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
Private Wilderness Sauna & Ice Swimming in Winter (with Dinner Option)
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!
Husky Ride (2 km) & Meeting Experience
Experience memorable moments with our adorable Siberian huskies and feel the speed on a thrilling husky ride through the forest!
Snowshoeing Experience – Explore the Silent Arctic Forest, Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
Snowshoeing Experience – Explore the Silent Arctic Forest
Magical Northern Lights with Siberian Huskies (Small-Group)
A magical northern lights tour with guide-driven husky sleds
Go on a Northern Lights Hunting and Photography Tour – No Aurora = Full Refund
Aurora Photography Tour LXT
Arctic Ice Floating
Experience the Calm of Arctic Waters: Float in Cozy Comfort with Warm Drinks Under the Lappish Sky
Amazing Northern Lights with Snowmobiles (Small-Group)
A unique and intimate small group snowmobile adventure in the Lapland’s beautiful forest scenery in Rovaniemi.
Northern Lights Tour
Slow Travel Northern Lights Tour
Visiting package: Snow sauna experience with food by the fire
Includes 1.5hour of private sauna, snow sauna and outdoor jacuzzi, a guided tour of the SnowHotel, and a 3-course dinner by the fire at the Kota Restaurant
Thrill of Snowmobiling for Adults Only
This safari is all about riding a snowmobile and we’ve minimized the amount of stops to keep you moving as much as possible. Tour is for adults only – no sleigh is carried along on this safari to avoid it slowing us down.
Visit the Reindeer Farm
Visit our authentic reindeer farm, meet real-life reindeer herders, and feed reindeer in their natural surroundings.
Korouoma Frozen Waterfall’s Hiking Experience, Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
Korouoma Frozen Waterfall’s Hiking Experience
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.
Northern Exposure
3 hour program with 1,5 hour self driven husky tour (travel distance approx 12 – 18 km). This is an adults-only tour with a maximum of only 10 participants.
Campfire Tour
Experience the ride of 15km driven by a professional musher through snow-crusted forests to a wilderness camp and enjoy a cup of fire-brewed coffee!
Traditional Lappish Evening in the Wilderness with Dinner
Experience the traditional Lappish firewood sauna next to a cozy cottage and take a dip in the private Arctic lake! Blow off some steam and enjoy a peaceful night in the authentic Finnish sauna. End the night with a tasty dinner cooked over an open fire.
Family Reindeer farm visit private
Reindeer farm visit in a winter wonderland.
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!
Day tour to Ranua Wildlife Park – Visit the Arctic Animals!
Enjoy a day trip to Ranua Wildlife Park to see Polar Bears, arctic foxes, lynx and 50 other arctic species as well as 200 animal varieties!
Running with the Pack, 5km Husky tour with a Kennel visit
Visit the kennel, meet the pack and experience the running dogs on a 5km sled ride!
Noon Safari to Arctic Wilderness by Electric Snowmobiles in Rovaniemi
Driving in the snowy and silent forest is an exciting experience.
The Happy Trail Tour
2,5 hour family friendly program with 45 minute self driven husky tour (travel distance approx 6-10 km)
Ranua Wildlife Park Experience
An adventurous day trip to Ranua Wildlife Park. Ranua Wildlife Park is located about one hour drive from Rovaniemi.
Snowmobile Sleigh Ride to the Aurora Cabin (Northern Lights)
Snowmobile Sleigh Ride to the Aurora Cabin (Northern Lights)
Horse Sleigh Ride under the Night Sky
As the Arctic night descends, your adventure is set to begin. Embark on a horse-drawn sleigh ride beneath the starry northern skies, and see how dreams are turned into reality.
Cross-Country Skiing Trip – Rovaniemi
Learn to ski cross-country skiing and admire beautiful landscapes with a local guide. Spend a nice day or half exploring the nature!
Korouoma Frozen Waterfalls Hike
Korouoma is a Finnish national park known in winter for its frozen waterfalls, and where ice climbers can be found.
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!
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.
Thrilling Day with Siberian Huskies and Snowmobile Safari (Small-Group)
Action-packed, small group adventure day with real Siberian Huskies, authentic Laplandic lunch and a thrilling snowmobile ride through the pristine, snowy Lapland forests in Rovaniemi!
Ski Trekking Safari in Lapland
Explore the breathtaking scenery of Lapland on backcountry skis, designed to let you glide over the deep snow in style and live an experience you will long remember.
Children’s Pulk Rental in Pyhä Lapland – 1 day, 3 or 5 days
Fjellpulken Classic Children’s pulk offers outstanding safety, comfort, and wind protection for kids. Built for harsh winter conditions, it’s ideal for family adventures in the snow.
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.