Everyone has seen pictures of Lapland in winter, but do you know what the region looks like the rest of the year ? The landscapes are so different from one month to the next in Lapland, that 4 seasons are not enough for Lapland, so they divide the year into 8 seasons ! But what’s the best time to go to Finnish Lapland ? In this article, we help you plan your trip, as well as determine the best season to go.
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Lapland in winter
When you think of Lapland, of course, you think of winter, snowy landscapes and Santa Claus surrounded by his reindeer. In Lapland, there is usually snow from October to mid-April, depending on the regions. It starts to fall well in December, and excursions such as snowmobile rides, sled dog rides and snowshoeing can begin. Today, Lapland in winter remains the most popular season.
In December, the polar night (kaamos in Finnish) settles, the sun only rises a few hours into the day : it’s an opportunity to observe the Northern Lights. Indeed, one of the conditions for seeing them is that it’s night !
In the middle of winter (joulukaamos), temperatures can drop as low as -40 °C, but usually drop to around -20 °C or -30 °C. From January, the days get longer, but the cold is still biting (pakkastalvi). This time of year is also a time of celebration : celebrating Christmas and New Year in Lapland is an absolutely unforgettable experience, for young and old alike ! In Rovaniemi, you can visit the village of Santa Claus and even meet Mrs Claus…
Lapland in spring
First of all, from February to the end of March we witness the great return of the Sun : no more polar nights, give way to sunny days ! You also enjoy all the winter activities with more daylight… and always the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights at night. Temperatures are milder, on average around -10°C or -15°C, which makes outdoor activities very pleasant : you want to stay outside longer… and in March, the first buds start to appear (hankkikanto).
In mid-April, the snow begins to melt (jäidenlähtökëvat) and eventually disappears in May. It’s the least touristy season to go to Lapland, but you can still find great activities to do, such as visiting a reindeer farm or hiking in the midst of verdant nature. The days get longer and longer, and temperatures gradually rise. Not to mention the memorable Labor Day (Vappu), celebrated all over Finland : on the eve of May 1st, the streets are filled with students and families in costume, who come to party until the next day.
Lapland in summer
In June, Lapland completely changes its face : for starters, temperatures can reach 25°C to 30°C, nature is flourishing and outdoor activities multiply: boat fishing, floating sauna, swimming in the countless lakes, camping in the wild… It must be said that for about 2 months, the sun no longer sets : it is the midnight sun (keskiyonaurigon aika). This extraordinary phenomenon can be observed in the regions located above the Arctic Circle. The days last 24 hours, and nature is in ecstasy.
The summer Solstice in Lapland
June 21st is the Feast of St. John (Juhannus) and the summer solstice. This is one of the best times to go to Lapland. Juhannus is certainly the most important traditional holiday for Finns. The festivities usually last three to four days, with family or friends. Fires are lit in honor of the summer, sausages (makkara) are grilled at the barbecue, the weekend is spent at the chalet (mökki) in the forest by a lake…
From July, the berry picking season (sadonkorjuunaika) opens. The right of access to nature allows each individual to enjoy what nature has to offer : Finns stock up on berries and freeze a good part of it for the coming winter.
Lapland in autumn
Around mid-August – early September, Lapland is covered by its most beautiful colors : it is the ruska, without a doubt one of the most beautiful seasons to visit Lapland.
Night gradually returns, as does the Northern Lights, again visible in the sky. They are reflected in the lakes, still liquid. Autumn is a good time to hike in the midst of sumptuous nature and enjoy other outdoor activities, such as mushroom picking, excellent throughout the region. In November, the first snows fall (mustalumi) but do not yet hold the ground… the temperatures start to drop.
When to go to Lapland for the Northern Lights ?
In Rovaniemi, we are lucky to see very beautiful auroras every year, so if you’re wondering when to go to Lapland for the aurora borealis, the answer is simple: from early September to mid-April. This period corresponds to the months of the year when the nights are dark enough to see the aurora borealis. The rest of the year, the nights are too clear and the midnight sun shines in the Lapland sky, making it impossible to see the northern lights.
To resume, when is the best time to go to Lapland ?
Polar night and high season
In conclusion, if neither the tourist crowds nor the polar nights scare you and you want to experience the magic of the holiday season, then the December to January season is for you. However, accommodation prices rise during the Christmas period. As for the cold ? Rest assured, there’s always a sauna at your fingertips.
Sun and long days
If you prefer to enjoy activities in the sunlight while having the opportunity to observe the Northern Lights in the evening, then you should leave between February and March. It’s less cold than December-January, there’s always a lot of snow on the ground and especially the fairy-tale landscapes are revealed in daylight ! On top of that, there are far fewer tourists than in December.
Going to Lapland rather than the Tropics
If you want to get off the beaten track and spend the summer somewhere other than the French Riviera, Thailand or Spain, then come between June and August : what could be better than fishing on a boat, swimming in a lake under the midnight sun or picking up delicious berries during a hike ? Finally, if you’re fleeing the crowds and want to save some money on your plane ticket, head to Lapland in autumn, you’ll bring some beautiful photos home. The ruska is absolutely stunning, and the northern lights reflected in the lakes is a sight not to be missed. If you still don’t know when to leave to Lapland, you can do our quiz.
