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
Ranua Wildlife Park Guided Tour, Lunch included
Guided tour of Ranua Zoo – the northernmost zoo in the world. We will take you to see 50 different animal species, including the only polar bears in Finland.
Northern Lights Safari by Electric Snowmobiles in Rovaniemi
eSleds do not disturb animals or nature’s delicate balance
Snowmobiles, Reindeer & Traditional Tastes – Lapland Dreams
guided snowmobile safari approx. 1h, visit to a reindeer farm, 500m reindeer sleigh ride, soup lunch
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.
Aurora Ice Skating
Skate across a frozen Arctic lake under the stars on our unforgettable Auroras Ice Skating Tour! With the chance to glide beneath the magical Northern Lights, enjoy warm drinks and cookies by the lakeside for the perfect winter night 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.
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.
Korouoma Canyon Experience – Rovaniemi
An unforgettable winter experience combining natural wonders, gentle adventure, and authentic Lapland atmosphere.
Santa Claus Safari 1.12.-6.1., Rovaniemi
An arctic family day of snow fun activities and reindeer sleigh riding completed with meeting Santa
Premium Ice Climbing in Pyhä Lapland
For enthusiasts, Bliss Adventure offers a tailored ice climbing experience in the Tajukangas ice fall
Winter Adventure Reindeer Safari in Rovaniemi, Santa Claus Village
Secure your spot before today’s rides sell out.
Santa’s Gift Package
Santa’s Gift Package includes a park visit, husky meet-and-greet, optional gift bag, and a complimentary sweet treat and drink.
Visiting package: Introduction to Arctic SnowHotel & Ice Sculpting
Ice sculpting and introduction to Arctic SnowHotel
Ice Fishing Experience by Minivan
Catch trout, perch, and whitefish in the best fishing spots and learn the secrets of ice fishing in Rovaniemi with our Ice Fishing Experience by Minibus!
Snowmobile Safari to Reindeer Farm by Electric Snowmobile, Rovaniemi
Cross the Arctic Circle and acquire a Reindeer Driving Licence!
Arctic Night Reindeer Ride in Rovaniemi
Glide through snow-covered forests on a magical evening reindeer sleigh ride beneath the Arctic sky. Meet and feed the reindeer, enjoy a cozy campfire with snacks, and with a bit of luck, catch the Northern Lights. Perfect for all ages!
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!
Scenic Sleighride
Glide through the serene beauty of the Arctic on our Scenic Sleighride, a relaxing one-hour daytime experience designed for those who want to enjoy Lapland’s winter landscapes at a more relaxed pace.
Family Reindeer farm visit private
Evening Reindeer farm visit
Visiting package: Chill and Dine at Ice Restaurant (Evening departure)
Dine in a restaurant where tables and benches are made of ice!
Fisherman’s Luck by snowmobile
Head for the wild waters on your snowmobile and learn all about the favorite leisure time activity of the locals.
Rovaniemi Northern Lights Photography Small-Group Tour
The Best and Original Northern Lights hunting & photography tour in Rovaniemi with over 10 years of experience!
Aurora hunting photo tour
Ride around the surroundings of Lapland in a bus to observe the auroras.
Private Riverside Sauna with Arctic Bath & Outdoor Hot Tub
A Nordic wellness experience: sauna, Arctic bath, and outdoor hot tub by the riverside.
Ice fishing on a frozen lake
On this tour you will learn basics of Ice Fishing and enjoy a pleasant afternoon fishing and photographing on a frozen lake.
Northern Lights Tour in Atmospheric Cottage
Feel the heritage and natural beauty of Finn-Lapland at the atmospheric cottage. Enjoy +100 years old traditional Finnish cottage located by a lake and a Laavu and explore the beautiful landscape.
Arctic Day – a Survival Workshop
Adventurous, full day of snowy action in the wilderness, enjoying the peacefulness of the arctic forest blanketed with snow. Hiking through the forest and building together a quinzee, the traditional snow accommodation, which is both fun and educating!
Arctic Circle Highlights
Enjoy a full day of arctic experiences in Rovaniemi with the huskies and reindeers, visit Santa Claus himself, and make unforgettable memories in Rovaniemi!
Private 3 hour Snowmobile Adventure – Sinettä Wilderness – Local guide
A private afternoon snowmobile ride from Sinettä, 20 minutes north of Rovaniemi, through the changing light of a Lapland afternoon. Forest, frozen lakes, and a sky that turns soft as the day goes on.
Santa’s Pets Visit
Meet domestic animals next to the Santa Claus Office. Tickets are valid all day!
Electric Fatbike Tour to Pyhä-Luosto National Park
Hop on the electric fatbike and experience the future of trail riding. Once-in-a-lifetime cycling tour in the picturesque Arctic!
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.