I live in Rovaniemi a lot of the year (I have a house there), and one of my favorite things about the Arctic city is that the months all have their own identity, and each season can present itself as the best time to visit Rovaniemi, depending on what you’re traveling there for!
This guide will dive into the seasons in Rovaniemi in the way that I see them: summer, fall, and winter. While there is a spring, it is not as noticeable to me as other seasons, but I still included April and May in that season.
If youʻre booking your trip to Lapland last minute, we have you covered. Below are some of the top tours, hotels, and more!
🇫🇮 Top Activities and Tours in Rovaniemi:
- Northern lights photo tour with lavvu (the BEST aurora tour!)
- Icebreaker ship adventure (goes to Sweden!)
- Snowhotel visit from Rovaniemi (wheelchair accessible)
🛌 Top Hotels and Lodging in Rovaniemi:
- Arctic TreeHouse Hotel (famous place by Santa Claus Village)
- Apukka Resort (glass igloos in a remote location)
- Arctic Light Hotel (top-rated in Rovaniemi)
🚗 Looking to travel around Lapland independently? Click here to check Finland rental car rates!
I will break down each month and give you an idea of the temperature, snowfall averages, and average daylight hours on the 1st and 15th of the month.
There will also be some notes about how I feel about each season from a generalized point of view (written as ‘Megan’s notes’ at the end of each month). These are just my opinions, of course!
If you have any questions about the best time to visit Lapland and Rovaniemi as a whole, let me know in the comments. I am happy to help!
In this post...
Winter (November to March)
If you’re looking to visit Rovaniemi in the winter, congratulations! You are in good company! This is undoubtedly the most popular time to visit Rovaniemi, and the prices show this!
Winter in Rovaniemi brings about snow, northern lights, and crowds. But winter is long, and each month is a little different. For obvious reasons, December is the most popular (and most expensive) month to travel to Rovaniemi. November is far cheaper, as is February–April.
But if you venture to Rovaniemi in January or March, you will arrive during the snowiest months of the year! So, if you’re flocking to the city for snow, you will find it!
Rovaniemi in November
🌡️ Temperature Range: -10°C to 5°C (14°F to 41°F)
❄️ Average Monthly Snowfall: Ranges from 11.5 cm to 16.2 cm (4.5 inches to 6.3 inches)
☀️ Number of Daylight Hours: November 1 (7h 31min), November 15 (5h 45min)
November in Rovaniemi marks the start of winter, although some consider October to be ‘early winter’ as well.
Temperatures can be very chilly at this time of year, and you’ll have between 5-7 hours of daylight. During the evenings, you’ve got a great chance of spotting the northern lights if the skies are clear.
To celebrate the winter season, the Arctic Weekend takes place during this time of year (although it can sometimes occur in October too). Not to mention, the Christmas festivities are starting to ramp up, making it a popular holiday destination for families.
🇫🇮 Megan’s notes: Traditionally speaking, November is a terrible month to travel to Rovaniemi if you want lots of snow. Some Novembers there is hardly any snow at all. It is also a terrible month to travel solely for the northern lights.
Most Novembers are foggy and dreary. With that being said, it is significantly cheaper than December, and you can sometimes get lucky with the aurora (and snowfall).
November 2023 had lots of snow; the year before hardly had any, as you can see in the photo here.
Rovaniemi in December
🌡️ Temperature Range: -20°C to -10°C (-4°F to 14°F)
❄️ Average Monthly Snowfall: Ranges from 16.3 cm to 19.4 cm (6.4 inches to 7.6 inches)
☀️ Number of Daylight Hours: December 1 (3h 46min), December 15 (2h 26min)
The polar night takes place sometime in December, but while most places in Lapland will not see a sunrise, Rovaniemi gets one for a couple of hours a day (but there is midnight sun in summer).
Nevertheless, December in Rovaniemi is still dark.
This is the time of year to visit Rovaniemi if you’re looking to get in the festive spirit. As the ‘hometown of Santa Claus’, there are a lot of Christmas-themed attractions on offer. These include Santa Claus Village and SantaPark.
Thanks to Rovaniemi’s magical Yule atmosphere and festivities, December is one of the most popular months to visit. As such, be prepared for inflated flight and accommodation prices, and make sure your hotel is booked in advance.
🇫🇮 Megan’s notes: December is the most popular time to visit Rovaniemi, and the city is crowded. The airport is bustling, the city center is rammed, and it is just not a great time to visit unless you’re there with kids to see Santa (or during the December holidays).
It is also not snow season yet (but December 2023 was good!) and it is the worst month for the northern lights.
Rovaniemi in January
🌡️ Temperature Range: -30°C to -15°C (-22°F to 5°F)
❄️ Average Monthly Snowfall: Ranges from 18.9 cm to 20.5 cm (7.4 inches to 8 inches)
☀️ Number of Daylight Hours: January 1 (2h 44min), January 15 (4h 13min)
With temperatures reaching lows of -30°C (-22°F), January is the coldest time of year to visit Rovaniemi. It’s also one of the snowiest, with high snowfall levels and plenty of it on the ground already.
Thanks to this, there are a variety of winter activities on offer, including snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and ice floating. Reindeer and husky sled rides are popular at this time of year too and are a great way to admire the landscapes.
Another reason to visit Rovaniemi in January is the Arctic Art Festival, which includes everything from ice sculptures and fire shows to snowman sculpting and an ice disco!
🇫🇮 Megan’s notes: Prices are still pretty high in January, and it is still dark for a fair portion of the month. While it is the snowiest month, I do think February and March are better if you have flexibility in your planning.
Rovaniemi in February
🌡️ Temperature Range: -20°C to -15°C (-4°F to 5°F)
❄️ Average Monthly Snowfall: Ranges from 15.4 cm to 18.8 cm (6 inches to 7.4 inches)
☀️ Number of Daylight Hours: February 1 (6h 22min), February 15 (8h 10min)
Although temperatures can be warmer than in January (ever-so-slightly!), February in Rovaniemi is still bitterly cold. However, days are starting to get much longer, and the sun shines a bit more in February.
In February, you’ve got a great chance of spotting the northern lights. The Aurora Borealis is active up to around 50% of the month (so every other day).
The Arctic Lapland Rally also takes place in Rovaniemi at this time of year. Known for its demanding (yet picturesque) route, it’s a great event for spectators.
🇫🇮 Megan’s notes: February is a much better month to visit Rovaniemi if snow and northern lights are on your mind. While I would say March is better for northern lights, February is better for snow since March can turn a little icy.
Rovaniemi in March
🌡️ Temperature Range: -15°C to -5°C (5°F to 23°F)
❄️ Average Monthly Snowfall: Ranges from 12.8 cm to 15.4 cm (4.9 inches to 6 inches)
☀️ Number of Daylight Hours: March 1 (9h 53min), March 15 (11h 37min)
As temperatures start to increase, you can feel ‘spring’ starting to roll in. However, March is still very snowy, so plenty of winter activities are available.
Arctic Design Week is held at this time of year too. It takes place on the 12th week of the year and offers the chance to connect with local people, entrepreneurs, and designers.
The Arctic Horse Race also takes place in winter (March during the year 2024). It’s the season’s main event at Mäntyvaara Race Track, where you’ll watch world-leading jockeys compete against each other.
As well as there being some great events, the days continue to get longer in March.
🇫🇮 Megan’s notes: One of the two best months for the northern lights (September is the other). It can get a little icy in March, on the other hand, so bring crampons as a precaution!
Prices are also cheaper, so now is the time to stay in a glass igloo if you have that on your bucket list.
Spring (April to May)
Spring is an odd time of the year. It is unpredictable and icy, and the northern lights season is slowly coming to an end. But there are redeeming factors, such as cheaper hotels and flights and fewer crowds in the city center.
Rovaniemi in April
🌡️ Temperature Range: 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F)
❄️ Average Monthly Snowfall: Ranges from 3.9 cm to 12.5 cm (1.5 inches to 4.9 inches)
☀️ Number of Daylight Hours: April 1 (13h 41min), April 15 (15h 24min)
April marks the start of Rovaniemi’s spring season. Temperatures are finally above the minus, and snowfall decreases dramatically. However, there’s still enough snow to participate in winter activities.
Just be aware that many of the ski resorts may close towards the end of the month.
Due to the increase in daylight hours, the northern lights season ends at this time of year too. They can be spotted into mid-April, but you’ll have a better chance at the start of the month.
Easter sometimes falls in April (as well as March), and hotels tend to be more affordable than in December or January.
🇫🇮 Megan’s notes: April is a cheap month to visit Rovaniemi, but it can be an unpredictable one. It is icy, and the northern lights opportunities usually stop mid-month.
Rovaniemi in May
🌡️ Temperature Range: 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F)
❄️ Average Monthly Snowfall: Ranges from 0.5 cm to 3.7 cm (up to 1.4 inches)
☀️ Number of Daylight Hours: May 1 (17h 28min), May 15 (19h 23min)
Temperatures in Rovaniemi in May are very pleasant, reaching up to a mild 20°C (68°F). The snowfall is minimal, and you’ll find that the snow on the ground has already started to melt.
During this month, Finns celebrate May Day and the arrival of spring (even though April is also considered spring). On this day, festive student traditions often take place.
Santa Claus Golf Club also opens its summer golf course in May. Thanks to the midnight sun making its way to Lapland, you can play golf around the clock. Just beware of the freely roaming reindeer that might decide to join you!
🇫🇮 Megan’s notes: If you hate mosquitoes and can’t visit in the autumn, May is a good time to venture to Rovaniemi. Temperatures are rising, and there is a lot of daylight.
If the winter sticks around late, it could be a bit icy, but the snow is gradually melting, and outdoor opportunities (that are not based around snow) are starting to open up.
Summer (June to August)
I love summer in Rovaniemi, but the mosquitoes can be a bit brutal, to put things mildly! Mosquitoes tend to be near lakes and forests, so the city center is usually okay.
The best time to venture out is in the morning and late evening. Mosquitoes love the middle of the day. July is the worst month for them out of the three.
Rovaniemi in June
🌡️ Temperature Range: 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F)
❄️ Average Monthly Snowfall: N/A
☀️ Number of Daylight Hours: June 1 (22h 7min), June 15 (24 hours of daylight)
The midnight sun starts around the 6th of June when you can enjoy 24 hours of sunshine. Temperatures are warmer, and you won’t encounter any snowfall, so summer is well and truly on its way!
The Midsummer Celebration takes place at this time of year. It’s a big tradition in Finland, with many families traveling up to Rovaniemi and more remote destinations to enjoy the festivities.
Summer activities are in full swing too, thanks to the temperatures. This includes hiking, swimming, golfing, and horseback riding. If you’re an outdoor lover, then June is the perfect time to visit, especially as the sun doesn’t set.
🇫🇮 Megan’s notes: Mosquitoes. More toward the end of the month, but they are ready to go.
Rovaniemi in July
🌡️ Temperature Range: 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F)
❄️ Average Monthly Snowfall: N/A
☀️ Number of Daylight Hours: July 1 (24 hours of daylight), July 15 (21h 30min)
With temperatures reaching up to 25°C (77°F), July is the warmest month in Rovaniemi. It’s a popular month to visit as there are plenty of outdoor activities on offer at this time of year, including hiking.
Thanks to the warm temperatures, July is the best month for swimming in Rovaniemi’s lakes. Believe it or not, there are some great beaches nearby too where people can sunbathe (a huge difference compared to the winter season).
The midnight sun season comes to an end at the start of July, so the days start to get shorter the further you go in the month. However, you’ll still get around 21 hours of daylight.
🇫🇮 Megan’s notes: Mosquitoes. The city center is the best place to hang out to avoid them. Lakes and forests are teeming with them. Therma-cell is your best friend (you can buy them at K-Market in Rovaniemi).
Rovaniemi in August
🌡️ Temperature Range: 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F)
❄️ Average Monthly Snowfall: N/A
☀️ Number of Daylight Hours: August 1 (18h 56min), August 15 (16h 55min)
Although temperatures are starting to drop in August, they can still be very mild. There are plenty of outdoor activities on offer, and you’ve even got a chance of spotting the northern lights at the end of the month.
A highlight of August has to be the Simerock Music Festival. Attracting over 20,000 people, this festival brings together the best Finnish artists, making it a must for music lovers.
The Old Market Square Carnival of Rovaniemi also takes place in August. This three-day festival celebrates the town’s heritage and history and is known for its live music, dance events, circus shows, and more. All funds raised from this event are donated to charity.
🇫🇮 Megan’s notes: Mosquitoes. But their lives are slowly coming to an end. Rejoice.
Fall (September to October)
If I had to pick only one season to visit Rovaniemi in, it would always be fall. Fall in Rovaniemi is often called ‘ruska’ in Finland, which kind of means the colors of the trees change.
Ruska is something else in Lapland. It is remarkable. The mosquitoes have left, and the trees are various shades of warm colors. The northern lights are at their best in the fall and spring seasons, and prices are still cheap.
It is, without a doubt, the perfect time to visit Rovaniemi. You can find out more about visiting Lapland during autumn in my guide.
Rovaniemi in September
🌡️ Temperature Range: 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F)
❄️ Average Monthly Snowfall: N/A
☀️ Number of Daylight Hours: September 1 (14h 54min), September 15 (13h 14min)
As autumn creeps in, temperatures continue to fall, although they are still staying above freezing. The autumn colors at this time of year are stunning, and you’ve got a good chance of spotting the northern lights too.
If you visit in September, you can enjoy Rovaniemi Week. This cultural week aims to give people an insight into the local culture, so it hosts a variety of experiences. This includes concerts, creative workshops, walking tours, and film screenings.
During this week, Jutajaiset also takes place. It’s a combination of folk dancing, folk music, and culture, so it’s a great event to attend. If you’re not bothered by winter activities, then September is a fantastic time to visit Rovaniemi.
🇫🇮 Megan’s notes: best month to visit Rovaniemi (if you go September 15–October 1). It is my absolute favorite.
Rovaniemi in October
🌡️ Temperature Range: 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F)
❄️ Average Monthly Snowfall: Ranges from 2.1 cm to 11.2 cm (0.8 inches to 4.4 inches)
☀️ Number of Daylight Hours: October 1 (11h 18min), October 15 (9h 36min)
As October comes around in Rovaniemi, you’re likely to encounter a little bit of snowfall, especially toward the end of the month. However, there won’t be nearly enough snow on the ground for winter activities, so just keep that in mind.
The good thing about this is that the roads will be clear, making it a great time of year to hire a car and explore the town’s surroundings.
A highlight of visiting in October is that you’ve got a great chance of spotting the northern lights too. Not only are the skies pretty clear at this time of year, but Rovaniemi only has around 9 hours of daylight in October.
🇫🇮 Megan’s notes: my second favorite month to visit Rovaniemi! October 2023 was a bit odd, and we had heavy snow, but generally, it is a great month for the northern lights. Accommodation is affordable.
FAQ about When to Visit Rovaniemi
When is the best time to visit Lapland, Finland?
If you don’t desire to see snow, I would head there during the fall (September through October). The northern lights are at their best, prices are cheaper, and the mosquitoes have left.
When can you see the northern lights in Rovaniemi?
You can see the northern lights in Lapland from September until mid-April. The best two months are September and March. You can see them throughout the winter when the skies are clear at night, however.
When can I see Santa in Rovaniemi?
You can visit Santa year-round in Rovaniemi! Waits are much longer in December, however.
Is Rovaniemi good for Christmas?
Yes! Rovaniemi is fantastic at Christmas, but do take into mind that it is the most-visited season, and December prices skyrocket compared to other times of the year.
Do you have any questions about the best time to visit Rovaniemi? Let me know your questions in the comments, and I will do my best to answer!
More Rovaniemi Travel Guides
- Visiting Lapland during autumn
- How to get from the Rovaniemi Airport to the city
- Spending winter in Rovaniemi
- What to pack for your trip to Lapland
- Day trips from Rovaniemi
- How to stay at the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel
- Where to eat in Rovaniemi
- Best tours in Rovaniemi
- Visiting Ruka-Kuusamo in winter
- Dog sledding in Rovaniemi
- Northern lights in Rovaniemi
Pin this Best Time to Visit Lapland Guide
Megan is a travel blogger and writer with a background in digital marketing. Originally from Richmond, VA, she now splits her time between Frankfurt, Germany and Arctic Finland after also living in Norway, Armenia, and Kazakhstan. She has a passion for winter travel, as well as the Nordic countries, but you can also find her eating her way through Italy, perusing perfume stores in Paris, or taking road trips through the USA. Megan has written for or been featured by National Geographic, Forbes, Lonely Planet, the New York Times, and more. She co-authored Fodor’s Travel ‘Essential Norway’ and has visited 45 US states and 100+ countries.