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 Lakeside Sauna Experience
Experience the ultimate Private Finnish tradition with our Private Lakeside Sauna with possibility of Northern Lights in the evening and during the day enjoy the white frozen landscapes.
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.
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.
Lappish Lunch Break – Snowmobiling, ice fishing and tasty food
Today we do what the locals do on their day offs: snowmobile to a frozen lake for ice-fishing!
The Frozen Waterfalls of Korouoma Photography Tour- Small group
Hike in the stunning beauty of the Finnish landscape with a spectacular view of dripping icicles. Discover the nature of Arctic Circle, including frozen waterfalls, canyons and forests, as you stop and taste the Lappish cuisine.
Family Snowmobile Safari
This snowmobile safari is specialised for families and is tailor made for parents with little children. Snowmobiling experience for adults and children alike.
Arctic Delight – Visit to Santa’s Village and snowmobiling and reindeer farm
Discover the secrets of Santa Claus and the reindeer on visit to Santa Claus Village by car and reindeer farm by snowmobile!
Lapland Winter Park Mini Snowmobile Ticket for Children
Mini Snowmobile
Traditional Finnhorse Sleigh Ride at Scv (3km)
Fun with Finnhorses
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.
Winter Adventure Reindeer Safari in Rovaniemi, Santa Claus Village
Secure your spot before today’s rides sell out.
Snow Express (5km tour)
Snow express tour starts at 12.30 / Best choice for families with small children and for those who are satisfied with a shorter ride.
Entrance tickets and Dinner at Snow restaurant in Snowman World
Dine in a restaurant surrounded by snow and ice sculptures!
Scenic Snowshoeing on the top of Pyhä Fell
Hop on the chairlift and enjoy the vast natural scenery from the top of the fell while taking your first steps in snowshoes, right next to Pyhä-Luosto National Park. Feel the peak and see the sights with the best views to fill up your Instagram!
2-Hour Snowmobile Safari
Join us on this unique 2-Hour Snowmobile Safari and feel the excitement of driving through the snowy forests in the Lappish wilderness.
Rovaniemi: Insider Reindeer Farm Visit and Short Sleigh Ride
Enjoy a peaceful 400 m reindeer sleigh ride, meet the animals up close, and warm up with drinks and cookies by the fire—just a short trip from Rovaniemi and perfect for all ages.
6 km afternoon run, 11th January-10th April
Husky tours at Korvala: 6 km sledding, including driving lesson, kennel tour, dog cuddles, photo ops, winter clothing, warm drinks & cookies. Max 4 sleds/departure. Starts at 13:00 on Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri & Sat. Price: €65/child & €130/adult.
20 km for the brave, 16th January-10th April
Husky tours at Korvala: 20 km sledding, including driving lesson, kennel tour, dog cuddles, photo ops, winter clothing, warm drinks & cookies. Max 3 sleds/departure. Starts at 9:30 on Saturdays. Price: €100/child & €200/adult.
Private | 10 km Husky Tour For Families
This is a lovely experience for families with small children. You will get to see local lifestyle, meet our lovely huskies, drive your own husky sled and enjoy relaxing with your family and friends.
Northern Lights Tours in Rovaniemi
On Northern Lights Tour in Rovaniemi’s country-side, we embark on a quest to find these magical lights, doing everything we can to give you the best chance of experiencing them. During the tour, you’ll also relax by a cozy campfire.
12 km mush a bit more, 11th January-9th April
Husky tours at Korvala: 12 km sledding, including winter clothing, driving lesson, kennel tour, dog cuddles, photo ops, warm drinks & cookies. Max 3 sleds/departure. Starts at 9:30 on Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri. Price: €80/child & €160/adult.
Backwoods Adventure
This safari is for those with a ranger attitude, an appetite for wilderness adventure and proper long-distance snowmobile driving.
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.
Nulkki Husky Adventure
Family Friendly 5km Self Driven Husky Sleigh Tour
Excursion to Ranua Wildlife Park, Rovaniemi
See and learn about arctic animals, including polar bears, in an authentic wilderness setting
Longer Trails
Your first ARCTIC ADVENTURE! Adults only*.
Snowshoeing to Scenic Hut & Signature Sausage
This tour leads you to a scenic private hut in the Bear Hill area, where your guide prepares a fire and serves our signature reindeer sausage with lingonberry. The combination of peaceful snowshoeing and a private wilderness setting.
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: Insider 10 km Husky Self‑Drive Adventure
Drive your own team of huskies on a 10 km safari through snowy forests. Includes transfers, thermal clothing, hot drinks, and time to meet the dogs. A hands-on Arctic experience for adventurous travelers.
Winter Kids hike with sleds & lunch
This is a nature experience with a hike, lunch at the bonfire, sleds and lots of family fun.
Husky Park Visit with Tiny Quarter (2 km) Husky ride
Experience memorable moments and trill of speed sitting pulled by a husky team! After the safari you’ll get to know the other residents of the kennel.
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.