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
Snow and Ice Buildings in Rovaniemi
Winter activities
Searching for the Auroras
Aurora Prime Time and the Snowmobiling Adventure!
Private Rovaniemi Lakeside Sauna & Fireside Experience
This is more than a sauna — it’s a chance to live like a local, unwind by a crackling fire, and enjoy authentic Finnish traditions, not to mention ice swimming.
Rovaniemi 2 days of Adventures Package
Join us for the Rovaniemi 2 day adventure package! Experience the most sought-after Rovaniemi activities from your to-do list!
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.
Rovaniemi: Arctic Spa with Lapland’s Only Infinity Pool
Welcome to CULTA — the sanctuary of SkyView Igloo Resort.
Arctic Wilderness Ride
Discover Lapland’s breathtaking scenery on an mesmerizing snowmobile journey
Rovaniemi Northern Lights Photography Small-Group Tour
The Best and Original Northern Lights hunting & photography tour in Rovaniemi with over 10 years of experience!
Ice karting at Lapland Winter Park – speedy, fun and a winterlicious activity!
Join the exciting Ice Karting experience in Lapland Winter Park!
Snowmobile Safari into the Wilderness
Learn the basics of snowmobiling while enjoying the stunning winter landscape. Watch as snow, ice, and frost transform the scenery, each month adding its own unique touch of Arctic beauty.
Photoshoot in Nature Location
The cleanest air in the world, thousands of lakes, and an endless amount of forest – these are the things Lappish nature is made from.
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.
Evening Escape – Snowmobile safari and campfire
Join us to experience the magic of the northern nature in the evening twilight on 3 hour snowmobile safari.
Visiting package: Food by the Fire at Kota Restaurant
Great chance of seeing the northern lights in the evening! Visit also Arctic SnowHotel where everything is made of snow and ice
Rovaniemi: Riisitunturi National Park Tour & Bbq – Small Group
Experience Riisitunturi’s surreal snow-covered “tykky” trees and sweeping Arctic vistas on a full-day wilderness expedition. Small groups, expert guides, brand-new 2025 luxury 4×4 vans, thermal gear, and a cozy barbecue by the fire
Kuoksa Reindeer Adventure
Welcome to experience a unique family friendly reindeer safari in in arctic landscapes
Mystery of Aurora Borealis, Rovaniemi
Hunt for the northern light takes you outside the Rovaniemi city lights
Snowmobile Driving Experience – Rovaniemi
An effortless introduction to snowmobiling, an unforgettable way to explore Lapland in winter.
Northern Lights Tour with Finn Horses Sleigh Ride in Lapland
Sleigh Ride with Finnhorse and Aurora Hunting
Visit a Genuine Working Reindeer Farm
Visit our authentic reindeer farm, meet real-life reindeer herders, and feed reindeer in their natural surroundings.
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.
From Kemi: Icebreaker Arktis Cruise with Ice Floating
Icebreaker Arktis cruise with ice floating
Riisitunturi National Park
Discover with us the beauty of Lapland with its snowy landscapes and take photos of this winter wonderland.
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.
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.
Ranua Wildlife Park – Small-Group Photography Tour
This photography tour takes us to Ranua wildlife park where we can meet more than 50 species of Arctic animals.
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.
Visiting package: Sauna, jacuzzi and dinner at Kota Restaurant (autumn)
Great chance of seeing the northern lights in the evening! Try also Finnish sauna, relax in outdoor jacuzzi and have a 3 course dinner by the fire at the Kota restaurant
Snowmobile Sleigh Adventure in Authentic Lapland
Sleigh ride and ice fishing on Lake Marrasjärvi—authentic Lapland adventure with campfire coffee and local treats.
Husky Meet and Greet
Come and get to know our lovely purebred Siberian Huskies even closer! We have a fenced area where you can pet the dogs freely and enjoy their company.
Rovaniemi: Ranua Arctic Wildlife Zoo Park Tour & Hot Bbq lunch
Ever been to an arctic animal zoo, where in the winter the whole place is covered in snow and ice? Come see over 200 species of winter animals including polar bears. Spot the camouflaged animals.
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 the Northern Lights Appear Read More about the 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.