Weather in Lapland Finland - Lapland temperature by months for travellers
Written by: Sini Hietaharju, Master of Tourism Research & Slow Traveller
Is Lapland always cold?
This guide will give you a great overview by season and month by month, so you can travel to Lapland during the best times weatherwise.
All the seasons in Lapland have its own charm, and you can find all Lapland specific tips written by a local from this LAPLAND TRAVEL GUIDE
Weather in Lapland: Seasonal Overwiew
Lapland has four main seasons. This table gives you a quick look on Lapland temperatures all over year.
Lapland Seasonal Weather
Comprehensive weather guide for Lapland throughout the year
Summer (June-August)
- Temperature: 13-25°C (55-77°F)
- Sunlight: Midnight sun phenomenon
- Rain: Moderate rainfall
- Nature: Lush green landscapes
Autumn (September-November)
- Temperature: -10 to 12°C (14-54°F)
- Nature: Stunning autumn foliage
- Snow: First snow in late autumn
- Light: Decreasing daylight
Winter (December-February)
- Temperature: -35 to -5°C (-31 to 23°F)
- Darkness: Polar night phenomenon
- Snow: Deep snow cover
- Activities: Winter sports season
Spring (March-May)
- Temperature: -10 to 12°C (14-54°F)
- Light: Increasing daylight
- Snowmelt: Begins in April-May
- Nature: Migratory birds return
Lapland Temperature -Month-by-Month Guide
This gives you a great overview month by month, in both Celcius (as we measure temperature in Finland) and in Fahreneit.
Continue reading to read about fees like temperature differences, as the dry weather in Saariselkä may feel very different compared to the moist one in Arctic Sea.
Average Temperatures
All values are daytime averages/nighttime averages. Regional variations apply.
Lapland Seasonal Weather
Comprehensive weather guide for Lapland throughout the year
Monthly Weather Details
Night: 7-11°C (45-52°F)
- Midnight Sun begins (24h daylight)
- 10 hours sunshine/day
- 33% chance of rain
Night: 10-15°C (50-59°F)
- Warmest month
- Peak lake swimming
- 8 hours sunshine/day
- 14 rainy days average
Night: 9-11°C (48-52°F)
- "Ruska" begins (autumn foliage)
- Rainiest coastal month
- 6 hours sunshine/day
Night: 1-5°C (34-41°F)
- Peak autumn foliage
- First snow possible
- 10-12 hours daylight
Night: -5-0°C (23-32°F)
- Snow cover begins
- Lakes start freezing
- Daylight decreases rapidly
Night: -10--5°C (14-23°F)
- Polar night begins
- Winter activities start
- Average snowfall: 30-40cm
Night: -15--10°C (5-14°F)
- Polar night (24h darkness)
- Christmas season
- Snow depth: 40-60cm
Night: -18--13°C (0-9°F)
- Coldest month
- Very short days
- Ideal for aurora viewing
Night: -15--10°C (5-14°F)
- Days become longer
- Winter sports peak
- Max snow depth: 60-90cm
Night: -10--5°C (14-23°F)
- More daylight (10-12h)
- Good for skiing
- Last month for ice activities
Night: -5-0°C (23-32°F)
- Snow starts melting
- Rivers break up
- 14-16 hours of daylight
Night: 0-5°C (32-41°F)
- Nature awakens
- Midnight sun returns
- Snow melts rapidly
If you're ready for the winter season, I made a one-week itinerary for you already:
Note these local differences about Weather in Lapland Finland
Of course the temperature estimates above give you a great overview, but you should realize also the difference between dry winter and moist arctic Sea.
Even though Northern destinations, like Levi and Saariselkä may reach even temperatures like -40°C, it is anyhow very dry air.
Practically this means that you can protect yourself from it with multiple layers.
On the other hand, coastal destinations like Kemi and Oulu may fee colder, as the moist air and wind makes it feel colder, even if the temperatures would not reach as low number as more northern destinations.
How to dress in Lapland in Winter?
These dressing tips and packing list will keep you warm even during the freezing temperatures of Finnish Lapland.
Winter Packing List and Essential Clothes you Need along the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland.
READ ALSO
Best way to book a trip to Lapland and best companies to book Lapland activities for DIY Lapland trip.
How far in advance to book Lapland travel?
WRITTEN BY
Hey there, I'm the Author
I'm Sini, an enthusiast in slow traveling, yoga retreats, travel as self growth journey and rubbing dogs.
This is your go-to slow travel corner of the internet.
I'm here to share my best travel tips, digital nomad thoughts and photographs from the journeys.
I happen to be kind of a professional in this as well, as I have my Master's degree within Tourism Research and both my master's and bachelor's thesis are about yoga travel.
I want to share the best knowledge of hidden gem retreat and mindful destinations, as well as some deeper, honest thoughts what digital nomad lifestyle actually is.
You can read more about me here.
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