1. SUMMER IN LAPLAND: MIDNIGHT SUN ADVENTURES

From late May to early August, Lapland enjoys the Midnight Sun, a natural phenomenon where the sun never sets. This season is perfect for travelers who love outdoor activities, as you can explore nature even late in the evening under golden light.

Make the most of these endless days by joining unique summer tours! You can glide across peaceful lakes and rivers on a canoe tour, hike through untouched Arctic landscapes, or explore forest trails on an e-fatbike. Doing these activities during the evening, when the sun hovers above the horizon, is an unforgettable experience. Summer is also the ideal time for families who want to combine adventure with cultural visits to reindeer and husky farms, or to spend a day at Ranua Zoo discovering Arctic wildlife.

To learn more about summer in Lapland, read our article: 15 Things to Do in Rovaniemi in Summer

2. AUTUMN IN LAPLAND: RUSKA COLORS AND AURORAS

September brings the famous ruska season, when Lapland’s forests burst into shades of red, yellow, and orange. The air is crisp but not yet freezing, making it a comfortable time to enjoy hiking, canoeing, or cycling around Rovaniemi or from our base in the Ylläs National Park.

It’s also the start of the Northern Lights season. The nights grow darker, giving you a chance to join an aurora hunting tour before the heavy snows arrive. For photographers and nature lovers, autumn is one of the most peaceful and visually stunning times to visit Lapland.

Another highlight of autumn is the chance to meet Lapland’s iconic animals. From Rovaniemi, you can join a unique two-day trip to Oulanka National Park, combining hiking with an overnight bear watching tour in a wildlife hide. It’s also the season when the first husky cart rides begin, giving you the chance to experience dog mushing on wheels before the snow arrives and to learn more about these energetic Arctic dogs.

To learn more about fall in Lapland, read our article: 12 Things to Do in Rovaniemi in Autumn 

3. WINTER IN LAPLAND: SNOW, AURORAS, AND ARCTIC ADVENTURES

From late November to mid-April, Lapland transforms into a true winter wonderland. This is the most popular time to visit, especially for those who dream of snowy landscapes and Northern Lights.

Our agency in Rovaniemi and Ylläs offers a wide variety of guided winter tours. You can try snowshoeing or ski tours, including special night excursions designed to combine activity with aurora chasing. These tours are also the perfect way to discover Lapland’s famous “cotton trees” — snow-covered spruces and pines that create magical, fairy-tale landscapes under the Arctic light. If you want to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, our Aurora Pass allows you to book at least three nights of excursions, dramatically increasing the likelihood of witnessing this magical phenomenon.

For adventurers, winter is also the season of ice fishing and our unique Arctic survival experience, which combines snowshoeing, navigation, fire-making, and fishing on a frozen lake. Families and animal lovers can visit authentic reindeer and husky farms as well as the Ranua zoo, while cultural tours remain available year-round, including our popular wilderness sauna tour and the guided visit of the Snow Hotel.

For those seeking a full immersion, we also propose an exclusive one-week package in Ylläs National Park. This private experience includes accommodation in cozy wooden chalets, airport transfers, and a personal guide who will take care of every detail of your Arctic holiday.

To learn more about winter in Lapland, read our article: 10 Things to Do in Rovaniemi in Winter

4. SO, WHEN SHOULD YOU VISIT LAPLAND?

The truth is, there is no bad time to travel to Lapland — it all depends on what you want to experience. Summer brings the magic of the Midnight Sun and endless outdoor adventures. Autumn offers peaceful and colorful landscapes as well as the first Northern Lights. Winter is perfect for snowy activities and family holidays.

Just keep in mind that from mid-April to mid-May, tourism in Lapland slows down significantly as the snow melts and before the Midnight Sun season begins. This short “off-season” is quieter, but it’s usually not the best time for guided outdoor activities.

However, no matter when you choose to visit, our local agency based in Rovaniemi and Ylläs National Park is here to create unforgettable memories for you. 

Below, you will find our visual guide to help you decide when to come to different parts of Finnish Lapland. But as we say in the North, you should always come twice: once for the snow and once for the snowless season!