From a moment to the Unforgettable
Weather and Seasons
Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, is located near the Arctic Circle. This northern city is characterized by its subarctic climate, resulting in long, cold winters with heavy snowfall and short, mild summers.
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The biome surrounding Rovaniemi is predominantly boreal forest, also known as taiga.
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In Rovaniemi, winters are long and bitterly cold, with temperatures ranging from -5°C to -30°C. Springs are short and marked by a rapid transition from cold to mild temperatures, around 0°C to 10°C. Summers are relatively warm, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C, and the Midnight Sun phenomenon. Autumns see temperatures cooling down from 5°C to 15°C, with colorful foliage before winter returns.
The region experiences extreme seasonal variations in daylight, with the Midnight Sun occurring in summer when the sun does not set for several weeks, and the polar night in winter when the sun remains below the horizon for extended periods.
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Day and Night Time
Seasons and Phenomenons
Above we have just talked about 4 Seasons, however the locals divide the year into 8 Seasons: Ruska, First Snow, Christmas, Frosty Winter, Crusty Snow, Departure of Ice, Midnight Sun, Harvest Season.
In September we can enjoy the transition from Summer to Autumn, with a phenomenon called "Ruska".
The foliage, the trees, and the ground becomes different shades of reds, yellows and oranges, transforming the land into a beautiful painting with vivid colors.
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This is the perfect time for hiking and northern lights hunting, as the weather is very pleasant, rivers and lakes are not frozen, so we can enjoy the reflection of the Aurora.
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Months: September
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Activities/Phenomenons:
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Colorfull foliage
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Hiking
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Northern Lights
Ruska / Colorful Autumn
First Snow
The First Snow comes usually in October. The days are becoming shorter and shorter (about 10 minutes every day) and the weather gets colder. The winter Activities start and the winter trails and ski-routes open.​
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Nights are very dark and the "Equinox-Effects" can bring amazing Northernlights shows.
The lakes and rivers are not frozen yet so you can get the reflections of the Aurora on the surface of the water.
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The weather can change a lot during the day, so variable clothing is advised.
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Months: October, November
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Activities/Phenomenons:
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Skiing
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Hiking
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Northern Lights
Lapland is fully into winter, with temperatures ranging from -20 to -5. The landscapes are covered completely in snow and snowfall is frequent. Daylight is minimal, with only a few hours of twighlight, as the polar night approaches.
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December is the busiest month in lapland, but also one of the cloudiest due to the frequent snowfall.
Most bodies of water are frozen so much, that you can walk and drive on them.
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Months: December
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Activities/Phenomenons:
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Snowshoeing
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Short hikes
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Skiing
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Visiting Santa
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Northern Lights (can be challenging due to the clouds)
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Polar Nights
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Light Pilars
Christmas
Frosty Winter
January and February are the coldest months in lapland. Some days temperatures can be between -20 and -40. Deep snow is covering the landscape, however due to the low temperatures the sky is mostly clear.
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During these months warm clothes are essential.
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Months: January, February
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Activities/Phenomenons:
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Snowshoeing
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Short hikes
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Skiing
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Visiting Santa
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Northern Lights
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Polar Clouds
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Light Pilars
In these months the transition between winter and spring starts. Days are becoming longer and we have more sunlight. The snowlayer reaches its peak, and in some places it can be even 1 meter deep.
The sunny weather and the snowy landscapes create a sparkling effect on the trees and the ground.
This is a perfect period for winter hikes and outdoor activities.
The nights however can still be very cold and they might feel even colder due to the humidity.
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In March thanks to the "Equinox Effect" the chances of enjoying the Aurora increase.
By the middle of April we don't have any proper darkness, especially in the North.
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Months: March, April
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Activities/Phenomenons:
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Snowshoeing
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Hikes
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Skiing
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Northern Lights
Sparkling Snow
Departure of Ice
Lapland goes through a significant transformation, and spring arrives. Reindeers are set free from the farms, rivers and lakes unfreeze completely and even the last bear is awake from his hibernation.
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The days get very long and temperatures can reach up to 15 degrees.
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Months: May
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Activities/Phenomenons:
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Changing Winter Tires ; )
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Water level rising
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"Nightless-Nights" but no Midnight Sun
During June summer arrives in lapland and the nature is completely recovered from the cold winter days.
The sun never sets under the horizon, bringing 24 hours of daylight.
Is common to encounter wildlife in the city and on the shores.
Months: June, July
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Activities/Phenomenons:
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Hiking
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SUP
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Swimming
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Midnight Sun
Midnight Sun
Harvest Season
August is the end of the summer period, when we can enjoy the biggest gift of nature: Food. Locals go into the forrests to pick berries and muschrooms.
Temperatures are still pleasant and days are getting shorter, especially at the end of the month, so Aurora sighting becomes possible again.
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Months: August
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Activities/Phenomenons:
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Berry picking
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Mushroom picking
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Hiking
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Northern Lights (End of the month)