Rovaniemi is properly cold. January averages a -13°C (9°F) low, and you will spend that time outdoors on husky rides, snowmobiles and aurora hunts. Your packing is about staying warm while sitting still.
Rovaniemi weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | -7°C19°F | -5°C23°F | -2°C28°F | 3°C37°F | 12°C54°F | 18°C64°F | 21°C70°F | 18°C64°F | 14°C57°F | 4°C39°F | -3°C27°F | -6°C21°F |
| Low | -13°C9°F | -10°C14°F | -8°C18°F | -4°C25°F | 3°C37°F | 9°C48°F | 13°C55°F | 11°C52°F | 8°C46°F | -1°C30°F | -8°C18°F | -11°C12°F |
| Rain days | 11 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 11 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryDeep cold and short days. January averages a -7°C (19°F) high and -13°C (9°F) low, February -5°C (23°F) and -10°C (14°F), and December -6°C (21°F) and -11°C (12°F) with 11 rain days, all snow. Daylight lasts only a few hours around December. Pack a thermal base layer, wool or fleece mid layer, insulated jacket and pants, insulated boots, mittens and hand warmers.
Spring
March–MayBright and still snowy. March averages -2°C (28°F) and -8°C (18°F), April 3°C (37°F) and -4°C (25°F), and May warms to 12°C (54°F) with 7 rain days. March is a good month for snow activities in sunshine, so add sunglasses and lip balm. The snow melts in May and paths get muddy.
Summer
June–AugustMild and light all night. Highs are 18°C (64°F) in June, 21°C (70°F) in July and 18°C (64°F) in August, with lows of 9–13°C (48–55°F) and 9–11 rain days a month. Bring a light rain jacket, a warm layer for evenings, insect repellent for lakes and forests, and a sleep mask for the midnight sun.
Autumn
September–NovemberShort and turning fast. September averages 14°C (57°F) and 8°C (46°F), October 4°C (39°F) and -1°C (30°F), and November -3°C (27°F) and -8°C (18°F). Ruska (autumn colors) peaks in September, and aurora season starts. Pack waterproof boots and a warm jacket by October.
What to bring to Rovaniemi
0 of 26 packedAn outer shell keeps wind off your insulating layers on snowmobile rides, where moving air at -13°C (9°F) bites hard.
The men's version of the same shell, for wind and wet snow over your warm layers.
- A warm wrapClothing
A warm wrap is an easy extra layer for your neck and face on long, still aurora watches.
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
Batteries drain fast in Rovaniemi's cold, so keep a small power bank in an inside pocket.
- CALACH XL Compression Packing Cubes 2-PackBags & Luggage
Compression cubes fit bulky thermals and fleeces into your bag for a deep-winter trip.
Finland uses Type C and F sockets, so US, UK and Australian visitors need an adapter.
- MZOO Sleep MaskSleep & Comfort
A sleep mask helps under the midnight sun in June and July.
Clothing
- Thermal base layers · 2 setsJanuary averages a -13°C low
- Wool or fleece mid layer · 2
- Insulated jacket · 1
- Insulated pants · 1
- Warm hat · 1
- Mittens with liner gloves · 1 setThin gloves fail at -13°C
- Neck gaiter · 1
Footwear
- Insulated winter boots · 1 pairRated well below freezing
- Thick wool socks · 5 pairs
- Slip-on ice cleats · 1 pairIcy town sidewalks
- Waterproof walking shoes · 1 pairSummer forest trails and spring mud
Gear
- Hand and toe warmersHusky rides and aurora hunts, sitting still
- Sunglasses · 1Snow glare in March sunshine
- Headlamp · 1Only a few hours of daylight around December
Health and toiletries
- Lip balm and rich moisturizer
- Insect repellent · 1Lakes and forests, Jun–Aug
Documents and money
- Passport
- Travel insurance
Tech
- Spare phone charging cable · 1Cold drains batteries
What shoes should you pack for Rovaniemi?
Insulated winter boots rated well below freezing, with room for thick wool socks. Sneakers are useless in January snow. Add slip-on ice cleats for town sidewalks. In summer, waterproof walking shoes handle forest trails.
What do people wear in Rovaniemi?
Warm, practical outdoor gear. Finns dress for the weather, not for show, even at dinner. Indoors is well heated, and you take your boots and outer layers off often, so wear layers that come off easily.
Do tours in Rovaniemi provide winter clothing?
Many husky, reindeer and snowmobile tours lend thermal overalls, boots and mittens; check before you go. You still need your own base layers, wool socks and a hat, and you need full warm gear for walking around town.
What plugs does Rovaniemi use?
Finland uses Type C and F sockets at 230V, the same as most of mainland Europe. US, UK and Australian visitors need an adapter. Phone and laptop chargers are fine at 230V.
Tours and things to do in Rovaniemi
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Rovaniemi.
What should you leave at home for Rovaniemi?
Cotton base layers, fashion boots, thin gloves and an umbrella. Cotton holds sweat and gets cold, thin gloves fail at -13°C (9°F), and winter precipitation is snow. Leave the formal outfits too.
Packing for Rovaniemi: questions people ask
What should I wear in Rovaniemi in December?
Full winter layers, insulated boots and mittens. December averages a -6°C (21°F) high, a -11°C (12°F) low and 11 days of snow, with only a few hours of daylight.
How cold is Rovaniemi in January?
Very. January averages a -7°C (19°F) high and a -13°C (9°F) low, and colder snaps are common.
When can you see the northern lights in Rovaniemi?
Roughly September–March, on clear dark nights. Getting away from town lights helps.
Do I need to bring a snowsuit to Rovaniemi?
Usually not for tours, since many operators lend thermal overalls. Check before you go, and bring your own base layers and wool socks.
What should I wear in Rovaniemi in July?
Light layers and a rain jacket. July averages a 21°C (70°F) high, a 13°C (55°F) low and 9 rain days.
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