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 season; 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 night starts 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 still snowy months, with a hint of spring vide. March and early April is often terrific time for Northern Lights viewing and sunny winter activities.
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 enthusiastists are as excited about the first snow as the visitors!
Usually, the first snow falls in November, sometimes as early as in October, sometimes around December. Snowy winter months create a wonderful winter wonderland and enable a platform for fun winter activities and for 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 disapear as the nature wakes up and gets ready for 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 an 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
Pony Riding 15 min + Visit
Pony riding in Santa Claus Village and visit in Santa’s Pets
Family Reindeer farm visit private
Private reindeer farm experience for children and adults
Snowmobile Safari to Husky Kennel 1.12.-6.1., Rovaniemi
The thrills of snowmobiling and mushing in one adventure
Apukka Reindeer Journey
Take a ride to the history as you travel through the snowy forests on a reindeer sleigh. This traditional, arctic way of transportation allows you to experience the peace and purity of the Lappish nature all around you. Daily at 10:00 & 14:00.
Northern Lights Hunting (Photography) Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
Northern Lights Hunting is your best chance to find the aurora borealis ! (Photography)
Explore the wilderness
A half-day wilderness adventure is our way to experience the remote and untouched nature of Lapland.
Sunrise Safari to Scenic Hillside by Electric Snowmobiles in Rovaniemi
This is the way to start an unique day!
Visiting package: Ice sculpting, sauna, jacuzzi and dinner at Kota Restaurant (Autumn)
Create your own ice sculptures, relax in outdoor jacuzzi and have 3 course dinner in Kota restaurant
Santa Village & Arctic Animals Combo Adventure
What would you do if you wanted to experience an ultimate winter adventure? Well, of course, you would visit Santa’s village and try husky and reindeer sleigh rides!
All Day Ski Expedition in the Arctic
Get ready for your first Arctic expedition on backcountry skis! With your guide, you will explore Lapland wild areas with skis, you will learn how to prepare your expedition sleigh and some other basic tips. Lunch around the fire is included.
Horse trail ride and hunt the northern lights
Experience the magic of horse riding while hunting for the aurora in the picturesque hills. Small groups!
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.
Northern Lights Wilderness Tour with Professional Camera
Take your best chance to see the Northern Lights from Rovaniemi in small groups! With your personal guide and a minivan, you will explore the nature of Lapland and hunt the magic of the Aurora Borealis. Get ready for an unforgettable Arctic night!
Tour to Aurora Horses Farm with Charming Finnhorses
Hug a Finnhorse
Apukka Snow and Fun
Huskies, reindeer, snow fun and mini snowmobiles for children! You can have it all! Apukka Snow and Fun is a great way for families to have a taste of the best experiences at the Arctic Circle! Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat at 10:00
Private | 10 km Husky Tour For Families
This is a lovely experience for families with small children. You will get to see local lifestyle, meet our lovely huskies, drive your own husky sled and enjoy relaxing with your family and friends.
Magic of the Forest and Log Sauna Winter, 4 hours (Private Tour)
Feel the healing effects of the forest, herbs and log sauna of Fox Cottage with herbal bath for feet or treatment for hands. After the sauna we’ll serve you traditional Finnish dinner.
Visiting package: Sauna, jacuzzi and dinner at Kota Restaurant (autumn)
Great chance of seeing the northern lights in the evening! Try also Finnish sauna with outdoor jacuzzi
Ice karting ticket – speedy, fun and a winterlicious activity!
Join the exciting Ice Karting experience in Lapland Winter Park!
Santa’s 2,5 Km Husky Ride at Santa Claus Village
For all our guests who wish to have a shorter ride or are only visiting for a short while we have a cozy kota, some friendly dogs and a nice experience waiting at the Santa Claus Village.
Private Guided Lapland Ranua Zoo tour from Rovaniemi
Visit Ranua Wildlife Park on this 5-hour guided trip. Ranua Zoo and Wildlife Park is Lapland’s leading tourist attraction for…
Christmas is Coming! 3 hours (Private Tour)
Experience the excitement of the arriving Christmas and its activities in a traditional way only with your own family.
Husky Farm visit and 1 hour self ride safari 12:00-14:30
Husky farm visit and 1 hour self ride safari!
Arctic Circle Crossing Ceremony
Fascinating ceremony at the Arctic Circle
Fishing Experience by Snowmobiles 1.12.-6.1., Rovaniemi
Ride through the white wilderness to enjoy ice fishing on a frozen lake
Sauna and Ice Swimming – Comfort Level
Experience traditional Sauna and ice swimming in Ounas River close to Rovaniemi centre!
Explore the Wilderness with Snowshoes
Snowshoeing Experience
Arctos Winter Spa – Evening session (Private)
Spa experience in a magical setting. Includes wood-heated sauna, hot tub surrounded by cosy candles and ice-dipping. Price: 179€ per person
Visit the Reindeer Herd
A private tour to visit a big and beautiful free ranging semi-wild reindeer herd. On this unique reindeer herder’s real-life tour, you’ll get in the middle of hundreds of reindeer ranging free in their natural pastures and feeding sites.
Auroras by Atv
Come and experience the nature by driving an ATV.
Unlimited Northern Lights Guarantee Tour with Photographer & Unlimited Mileage/Time – Small Group
Unlike conventional tours that limit their guests to a single location, we take you on an exhilarating chase to follow the northern lights wherever they may appear
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.