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!
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Northern Lights in Rovaniemi Lapland
Northern Lights Tours
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Snow and Ice Buildings in Rovaniemi
Winter activities
Northern Lights Tour At The Campfire
Enjoy the peace and quiet of our private forest location to watch the northern lights. Includes an enclosed Teepee for roasting snacks over the campfire + our winter clothing.
Authentic Ice Fishing Experience With Snowmobile Safari
Experience the untouched silence of Lapland on a small-group snowmobile and ice fishing adventure. Drive through snowy forests, try traditional ice fishing, enjoy a campfire snack, and meet real reindeer.
Meet the Reindeer
Get an insight to the most traditional livelihood of Lapland and meet the legendary reindeers of Lapland.
Twilight Magic in the Lapland Wilderness
Experience Lapland’s winter magic like nowhere else — glide through snow-covered forests in a unique heated sleigh.
Guaranteed Ultimate Aurora Hunt (Guaranteed or Refund)
Join the most successful & recommended Aurora chasing Tour in the region for an unforgettable journey under the mesmerising Northern Lights!
Northern Lights Photo Hunt
Chase the Northern Lights from Rovaniemi with a professional photography guide.
Fire Journey 3h – Sauna & Dinner at Suma Sauna & Lounge, Rovaniemi Finland
Fire Journey is a full sauna & dining experience at Suma Sauna & Lounge
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.
Husky Safari 5 km, Meet Reindeers, Hot Drink by the River, Self Driving Private and Small Group
Husky safari 5 km self driving and reindeers visit with a hot drink in the chalet by the river in small or private group.
First Tracks — Morning Snowmobile Tour from Sinettä, Rovaniemi (3h, small group)
The first ride of the day, when the snow is fresh and the trails are quiet. A 3-hour morning tour from Sinettä, 20 minutes north of Rovaniemi. Small group of 4–6 snowmobiles, an experienced local guide, and free city pickup. Beginner and family friendly.
Aurora Arctic Ice Floating
We are about to introduce you to the most original, ultimately fun, and a fantastic way of experiencing the Northern lights. Take a dip in a frozen lake under the Northern lights!
Rovaniemi: Northern Lights Pro Guaranteed – Unlimited (Private)
PRIVATE Aurora Hunting Guaranteed Tour With Photography
Snowshoe adventure in the Wilderness
Snowshoes grant us access to remote areas allowing us to connect with untouched nature and take in the glorious atmosphere of Arctic forests.
Jingle Bells – Sleigh Ride in an old forest
Enjoy a peaceful reindeer sleigh ride through snowy forests, meet the reindeer of our family farm, and hear about traditional reindeer herding and life in Lapland. Warm up in a traditional kota hut with hot blueberry juice and homemade cinnamon rolls.
1 hour husky ride
45min – 1 hour husky safari (7-10km) self-driving, huskyfarm visit and hot drink & cookie
Private Auttiköngäs Canyon and Waterfall Adventure
The Auttiköngäs Canyon and Waterfall Adventure lets you explore the Arctic Wilderness led by a professional guide-photographer.
Electric Reindeer safari to the Aurora Cabin (Northern Lights)
Electric Reindeer safari to the Aurora Cabin (Northern Lights)
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!
Winter Clothing Set Rental in Rovaniemi
Rent warm and trendy winter clothes for adults and kids in Rovaniemi
Ice Fishing Experience by the lake, Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
Ice Fishing Experience – Feel the athmosphere of Lapland and enjoy the day with us while ice fishing in a private lakeside location.
Visit a Real Reindeer Farm
Visit a real reindeer farm in Rovaniemi: Meet the reindeer up close, hand-feed them, and experience the magic of Lapland!
Rovaniemi: Snowshoe Tour in Vikaköngäs Wilderness & Bbq – Small Group
Snowshoe through Lapland’s snowy forests and frozen lakes at Vikaköngäs. Small groups, expert guides, brand-new 2025 luxury 4×4 vans, thermal gear, and a cozy barbecue by the fire
Visiting package: Introduction to Arctic SnowHotel (Afternoon)
Visit to Arctic SnowHotel with transfer from Rovaniemi
Ice Fishing with Snowmobiles
Going to the ice fishing with snowmobiles is a refreshing way to spend the winter day like a local. Enjoy local snacks and warm drinks by the campfire.
Magical Hour in the Winter of Lapland
Experience Lapland’s winter magic like nowhere else — glide through snow-covered forests in a unique heated sleigh.
Santa’s Pets Visit
Meet domestic animals next to the Santa Claus Office. Tickets are valid all day!
Local Husky experience with sled ride and photographer
Meet the Huskies, the Arctic’s most adorable animals! On this tour, you get to the meet the huskies, try husky sled riding and have the experience captured in memorable, professional photographs.
Sunrise Safari to Scenic Hillside by eSleds
This is the way to start an unique day!
Aurora ice floating
Dip yourself into frozen lake under the Auroras and let your mind and body float wearing rescue suit that covers your whole body and keeps you dry.
Wilderness Kota Dinner, Rovaniemi
Traditional dinner in a traditional setting – enjoy an evening of Finnish food and culture
Professional Small Group Northern Lights Hunting Tour from Rovaniemi – Guaranteed
Join a small-group Northern Lights hunt from Rovaniemi with professional guides, real-time weather planning and aurora photography included. We follow the clearest skies each night to give you the best possible chance of seeing the Northern Lights
From Rovaniemi: Icebreaker Arktis Cruise with Ice Floating
Step aboard Icebreaker Arktis and dive into a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
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.