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When does it snow in Rovaniemi?

Travel tips · Updated 21 October 2026

When does the snow arrive?

Rovaniemi sits right on the Arctic Circle, and winter here is long. In Lapland the ground is typically covered with snow for more than half of the year.

The first flakes usually come in October. Lasting snow cover, meaning snow that stays on the ground until spring, typically starts around 21 October. That's the 1991–2020 average for the Finnish Meteorological Institute's Rovaniemi Apukka station.

The exact date changes every year:

• Earliest on record: 21 September 1968
• Latest on record: 19 November 2011

Snow and temperature month by month

Averages for Rovaniemi Airport, 1991–2020. Snowfall is the total amount of new snow that falls in a month on average, not how deep the snow is on the ground.

Temperatures and snowfall: Finnish Meteorological Institute, 1991–2020 normals. Daylight is the monthly average from WeatherSpark. Cold snaps go far below these averages. Rovaniemi Airport has recorded −38 °C in January.

Is there snow in Rovaniemi in…?

September

Very rarely. September is autumn here, with ruska colours in the forests and average highs around 11 °C. Snow that stays on the ground in September is very unusual. The earliest on record is 21 September 1968.

October

Usually not much. The first snow can fall in October, but it's normally a light layer that melts again. It's also when the northern lights season is in full swing on dark, clear nights.

November

Some, and more as the month goes on. You can expect snowfall during a November stay, but the ground isn't always white yet and early snow can melt in between. It's the least predictable winter month. Average temperatures are a few degrees below zero, and the days get short quickly.

December

Yes, in most years. December is usually when the snow comes to stay, and by Christmas Rovaniemi is normally white. In years when the snow is late, early December can still be thin. December is perfect if you're coming for Santa and the Christmas atmosphere. It's also the darkest month: around the winter solstice the sun is up for only about two hours.

January

Yes, and this is the real Arctic winter. January has the lowest temperatures of the year, with average lows around −14 °C, short blue days in kaamos, the dark season, and usually the best snow conditions. The trees are often heavy with tykkylumi, thick crown snow that turns the forest white. January is also usually a bit less crowded than December and February.

February

Yes. February still has the best snow conditions, with a little more daylight every day, and tykkylumi on the trees is very common. On average it gets more new snow than January.

March

Yes. March has the most new snow of any month, and the days are already about 12 hours long. Deep snow, more daylight and milder temperatures make it a very comfortable month for winter activities.

April

Early April, yes. The snow is still deep at the start of the month. After that, temperatures climb to around 0 °C on average and the snow starts to melt.

May

Mostly no. May is spring melt, with average highs around 11 °C and no new snow on average. Shaded spots in the forest can hold old snow for a while, but winter activities are over.

Peak snow season in Rovaniemi

Snow keeps building through the winter. The heaviest snowfall comes in February and March, and the Finnish Meteorological Institute notes that in Lapland the snow is usually at its deepest from mid-March to early April. Then it melts quickly.

That means the deepest snow comes at the end of winter. January and February are colder, and March brings deeper snow and much more daylight.

Best time to visit Rovaniemi for snow

For a reliably white winter, come between late December and March. Each month offers something different:

• December: perfect for Santa and Christmas vibes. It's the darkest and busiest time of year, so book activities early.
• January: the true Arctic experience. Lowest temperatures of the year, short blue days, tykkylumi on the trees and usually the best snow. Usually a bit less crowded than December and February.
• February: still the best snow conditions, with more light and tykkylumi very often.
• March: deep snow, long bright days and milder cold. It's good for families and for anyone who wants more daylight for activities. Northern lights are still possible on dark evenings.
• Late October and November: fewer visitors and a strong northern lights season, but snow isn't guaranteed. If snow matters to you, aim for late December or later.

What snow means for your activities

Husky rides, reindeer sleigh rides and snowmobile safaris all need enough snow on the trails. In years when the snow is late, some activities planned for late November or early December can be cancelled. When you send us your dates, we check with our partners what's running and suggest alternatives if the snow is late.

Even without deep snow, Lapland is beautiful, scenic and peaceful, with plenty to do, including spas and other new attractions.

Northern lights tours don't depend on snow, only on dark and clear skies. In autumn they're a good choice before the snow arrives.

Explore what's on offer:

• Husky safaris in Rovaniemi
• Reindeer sleigh rides
• Snowmobile safaris
• Northern lights tours
• Winter adventures

Not sure what to pack for the cold? Read our guide to what to wear in Rovaniemi.

Questions

Sources

• Finnish Meteorological Institute: Lumitilastot (first lasting snow cover, Rovaniemi Apukka, 1961–) and Snow statistics
• Finnish Meteorological Institute climate normals 1991–2020, Rovaniemi Airport (temperatures and snowfall)
• WeatherSpark (average daylight)