddles, photo ops, winter clothing, warm drinks & cookies. Max 4 sleds/departure. Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri & Sat. Price: €60/child & €120/adult.
Reindeer farm visit and 1 hour safari 13:30-16:30
Meet the original Reindeer farm with long safari. Experience old and new reindeer husbandry culture working hand-in-hand.
Ice Fishing Like a Finn
Ice fishing might seem out of reach, but this tour lets you try it like a true Finn! Experience the thrill of catching fish on a frozen lake—an unforgettable Arctic adventure awaits.
Apukka Reindeer Journey
Long before Lapland’s trees grew tall, people used reindeer-pulled sleighs to travel across the land. Now you can experience this unique and traditional Arctic mode of transportation for yourself.
Ski Trekking under the Northern Lights
Enjoy an evening Ski Trekking safari through the scenery of Lapland and catch your chance to observe the Northern Lights in the middle of the wilderness!
Amazing Northern Lights with Snowmobiles (Small-Group)
A unique and intimate small group snowmobile adventure in the Lapland’s beautiful forest scenery in Rovaniemi.
Ice Fishing Experience – Rovaniemi
A peaceful and authentic winter experience, perfect for those seeking nature, culture, and a true Arctic atmosphere.
Northern Lights Tour in Atmospheric Cottage
Feel the heritage and natural beauty of Finn-Lapland at the atmospheric cottage. Enjoy +100 years old traditional Finnish cottage located by a lake and a Laavu and explore the beautiful landscape.
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.
Half-day Snowmobile Safari with Lunch
Enjoy the thrill of the snowmobiling across the frozen forests and swamplands to the Arctic Circle Wilderness Lodge – nestled by the river of Raudanjoki, where you will enjoy a lunch by the wilderness restaurant.
Pure Amazing Husky Experience (Small-Group)
A unique and intimate small group Husky experience in Lapland’s beautiful winter scenery in Rovaniemi.
Go on a Northern Lights Hunting and Photography Tour – No Aurora = Full Refund
Aurora Photography Tour LXT
Premium Ice Climbing in Pyhä Lapland
For enthusiasts, Bliss Adventure offers a tailored ice climbing experience in the Tajukangas ice fall
Northern Lights Tour Snowmobile Driving
Snowmobiling allows you to explore snowy landscapes in search of the best spots to witness the ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights, the Aurora Borealis.
Aurora Ice Skating
Skate across a frozen Arctic lake under the stars on our unforgettable Auroras Ice Skating Tour! With the chance to glide beneath the magical Northern Lights, enjoy warm drinks and cookies by the lakeside for the perfect winter night adventure.
Ranua Zoo Family Tour from Rovaniemi
Daily tour to Ranua zoo
Campfire Tour
Experience the ride of 15km driven by a professional musher through snow-crusted forests to a wilderness camp and enjoy a cup of fire-brewed coffee!
Rovaniemi: Northern Lights Pro Guaranteed – Unlimited (Private)
PRIVATE Aurora Hunting Guaranteed Tour With Photography
Ranua Wildlife Park Tour
in the Wildlife Park you can see a polar bear, as well as 50 different other arctic animal species living in the middle of the Northern woods.
Experience Lapland – Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is the best choice for people seeking for an authentic local experience. Rovaniemi is an ideal location for fishing enthusiasts with a land of forests and lakes covered in snow.
Arctos Winter Spa for 2 persons – Day session (Private)
Idyllic spa experience in a winter wonderland setting, just for the two of you. Includes wood-heated sauna, hot tub and ice-dipping. Total price: 399€
Rovaniemi: Insider Northern lights trip for families
Experience the magic of the Northern Lights with the whole family on this cozy, child-friendly adventure!
Private Lakeside Sauna Experience
Experience the ultimate Finnish tradition with our Private Lakeside Sauna with possibility of Northern Lights in the evening and during the day enjoy the white frozen landscapes.
Santa Village & Arctic Animals Combo Adventure
What would you do if you wanted to experience an ultimate winter adventure? Well, of course, you would visit Santa’s village and try husky and reindeer sleigh rides!
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.