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
Snowshoe Experience in Lapland Forest – Rovaniemi
A cozy and authentic winter experience, ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone wanting to slow down and experience the true atmosphere of Lapland.
Husky and Reindeer Experience with Snowmobiling
Experience Reindeer, Huskies, and an Adrenaline-Packed Snowmobile Safari!
Snowmobile Safari to Search for Northern Lights
Given extra light by the white snow reflection or the stars and the moon, we follow the snowmobile trails away from city lights and search for a spot to admire the evening sky and expect the magic of the northern lights..
Northern Lights Hunt & Photography Experience
Join Kotatuli Experiences, a family-run company from Rovaniemi, for an intimate Northern Lights hunt where you’ll not only witness the aurora but also learn how to capture it yourself.
Santa’s Husky Rides, 2.5km Husky ride at the Santa Claus Village
For all our guests who wish to have a shorter ride or are only visiting for a short while we have a cozy kota, some friendly dogs and a nice experience waiting at the Santa Claus Village.
Private Riverside Sauna with Arctic Bath & Outdoor Hot Tub
A Nordic wellness experience: sauna, Arctic bath, and outdoor hot tub by the riverside.
Riisitunturi National Park Hike
Riisitunturi Winter Hike: Tranquil Trails, Warm Drinks, and Surreal Scenery Await
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.
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!
Reindeer and Husky Experience, Rovaniemi
Meet two furry arctic favourites on one trip – and take rides with both!
Rovaniemi: Northern Lights Pro Guaranteed – Unlimited Distance
Local Guided Real Unlimited Aurora Hunting with Photography (small groups)
Rovaniemi: Insider Complete Winter Clothing Set
Rent a full set of warm winter gear—jacket, pants, gloves, and boots—for a comfortable day in Lapland’s cold.
Kid’s Ice Climbing Adventure in Pyhä Lapland
Now even the younger ones can join the ice climbing safely and playfully! Also suitable for an adventurous family.
Arctic Animals Combo Safari
It’s a Arctic Animals Adventure! Meet the magnificent Arctic Animals on our sweet combo adventure. Ride a reindeer sleigh and take a husky sleigh ride through winter landscapes.
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.
Rovaniemi Lapland Husky Experience 5km
Experience an Authentic 5 km Husky Safari
Snowy Forest Reindeer Ride in Rovaniemi
Glide through the snowy forests on a magical reindeer sleigh ride. Meet and hand-feed the reindeer, and warm up by a cozy campfire with delicious snacks.
EBike to Wilderness Skiing in Pyhä Lapland
Life is short and so is one’s vacation. Choose our 2-in-1 activities and experience more in within a shorter period of time!
Husky Sleigh Adventure to an Authentic Reindeer Farm through Ancient Forests
Husky Sleigh Adventure to an Authentic Reindeer Farm through Ancient Forests
Visiting package: Chill and Dine at Ice Restaurant (Evening departure)
Dine in a restaurant where tables and benches are made of ice!
Day trip to Ranua Wildlife Park
Day Trip to Ranua Wildlife Park – Including Transfer & Entrance Tickets
Northern Lights Tour with Finn Horses Sleigh Ride in Lapland
Sleigh Ride with Finnhorse and Aurora Hunting
Korouoma Frozen Waterfall’s Hiking Experience, Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
Korouoma Frozen Waterfall’s Hiking Experience
Northern lights by snowmobile
Discover the stunning Arctic wilderness and chase the elusive Northern Lights by snowmobile on this unforgettable, magical adventure of a lifetime!
Amethyst Mine Tour on Electric Fatbike
Exciting and unique activity in Luosto, Lapland. Ride to the top of the Lampivaara fell and dig for your very own lucky Lappish gem! No active cycling background required.
Aurora ice floating
Dip yourself into frozen lake under the Auroras and let your mind and body float wearing rescue suit that covers your whole body and keeps you dry.
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.
Northern Lights Electric Snowmobile Safari & Reindeer Experience in Rovaniemi
Ride under the Arctic sky on electric snowmobile and meet the reindeer! Enjoy the silence of Porovaara, the atmospheric glow of the campfire and the fun company of our reindeer.
From Haparanda & Tornio: Icebreaker Sampo Cruise and Ice Floating
Step aboard Icebreaker Arktis and dive into a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Highlights of Rovaniemi Day Tour
Adventure through the Arctic! Check out the view from the peak of the local fell. Encounter Santa´s favourite animals. Meet Santa Claus in his village and get your Arctic adventurer certificate for crossing the Arctic Circle.
Santa´s Ice Karting 16.00
Ice driving fun with Go-karts!
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.