What is the best time to visit Lapland? - Winter Magic in Rovaniemi
One of the questions we hear most often is: When is the best time to visit Lapland? And the truth is… it depends. Every season in the Arctic brings its own kind of magic. In this blog series, we’re exploring each season in turn: what the weather is like, what experiences you can expect, and why it might be the best time for your trip.
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.
When thinking about the best time to visit Lapland, most already have winter in mind. After all, this is the season when Rovaniemi and the Arctic come alive in their most iconic way – deep snow, frozen forests, northern lights, and husky sledding. It’s also our busiest time of year here at Bearhill Husky.
But what exactly can you expect if you travel to Lapland in winter? Let’s take a closer look.
Darkness, Light, and the Arctic Sky
One thing is certain about winter in Lapland: it gets dark. By November, the days shorten quickly, and by December 21st – the winter solstice – there are only about 2 hours and 15 minutes of daylight. Sunrise is after 11:00, and sunset is just after 13:00.
That doesn’t mean you’ll be sitting in total darkness all day. Instead, you’ll experience the famous blue hour mornings and soft pastel skies in the afternoon. Colors that range from deep indigo to pink, and purple. For us, it means that our December morning husky tours begin in the dark and finish with daylight, while afternoon tours start in light and glide into the evening twilight.
Snowfall: The Moment Everyone Waits For
Of course, what most people picture when they think about Lapland in winter is snow. We locals wait for it with just as much excitement as our guests. Typically, the snow arrives in late November or early December, though every year is a little different. Sometimes it comes earlier, sometimes later.
When it finally does arrive, the whole landscape transforms. The white snow reflects moonlight and starlight, making even the darkest nights glow. And for us mushers, it means one important thing: we can switch from carts with wheels to the sleds that our huskies love most.
How Cold Is Lapland in Winter?
Yes, it is cold. Temperatures in Rovaniemi can range anywhere from a few degrees below zero to -20°C and beyond. If you’re visiting from a warm climate, that might sound intimidating, but with the right clothing, it’s part of the adventure.
We always recommend layering properly, covering hands, feet, and face, and taking warming breaks. If you’re not sure how to dress, check out our FAQ section. We’ve put together practical advice so you can enjoy your time outdoors comfortably.
The Magic of Winter in Rovaniemi
What makes winter here so special is not just the snow or the northern lights … it is the feeling it creates. Stepping outside into crisp Arctic air, feeling your eyelashes frost over, returning indoors to a warm fire and a hot drink – these are the little moments that stay with you long after your trip ends.
The quiet of a snowy forest. The crunch of your boots on frozen trails. The way the sky glows pink before the early sunset. Winter in Lapland is more than a season, it’s an atmosphere, a rhythm, a way of life.
Things to Do in Lapland in Winter
Winter in Rovaniemi is packed with activities, and of course, one of the most unforgettable is a husky sled tour. At Bearhill Husky, you can choose whether you want to drive your own team of dogs (self-driven husky tour) or sit back, relax, and let one of our professional mushers guide you across the snowy trails (musher-driven husky tour).
Not sure which style of tour fits you best? We’ve written a full guide comparing the options so you can find the perfect match for your family or group read more here.
Additional to husky tours, winter in Lapland also offers other experiences. We have compiled a list below of the most exciting activities that Rovaniemi offers during the winter. Below each activity you will find a link to one or two providers that we recommend for the activity.
Northern Lights hunting
Snowmobile safaris
Reindeer farm visits and sleigh rides
Ice fishing & Snowshoeing
Meeting Santa Claus
So, Is Winter the Best Time to Visit Lapland?
If you’re ready to embrace the Arctic elements, layer up against the cold, and discover the magic of snow, then yes, winter is absolutely the best time to visit Rovaniemi and Lapland.
And while you’re here, we’d love to welcome you to the kennel, introduce you to our dogs, and take you on a husky adventure you’ll never forget.
Are you travelling during a different season? You can check out the article below for information about a different season.
