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
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Snow and Ice Buildings in Rovaniemi
Winter activities
From Oulu: Icebreaker Arktis Cruise with Ice Floating
Icebreaker cruise with amazing ice floating
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.
Northern Lights Tour At The Campfire
Warm up by the fire and wait for the auroras to appear in the Lapland sky. Far from the city lights, enjoy the quiet of the Finnish wilderness while you wait for the Northern Lights to dance above you.
Excursion to Ranua Wildlife Park, Rovaniemi
See and learn about arctic animals, including polar bears, in an authentic wilderness setting
Insider Korouoma Frozen Waterfalls
Guided winter hike to explore the magnificent frozen waterfalls of Korouoma Canyon.
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.
Reindeer and Husky Experience, Rovaniemi
Meet two furry arctic favourites on one trip – and take rides with both!
Rovaniemi: Insider Aurora Hunting
Rovaniemi Guided Aurora Hunting
Walking Trip to Korouoma Canyon
Walking Adventure to Korouoma Canyon – Explore the Stunning Waterfalls and Nature Trails
Fire Journey 3h – Sauna & Dinner at Suma Sauna & Lounge, Rovaniemi Finland
Fire Journey is a full sauna & dining experience at Suma Sauna & Lounge
Fatbike Winter Adventure
Do you want to ride a bike, enjoy a relaxed pace and explore and photograph local landmarks?
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.
Arctic Wilderness Ride
Discover Lapland’s breathtaking scenery on an mesmerizing snowmobile journey
Combo: reindeer safari & ice fishing experience
Join us and experience our daily life! Combine a reindeer safari with in Lapland’s beautiful nature with an unforgettable ice fishing experience in Sierijärvi Lake.
Northern Lights Trip – No kilometres or Time Limit
Unlimited Northern Lights Hunt Guarantee
Reindeer Safari (3 km), Rovaniemi
Experience a traditional reindeer sleigh ride and learn about reindeer and their herders
Day trip to Ranua Wildlife Park
Day Trip to Ranua Wildlife Park – Including Transfer & Entrance Tickets
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!
Kuoksa Husky & Snowmobile Adventure
Ride a snowmobile through the snowy Lapland forest, then take the reins of your own husky sleigh and warm up with open-fire salmon soup in a traditional teepee. Two classic Arctic experiences in one adventure, with a cozy break in between.
Campfire Tour
Experience the ride of 10km driven by a professional musher through snow-crusted forests to a wilderness camp and enjoy a cup of fire-brewed coffee!
Standard Group – Northern Lights Hunt – 100% Money-Back + Photos
Real Northern Lights hunt with local guides. We drive wherever the clearest skies are. No Aurora captured = 100% refund or another tour. Professional photos included.
Rovaniemi: Insider Northern lights trip for families
Enjoy a cozy, family-friendly Northern Lights tour in Rovaniemi with short travel, warm indoor spaces, fun outdoor activities for kids, and tasty treats – perfect for families wanting a magical aurora experience without late nights.
Private Cultural Experience in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
Spend a memorable day in Rovaniemi and enjoy its diverse cultural athmosphere.
Small Group – Northern Lights Hunt – 100% Money-Back + Photos
Catch the Northern Lights from Rovaniemi with us! We take the risk away from you and if you dont see the lights, full refund or free tour to try again on us!
Electric Fatbike Tour to Pyhä-Luosto National Park – Private
Looking for an exclusive electric fatbike adventure with personalized guidance? In Pyhä, you may also choose the private tour. Your group gets the scenic trails to yourselves, plus expert instruction tailored to your skill level for an unforgettable ride!
Premium Northern Lights Hunting Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
Northern Lights Hunting is your best chance to find the aurora borealis
Rovaniemi Northern Lights Photography Small-Group Tour
The Best and Original Northern Lights hunting & photography tour in Rovaniemi with over 10 years of experience!
To the Kingdom of Snow and Ice – Full day snowmobile safari to ice hotel
The Arctic SnowHotel is one of the must-to-see places, when visiting Rovaniemi and what would be better way than snowmobiling to see this masterpiece.
Finnish Christmas with Santa Claus, 3 hours (Private Tour)
You are warmly welcome to our home to enjoy a traditional Finnish Christmas Eve and meet Santa Claus in private.
Husky Adventure to Santa’s Hidden Cabin
Experience the magic of Lapland on a 4-hour husky safari to Santa’s hidden cabin. Sit back and enjoy the ride as our experienced musher guides the husky sled through pristine Arctic wilderness, enjoy a private meeting with Santa Claus, and finish the adve
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.