Best times to visit Rovaniemi

Welcome to my Best Times to Visit Rovaniemi: A Month-by-Month Guide for the Winter Season post!

As a local who has experienced winter here extensively, I think I offer quite good understanding of what each month has to offer.

First, let’s clarify some terminology. Many sites say that we can see the first snow in September, which is true, BUT it never stays that early. So don’t be misled—ensilumi (the first snow) and pysyvä lumi (permanent snow) are quite different. First snow is fun for like a day or two, before it melts.

Moreover, September is not a winter month, despite what you might read elsewhere. While September offers stunning autumn colors and is an excellent time for seeing the Northern Lights, it is still very much an autumn month.

Let’s continue to actual winter season;

October: The Start of Winter Magic or the Last Breath of Autumn?

October in Lapland is a month of transition, where autumn gives way to the early signs of winter.

By the end of the month, especially in the northern parts, you might see some snowfalls—sometimes even turning Rovaniemi into a winter wonderland by mid-October. However, the snow is usually light and not guaranteed to stick around. It happens tho! Just last year (2023) we got permanent snow in mid-October and thats why October is in my winter season guide.

This is a great time for Northern Lights hunting! Late September to early October often brings clear skies, and the auroras are particularly active. Plus, with milder temperatures than in deep winter, the experience is more comfortable.

Would I travel to Rovaniemi in October? Honestly, no. The first week of October can be stunning with autumn colors, but that fades quickly.

By mid-October, the vibrant colors are gone, the landscape turns dark and barren, and it doesn’t quite feel like winter yet, even if there is little snow.

While the Northern Lights are beautiful, for me they don’t fully make up for the missing magic of a snowy winter or the brilliance of autumn, as I am quite used to that phenomenon.

What to Expect:

Weather: October temperatures range between -5°C and 10°C, with daylight lasting around 8 to 9 hours.

Activities: This month is great for autumn hiking and offers a strong chance to see the Northern Lights, thanks to the longer nights.

Tip: For a higher chance of snowy landscapes, consider visiting in the last week of October but skip the trip if snow is your main thing for this trip. If you’re coming for the Northern Lights, the early part of the month also offers the added beauty of autumn colors, making it a particularly scenic time for aurora hunting.

Event of the month: ?

November: The Transition to Winter

November is when winter starts to settle in Lapland.

Early November might not yet have the thick snow cover many visitors expect. By the last week of November, snow coverage becomes more reliable, though snowfall can still be unpredictable.

Some travelers might remember the 2018 “Crapland” fiasco, as British media called it. Snow arrived exceptionally late that year, leading to a snowless early winter that hadn’t been seen in Lapland for 60 years.

Would I travel to Rovaniemi in November? Sure. Statistically, we usually get permanent snow by mid-November, and by the end of the month, there is often a good layer of it.

Although not all activities have started yet, those that are available are often cheaper than in December.

So, November is a great option if you’re looking to save a bit. Additionally, the Christmas season festivities officially kicks off in early to mid-November (this year on November 3, 2024).

Just remember, even if there is ‘good layer of snow’ in November, it is still nothing compared to snowiest months like February and March.

What to Expect:

Weather: Temperatures typically range from -10°C to 5°C, with daylight hours rapidly shortening from 7 hours to 5 hours by the end of the month.

Activities: Late November can be a good time for early winter activities, though conditions can vary. It’s also a quieter time to visit, with fewer tourists than in December.

Tip: If your goal is to experience snow activities, aim for late November, but be prepared for the possibility of early winter conditions without heavy snow.

Event of the month: Opening of Christmas season

December: The Magic of Christmas

December is a truly enchanting month to visit Rovaniemi as the city transforms into winter wonderland, with snow-covered landscapes (at least most likely), festive lights, and bustling Christmas markets. This is the peak of the holiday season, drawing visitors from around the world eager to experience the charm of Lapland.

A common misconception about December in Rovaniemi is that Kaamos, or the Polar Night, means complete darkness and freezing temperatures. In reality, while the sun does not rise above the horizon during Kaamos, Rovaniemi experiences a unique and beautiful light show.

The prolonged twilight creates a soft, diffused light with hues of pink and orange that resemble sunrise or sunset. Around midday, the higher layers of the atmosphere create stunning blue twilight periods.

December is also good time to witness the Northern Lights. The dark winter skies enhance the visibility of the auroras, which can often be seen as early as the afternoon. The snow-covered landscape reflects these dazzling lights, adding to the magical atmosphere of the season.

Would I travel to Rovaniemi in December? Absolutely. Christmas magic here is something that is hard to compete.

What to Expect:

Weather: Temperatures typically range from -25°C to -10°C. Snow cover is usually reliable, especially from mid-December onwards. Lenght of the day in average is 2,5hours.

Activities: All activity providers open latest in mid-December. Northern lights are quite common, and there is usually enough snow for husky-, reindeer- or horse-sledding.

Tip: Book accommodations and activities well in advance, as December is one of the busiest months in Lapland!

Event of the month: Santa Claus Departure

January: The Depth of Winter

January is the coldest month in Rovaniemi and Lapland in general, with temperatures often dropping to extreme lows, particularly in the northernmost parts. It’s not uncommon to experience temperatures as low as -30°C to -40°C, even in Rovaniemi.

Surprisingly, January is a relatively quiet month in Rovaniemi.

While the first week is still busy with holiday travelers, things slow down significantly afterward. If you want to avoid the crowds and experience “real winter,” plan your visit right after the first week of January.

The only drawback is that extremely cold temperatures can sometimes affect certain activities, like husky rides, which may not be running during the coldest days. Extreme coldness usually last day or two in a row.

Would I travel to Rovaniemi in January? Sure! Frosty scenery and the coldness is truly amazing experience. Living that everyday doesn’t give January place in my heart.

What to Expect:

Weather: Average temperatures range from -30°C to -15°C, with colder snaps dipping much lower. Lenght of the day is in average of 4 hours.

Activities: January is ideal for those who love extreme winter sports and activities, such as snowmobiling, ice fishing, and dog sledding. The cold also makes for incredible ice formations and frosty landscapes.

Tip: Dress in layers and invest or rent good winter gear to stay warm. The cold can be biting, but with proper preparation, it’s a magical time to experience the raw beauty of Lapland.

Event of the Month: Arctic Lapland Rally

February: The Light Returns

By February, the days start to get longer, though the temperatures can still be very cold.

It’s a great month for winter sports, as the snow is deep. February in Rovaniemi is a quintessential winter experience, often considered one of the best times to visit for a true Lapland adventure.

February is also an excellent time to see the Northern Lights, thanks to the long, dark nights and generally clear skies.

Would I travel to Rovaniemi in February? Absolutely! One of my favourite months of the year, still feels like real winter but doesn’t try to freeze you to death.

What to Expect:

Weather: Temperatures typically range from -20°C to -15°C, but it can still get much colder, especially at night. Lenght of the day is in average of 8 hours.

Activities: This is a fantastic time for skiing, snowshoeing, and all other snow-based activities.

Tip: February is still considered the off-peak season compared to December, so it can be a good time to visit if you prefer fewer crowds and more availability for accommodations and activities.

Event of the month: Arctic Lapland Rally

March: Winter’s Last Hoorah and Spring’s First Signs

March in Rovaniemi is a delightful time to visit, offering a great blend of winter’s final splendor and the first hints of spring.

This is a wonderful time for outdoor activities. You can continue to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, as well as more adventurous activities like snowmobiling and husky sledding.

The slightly milder temperatures make for a more comfortable experience, and the longer daylight hours mean more time to enjoy these activities.

March is also one of the best times to see Northern Lights!!

What to Expect:

Weather: In March, temperatures in Rovaniemi typically range from -15°C to -5°C, though it can occasionally drop colder, particularly at night. The length of the day extends to around 10-12 hours, offering plenty of daylight for exploring.

Activities: March is an excellent time for winter sports and activities. The slightly warmer temperatures make outdoor adventures more comfortable. It’s also a great month for Northern Lights hunting.

Tip: March strikes a balance between winter activities and the approaching spring. It’s a good time to visit if you prefer to avoid the peak season crowds. Keep an eye on weather forecasts for fluctuating temperatures and dress in layers to stay comfortable.

Would I travel to Rovaniemi in March? Yes! Northern lights, mild weather, a lots of snow. Do I need to say more?

Event of the Month: Reindeer Race

April: Spring Awakens

April is a transitional month where you can still enjoy winter activities, but with the onset of spring, the snow begins to melt.

As the snow recedes, it’s also an ideal time for a unique experience of seeing the landscape transform from winter to spring.

Northern Lights are still visible early in the month, though less frequent as the month progresses.

What to Expect:

Weather: In April, temperatures in Rovaniemi generally range from -5°C to 10°C. The weather can be quite variable, with occasional snowfall and melting snow as spring progresses. The length of the day extends to around 15 hours.

Activities: This is a great time for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Northern Lights are still visible early in the month, though less frequent as the month progresses.

Tip: Dress in layers to accommodate fluctuating temperatures and be prepared for a mix of winter and spring conditions. You most probably get wet during winter activities.

Would I travel to Rovaniemi in April? Probably not. While April has its own unique charm, it no longer feels like winter. Although there are still activities and snow, the season begins to shift towards spring, and the winter atmosphere starts to fade.

Event of the month: ?