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!
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Northern Lights in Rovaniemi Lapland
Northern Lights Tours
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Winter activities
Highlights of Your Arctic Journey
Reindeer, snowmobiles and Santa Claus – a dream come true for all Lapland visitors.
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.
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.
Snowmobile Safari into Arctic Wilderness
This exciting snowmobile excursion takes place beyond the Arctic Circle into the wilderness. After the guide will provide you with…
20 km for the brave, January-April
Husky tours at Korvala: 20 km sledding, including driving lesson, kennel tour, dog cuddles, photo ops, winter clothing, warm drinks & cookies. Max 6 participants. Starts at 12:00 on Saturdays.
Winter Electric Fatbike Rental in Pyhä Lapland – 2, 3 or 4 hours
E-fatbike changes cycling on the forest trails much less strenuous. Often the level of assistance correlates the width of the rider’s smile!
Premium Ice Climbing in Pyhä Lapland
For enthusiasts, Bliss Adventure offers a tailored ice climbing experience in the Tajukangas ice fall
Husky safari 5 km, barbecue, meet reindeers, hiking to the lake, ice fishing, day tour.
Husky safari 5 km, Finnish barbecue, meet reindeers, hiking to the lake, ice fishing, day tour.
Ranua Wildlife Park Experience
An adventurous day trip to Ranua Wildlife Park. Ranua Wildlife Park is located about one hour drive from Rovaniemi.
Cross-Country Skiing Trip
Learn to ski cross-country skiing and admire beautiful landscapes with a local guide. Spend a nice day or half exploring the nature!
Private Rovaniemi city & Santa Claus Village Tour
Get to know Rovaniemi city and meet Santa Claus at the Santa Claus Village on family-friendly private tour.
Hiking with Reindeer 1 hour (private)
Hiking with reindeer in Santa Claus Village and visit in Santa’s Pets.
Aurora Dinner at Private Happy Fox Farm, 3 hours (Private Tour)
Private traditional Finnish Dinner inside the luxurious Fox Cottage and have the opportunity to see the Auroras in the midst of the forest.
Rovaniemi Northern Lights Photography Small-Group Tour
Experience the magic of Lapland and photograph the amazing Northern Lights!
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
Winter clothing set week rental | Rovaniemi
Duration of the activity is dependent on the option (rate) that is selected while booking the product.
Northern Lights Trip to Porovaara Hill
Admire the northern lights in the wilderness on top of a hill with glorious views towards the northern sky!
To the Kingdom of Snow and Ice – Full day snowmobile safari to ice hotel
The Arctic SnowHotel is one of the must-to-see places, when visiting Rovaniemi and what would be better way than snowmobiling to see this masterpiece.
Snowmobile Safari 2h
A snowmobile safari in Lapland isn’t just an activity; it’s a gateway to immerse yourself in the pure magic of…
Rovaniemi: Aurora Hunting Tour with Guarantee
Aurora Hunting Tour from Rovaniemi with Guaranteed Sightseeing
4 km run for fun, November-December
Husky tours at Korvala: 4 km sledding, including driving lesson, kennel tour, dog cuddles, photo ops, winter clothing, warm drinks & cookies. Max 6 participants. Start times: 10:00 & 11:00 Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays.
Northern Lights Hunt by Car
Experience the enchantment of the Northern Lights in Lapland with our Aurora Borealis Hunt by Car, designed for comfort without…
Snowshoeing Adventure by Night (Aurora Borealis Tour)
Enjoy an evening snowshoeing adventure into the arctic nature of Lapland! Your outdoor guide will take you to some elusive nature area with no light pollution so you can observe the Northern lights in the sky.
Vaattukikongas Hike : the forest trail
This is an all year round hike! A way to discover the lappish wilderness through it’s rivers and forests. Landscapes colours can change depending on the time of the year what make it magical
Wilderness Sauna Experience in Winter (Private)
Enjoy a relaxing moment in a wilderness sauna located on the sides of a lake in remote forests. An ice hole in the frozen lake can be open so you may enjoy a dip in the cold waters between two sauna sessions!
Try Ice Climbing in Pyhä Lapland
Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a safe and true ice climbing experience in Pyhä. Just two hours away from Rovaniemi. Suitable also for the beginners, exciting and rewarding for everyone!
Visiting package: Snow sauna experience
Try Finnish sauna and very unique & humid sauna made snow (!) and get to visit Arctic SnowHotel where everything is made of snow and ice
Kota Dinner at Ounasvaara Chalets, with transfers, Rovaniemi
Traditional dinner in a traditional setting – enjoy an evening of Lapland food and culture
Reindeer Farm Visit a real authentic experience
Experience the magic of Lapland’s local culture with our Authentic Reindeer Farm Visit Tour, including feeding, sledding, and cozy cabin time with hot drinks and cookies
Fishing Experience by Snowmobiles 1.12.-6.1., Rovaniemi
Ride through the white wilderness to enjoy ice fishing on a frozen lake
Asking for Ahti’s treats
A unique ice fishing experience in the Lapland’s beautiful winter scenery in Rovaniemi.
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.