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 season; 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 night starts 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 still snowy months, with a hint of spring vide. March and early April is often terrific time for Northern Lights viewing and sunny winter activities.
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 enthusiastists are as excited about the first snow as the visitors!
Usually, the first snow falls in November, sometimes as early as in October, sometimes around December. Snowy winter months create a wonderful winter wonderland and enable a platform for fun winter activities and for 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 disapear as the nature wakes up and gets ready for 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 an 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
5km Husky Sleigh Ride not self driven
Experience an amazing snowy trail safari with a team of huskies!
Searching for the Auroras (3h)
One of the best times to spot the Auroras is said to be in the evening even before midnight and exactly then we will be on a premium spot in the nocturnal landscape!
Skiing Trip to the Arctic Nature, 3 hours (Private Tour)
Skiing is the most popular locals winter activity. On our private skiing trip you can experience beauty of the arctic winter forest and charm of the campfire and a traditional Finnish picnic.
Private experience: Learning through and about arctic nature
Not just an activity, but a local experience, with the locals. Are you excited about learning the unique wilderness of Lapland? We’ll show you how to combine outdoor activities with knowledge, facts and hands-on way of doing things.
Apukka Snow and Fun
Huskies, reindeer, snow fun and mini snowmobiles for children! You can have it all! Apukka Snow and Fun is a great way for families to have a taste of the best experiences at the Arctic Circle! Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat at 10:00
Private experience; Local Food with Local Style
Not just an activity, but a local experience, with the locals. We take you beyond pathless roads, electricity and all other comforts we are used to. In a small group setting we let you experience the local food of Lapland in a traditional tiipii!
Silent eSled Safari and Ice Fishing Experience in Rovaniemi
On our ice fishing safari to lake Lehtojärvi you will learn the secrets of ice fishing which is a popular pastime in Finland
Trail Riding in Breathtaking Arctic Hillscapes 3h
Trail riding in breathtaking arctic hillscapes. This experience is perfect for nature-lovers who are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Our location is far away from the city, providing a peaceful and tranquil environment.
Lapland Snowmobile Safari from Rovaniemi
This snowmobile safari will give you a chance to ride on the forest trails around…
Snowshoe adventure in the Wilderness
Snowshoes grant us access to remote areas allowing us to connect with untouched nature and take in the glorious atmosphere of Arctic forests.
The Happy Trail Tour
2,5 hour family friendly program with 45 minute self driven husky tour (travel distance approx 6-10 km)
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 in Atmospheric Cottage
Step inside over the 100y old cottage and behold the dance of the Northern Lights
Visit the Reindeer Sleigh School
If you love animals, this is the must have tour to you. Visit our Reindeer Sleigh school, meet our lovely students, and learn about animal friendly training methods usable also with other animal species.
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.
Exclusive Lapland Survival
Not just an activity, but a local experience, with the locals. Want to step out of your comfort zone? Come with us and exceed your limits in this unique survival experience!
Kota Dinner at Ounasvaara Chalets, without transfers, Rovaniemi
Traditional dinner in a traditional setting – enjoy an evening of Lapland food and culture
Atv Safari on Ice
Come and experience the winter nature by driving an ATV!
Arctic Circle Crossing Ceremony
Fascinating ceremony at the Arctic Circle
The Longest Reindeer Safari (7km)
Enjoy the longest reindeer ride possible in Rovaniemi area and Southern Lapland. You will visit an authentic reindeer farm, harness your own reindeer and go for a long reindeer sled ride through the white forests of Lapland!
Thrilling snowmobile safari (Small group)
A unique and intimate small group snowmobile adventure in the Lapland’s beautiful forest scenery in Rovaniemi.
Outdoor Photo session in Rovaniemi
Immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of Rovaniemi with our Outdoor Photo Session!
Excursion to Aurora Borealis Camp by Bus 1.12.-6.1., Rovaniemi
Discover the phenomena of the northern sky at our Northern Lights base
Arctic Snowshoeing Day
Join the tour to try an authentic way to go through powdery fresh snow. The snowshoes are the best for hiking on rolling to steep hills.
Snowmobile Safari into the Wilderness
This tour offers a wonderful way to learn the ins and outs of snowmobiling. As for the scenery, it’s a visual feast, with captivating snowy forests and frozen marshlands awaiting your exploration. Daily at 10:00 & 14:00
Santa’s Pets Visit
Meet domestic animals next to the Santa Claus Office. Tickets are valid all day!
Ice Fishing Trip
This Ice Fishing Trip offers a great chance to enjoy the wilderness of Lapland while experiencing a traditional activity that many locals like to practice.
Walking with Alpacas 30 min
Walking with alpacas in the forest at Santa Claus Village and visit in Santa’s Pets.
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!
Riisitunturi wilderness adventure
This wilderness adventure takes you to our absolute best photography location in Riisitunturi national park.
New Year Party at Kingdom of Snow and Ice
Safartica invites you to celebrate the New Year 2025 to the amazing Arctic SnowHotel!
Winter clothing set day rental | Rovaniemi
Warm and trendy, high-quality winter clothes for rental during your visit. Choose this option for 1 to 4 day rental.
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…
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.