A Local’s Guide to Visiting Rovaniemi in October (2025)

While I love Rovaniemi in October, the month may not be for everyone. The changing of the leaves is over, and the air starts turning colder throughout the month. It is truly a month of transition here!

You will find that it is too early for most of the winter activities, but prime time for some northern lights viewing. While the month may not be as good as March for the aurora, it is still one of my favorite months, as it is not absurdly cold just yet.

In this guide, I discuss the best things to do during October in Rovaniemi, including some of the best tours to take, festivals and events to attend, and more.

I also go into detail about the weather, snowfall, daylight, and more. At the end of the guide, you will find my answers to some FAQ as well as what I recommend bringing on your October trip to Rovaniemi.

Please note that this guide pertains only to Rovaniemi and not the rest of Finnish Lapland. While a lot of the region can be similar, naturally, you can expect an earlier winter the further north you go.

And the daylight situation will be different up there. If you have any questions or thoughts, please share them in the comments. Thanks!

Weather in Rovaniemi in October

October is a month of transition and while most of the month feels very autumnal, do expect some cold spells throughout. Sometimes it happens at the end of September, but usually you can expect the first snowfall in October. With that being said, it rarely sticks.

The average high is 5C (40F) and the low is -1C (30F). The start of the month will likely be warmer than the end of the month.

One thing to be aware of is that October (and November) are the two ‘wettest’ months in Rovaniemi. Both months average 10 days of precipitation. Keep that in mind as the clouds will impact northern lights opportunities.

October Daylight Hours

The days are drastically getting shorter in October. Here are the sunrise/sunset times for October 2025:

• October 1: sunrise 7:28am, sunset 18:43pm
• October 15: sunrise 8:15am, sunset 17:48pm
• October 31: sunrise 8:12am, sunset 15:47pm

Keep in mind that this varies a little each year, so if you’re planning a trip for an October further into the future, it may shift by a few minutes each day.

Northern Lights in October

Shoulder seasons tend to be the best northern lights months based on geomagnetic activity. September/October and March/April.

However, the spring tends to outshine the autumn here because cloud coverage is heavier in the fall. If you arrive here and have little cloud coverage in October, you should have no issue seeing the northern lights throughout your trip.

I cover more about taking an aurora tour below (including some tips for it).

Best Things to Do in Rovaniemi in October

Rovaniemi is too early for many winter activities, so I have included a section following this that states what it is too early for (just in case you were wondering). But here are some of the things you CAN do in October:

• Take a northern lights tour: This is key if you’ve never seen the northern lights before! I suggest taking a tour to get you started, and then you can independently see them on the following nights. Book your tour on your first night, as many offer partial refunds if you don’t see it, and you can rebook.
• Go floating under the northern lights: This tour is usually within ice during the winter, but the water won’t be frozen yet in October. It is such a unique tour and one I highly recommend unless you’re claustrophobic.
• Visit Arktikum: Amazing museum that has a lot of information on the local area, its wildlife, and the Sámi people. Interactive exhibits for children too.
• Traditional sauna experience in Rovaniemi: What would a trip to Finland be without a sauna experience!? This is a relaxing experience along the Kemijoki River in a renovated 1958 blacksmith’s sauna. You will need a rental car to get yourself there, however.
• Dog-carting with Bearhill Husky: I went on an autumn dog-carting adventure with them years ago and LOVED it! You can also cuddle the puppies after.
• Santa Claus Village: Beat the rush of people and visit now instead of December!
• Explore Rovaniemi’s gastro scene: Some of my favorite restaurants are Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara, Gustav, Gallis Restaurant, and Santa’s Salmon Place (at SCV).

Activities That It Is Too Early For

Pretty much anything that requires snow. Snowmobiling, dog-sledding (you can go dog-carting though!), ice skating, ice hotels, etc.

None of this is opening until December at the earliest. The best activities, in my opinion, are the ones I listed above under what you can do here.

Festivals and Events in Rovaniemi in October

• Alvar Aalto Week (September 29-October 5, 2025): This celebrates the Jubilee of the famous architect. Learn more here.
• Countdown to Christmas (October 25, 2025 from 6-7pm): Takes place at Santa Claus Village, and it starts the official countdown.

What to Wear & Bring

If you’re visiting in October, dress warmly but you can probably leave the super heavy stuff at home.

I normally make a long list of things to bring for winter travelers, but since it is still not quiet the ‘cold’ season, here are some things I’d recommend bringing: parka (but not an expedition type), boots with wool socks (don’t need snow boots just yet), mittens/gloves, hat, a base layer, mobile power bank (good for phones during northern lights tours).

There is a place called Winter Rent in the city center that offers clothing rental, which may be good for those visiting us from Australia, India, Brazil, or other places that are pretty warm.

FAQ about Lapland in October

Is snow guaranteed in Lapland in October?

No. Sometimes we don’t get proper snowfall until January (ugh… this year…).

There will likely be a snowfall in October at some point, but it tends not to stick around for too long. Therefore, snow activities usually don’t start until after October.

Can you see the northern lights during October in Lapland?

If the skies are clear, absolutely! Just book a northern lights tour on your first night to maximize your chances.

Is Santa Claus Village open year-round?

Yes… and visiting in October is way better than in December because you won’t have the Christmas crowds.

Keep in mind that the official Christmas countdown also starts on October 25, 2025. You will want to head to SCV to partake in the fun!

Should you visit Rovaniemi in October?

If you want to see the northern lights but without the crowds and super cold temperatures, YES. Just give yourself enough days here to see the aurora in case of cloudy skies.

But flights are cheaper, hotels are more affordable, and it is just an exciting time all around!

Have questions about booking a trip to Rovaniemi during October? Send me a message or leave a comment below.

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