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
Northern Lights Tour Snowmobile Driving
Snowmobiling allows you to explore snowy landscapes in search of the best spots to witness the ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights, the Aurora Borealis.
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
Ice Climbing Day in Korouoma Canyon – from Rovaniemi
Unforgettable day trip to the Korouoma Canyon & Nature Reserve in Posio, where the mightiest ice falls in Finland are located.
Tour to Aurora Horses Farm with Charming Finnhorses
Hug a Finnhorse
Arctic Ice Floating
Experience the Calm of Arctic Waters: Float in Cozy Comfort with Warm Drinks Under the Lappish Sky
Visit of authentic reindeer farm in winter (with a reindeer ride if conditions permit)
Visit an authentic reindeer farm in Sierijärvi Village in Rovaniemi, Lapland. Enjoy also a reindeer ride.
Small Group Snowmobile Safari & Reindeer Farm Visit
Arctic Wilderness Snowmobile Safari
Fatbike Winter Adventure
Do you want to ride a bike, enjoy a relaxed pace and explore and photograph local landmarks?
Northern Lights skiing adventure
On this tour you will go out searching and photographing the Northern Lights by skis!
Family Reindeer farm visit private
Evening Reindeer farm visit
Rovaniemi – Ranua Wildlife Park transfer
Rovaniemi – Ranua Wildlife Park – Rovaniemi transfer for 1-4 people
Arctic Snowshoeing Day
Join the tour to try an authentic way to go through powdery fresh snow. The snowshoes are the best for hiking on rolling to steep hills.
Rovaniemi Northern Lights Photography Small-Group Tour
The Best and Original Northern Lights hunting & photography tour in Rovaniemi with over 10 years of experience!
Private Northern Lights Photo Tour
Private Northern Lights photography tour from Rovaniemi with a flexible itinerary.
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..
Kennel Tour at Korvala
Come and visit our Siberian husky kennel and learn all about the daily life of our dogs. Starts at 12:30, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays.
Lakeside Sauna & Arctic Bath
Relax in the cozy warmth of our Lakeside Sauna and experience true Finnish calm. Whatever the season, a refreshing dip in Lake Olkka adds an exhilarating touch to your relaxation.
Rovaniemi: Authentic Reindeer Farm Visit, Sleigh Ride & Coffee
Meet Lapland’s iconic reindeer on a local farm just 15 minutes from Rovaniemi. Feed the reindeer, enjoy a traditional sleigh ride, receive your reindeer driving licence, and warm up with coffee, local pastries, and stories about Arctic life.
Reindeer safari in forest of Lapland (sleigh ride about 30-40-min)
Welcome to experience a unique reindeer safari in Lapland’s beautiful nature.
Entrance tickets and meal at Snow restaurant in Snowman World
Have lunch surrounded by snow and ice sculptures!
Family Day
Family Day – 30min reindeer ride, reindeer farm visit, 800m husky ride, salmon soup lunch
Visit a Genuine Working Reindeer Farm
Visit our authentic reindeer farm, meet real-life reindeer herders, and feed reindeer in their natural surroundings.
Winter Biking Experience with E-bikes, Rovaniemi
Ride the snowy trails on an electrically-assisted fatbike
Snowmobile Sprint
Too busy for a half day safari? First time riders?
Rovaniemi: Ranua Wildlife Park Tour with Transfers
Explore the Arctic’s diverse fauna at Ranua Wildlife Park on a guided tour from Rovaniemi. Enjoy round-trip transfers, entrance tickets, and insights into the region’s wildlife.
Private Visit in the Morning
This is a wonderful experience for those who want to get to know Santa Claus’s animals more closely in a peaceful setting, without other visitors around.
Snowmobile Safari into the Arctic Circle Forest
Explore the Arctic Circle forest trails with your very own snowmobile and a knowledgeable guide, who will take you to the most beautiful spots for memorable photos.
Pure Snowmobile experience (Small-Group)
A unique and intimate small group snowmobile adventure in Lapland’s beautiful forest scenery in Rovaniemi.
Professional Guaranteed Northern Lights Hunting Tour from Rovaniemi by Bus
Join a professional Northern Lights hunting tour from Rovaniemi by bus, designed to give you a strong chance of seeing the auroras with expert guides, real-time weather planning and professional photos included. This is an efficient and comfortable way to
Elf Hat Academy in Santas Village
Welcome to the Elf Hat Academy, located near Santa’s main office in the Arctic Circle. Learn the elf wisdom and graduate as an elf in this interactive show!
Private Wooden Heated Sauna and Ice Swimming
Experience a local winter tradition with a sauna session followed by a refreshing ice swim. Cleanse and strengthen your body, mind, and spirit on this exhilarating private tour in Rovaniemi.
Korouoma Frozen Waterfalls
This Korouoma expedition takes you to this outstanding photography location led by a professional photographer.
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.