What is the best time to visit Lapland? - Discover summer under the midnight sun
One of the questions we get all the time is: When is the best time to visit Lapland? The short answer: it depends. Each season in the Arctic brings its own kind of magic. In this series, we’re sharing what each season feels like here in Rovaniemi, what the weather is like, what experiences you can expect, and why it might be the perfect time for your adventure.
When talking about the seasons of Lapland, we need to point out that Lapland actually has eight seasons: autumn-winter; winter; spring-winter; spring; spring-summer; summer; summer-autumn and autumn. If you are interested in reading more about these distinct seasons, you can find it on the website of Rovaniemi International. But to keep it simple, we will go with the four seasons that probably everyone is familiar with: winter, spring, summer and autumn.
Today, we’ll focus on one of our absolute favorites: summer!
The midnight sun in Rovaniemi
The first thing anyone notices about summer in Lapland is the midnight sun. Rovaniemi sits right on the Arctic Circle, which means that for weeks the sun simply doesn’t set. By late April, the evenings already stretch long, and before you know it – darkness disappears completely.
Imagine going for a midnight hike and the forest is still glowing with daylight. Imagine waking up early and being greeted by sunshine every morning. Even a late-night swim in the lake feels otherworldly when the birds are singing and the sky is bright. Of course, it can be tricky to fall asleep without the comfort of darkness — but trust us, the positives far outweigh the negatives.
Does Lapland have warm summers?
One question we often hear is: “Does it actually get warm in Lapland?” The answer is yes! We get a proper summer. In fact, in 2025 we had a five-week heatwave where the temperature stayed close to 30°C every day. That was unusually hot, but summers of 20–25°C are common, making it perfect weather for exploring the outdoors.
Mosquitos and other bugs
We’ll be honest: yes, there are mosquitos in Lapland. Some days are worse than others, especially in swampy areas or deep forest. But with a good repellent and a classic mosquito hat, it’s nothing you can’t handle. Stick to open trails and breezy spots and you’ll barely notice them. It’s simply part of the Lapland summer experience.
What do the huskies do in summer?
Visitors often ask if our sled dogs can pull sleds during summer. The answer is no. The snow is gone, and the temperatures are too warm. But when conditions allow, they can pull carts with wheels for short tours.
Most importantly, summer is the dogs’ holiday. Just like people, they need time off. They enjoy:
- Splashing in the lake
- Running free with their friends
- Gentle exercise in our dog walker
- Meeting guests for cuddles and socialisation
Occasionally, they’ll pull a training cart to keep the routine alive, but summer is their chance to relax and recharge before the busy winter season.
Summer tours in Rovaniemi
If you’re visiting Rovaniemi in summer, you can still meet our huskies! Depending on the weather, we offer:
- Cart rides (when it’s cool enough)
- Kennel visits to meet our retired dogs and puppies
- Guided tours where you learn about life with sled dogs in the Arctic
It’s a more relaxed season, where you can connect with the dogs at a slower pace and enjoy the endless daylight of Lapland.
Why visit Lapland in summer?
If endless light, forest hikes, lake swims, and time with huskies sound like your kind of adventure, then summer in Lapland is perfect for you. The midnight sun transforms the Arctic into a place where time feels different – days stretch forever, and nature feels more alive than ever.
Come see it for yourself. Experience Rovaniemi in summer, meet our dogs, and discover why every season here truly is magical.
