When to Visit Lapland: Why March Is the Perfect Time

Finnish Lapland in March offers the perfect balance between Arctic winter and the return of daylight. The landscapes are still snow-covered, the Northern Lights remain visible, and longer days make winter activities even more enjoyable. It is an ideal time to discover Lapland under optimal conditions.

Many people think that the best time to visit Lapland is limited to the months from December to February. However, those who truly know the region are aware that March is one of the best months to experience Arctic magic. The days are brighter, temperatures are more comfortable, less crowded… and the Northern Lights continue to dance across the sky, offering excellent viewing opportunities.
Here are five reasons why we recommend discovering Lapland in March.

1. THE PERFECT BALANCE BETWEEN WINTER AND SPRING

Milder and More Comfortable Temperatures
March is often seen as a transitional month, neither fully winter nor truly spring. In Lapland, however, it is an ideal time to visit. Temperatures gradually become softer: the extreme cold is over, with average temperatures in Rovaniemi ranging between 0°C and −10°C. These are perfect conditions to fully enjoy outdoor activities, especially during a family trip with young children. It is also worth noting that school holidays usually end around March 10.

Still-Excellent Snow Conditions
Despite the warmer weather, winter is far from over. Depending on the year, snow is still present in generous amounts, allowing most winter activities to take place. Lakes remain frozen, landscapes stay pristine, and Arctic magic is very much alive, offering an authentic and truly immersive experience.

Fatbike Lapland March

2. IDEAL CONDITIONS FOR OBSERVING THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

March is one of the best months to observe the Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland. Although nights are slightly shorter than in mid-winter, they remain dark enough to fully enjoy the show. From mid-March onward, the Northern Lights can be seen on around four nights out of five, offering excellent viewing opportunities. In addition, snowfall is generally less frequent than in January or February, which reduces cloud cover and increases the chances of clear skies, making this period even more favorable for aurora viewing.

Solar activity is also particularly intense during this time, making the Northern Lights even more spectacular and unforgettable for visitors. This is especially true as the spring equinox approaches, when the Earth’s position enhances the reception of solar particles.

To learn more about the Northern Lights phenomenon, feel free to visit our dedicated blog: When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Lapland ?

 

THE BEST OPTIONS TO OBSERVE THEM:
So that everyone can experience this phenomenon in their own way, we have created several types of tours to try to see the Northern Lights, suited to all profiles.

Small-group tours, led by trained and passionate guides, are an excellent option to gain a deeper understanding of the phenomenon and ask all your questions.

Private family-friendly tours specially designed for children, it combines comfort, safety, and flexibility. The guide can adapt the pace and organization to everyone’s needs, ensuring a pleasant and relaxed evening.

For the more adventurous, snowshoeing by night or evening backcountry skiing outings offer the chance to move away from crowded areas and explore Lapland’s wilderness at night, in an immersive and silent atmosphere. Even if the Northern Lights do not appear, these experiences remain unique thanks to the setting and ambiance.

Looking for a fully personalized experience? Private tours are ideal for couples, groups of friends, or travelers seeking a tailor-made approach, with a customized itinerary and guidance adapted to their wishes.

Northern Light March
Northern Lights -Rovaniemi - Small group
Northern Light March

3. BRIGHTER DAYS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR STAY

In March, Finnish Lapland benefits from a rapid increase in daylight hours. Light gradually returns, and although the sun remains low on the horizon, it provides stable, diffuse brightness for much of the day. Daylight increases from nearly 10 hours at the beginning of the month to more than 13-14 hours by the end.
This greater amount of daylight makes days more flexible, especially for families. There is no need to wake up very early to enjoy activities, making it easier to plan the day and enjoy a more relaxed stay. The pressure of nightfall is less noticeable compared to the polar night period.

Improved light also enhances visibility of the snowy landscapes: mountains, forests, and vast snow-covered areas stand out more clearly, making outings and exploration easier. This allows visitors to fully enjoy daytime activities such as snowshoeing, ice fishing, sled rides, sauna

Laponie en mars

4. A QUITER AND MORE AUTHENTIC LAPLAND

In March, Lapland is less crowded than during the peak season, creating a calmer and more authentic atmosphere. Tourist sites are less busy, allowing visitors to enjoy the landscapes and activities with greater peace and quiet.

The end of school holidays (around march 10th) in several European countries also reduces the number of traveling families during this period. This results in more moderate visitor numbers and a more serene experience, especially for those seeking a more intimate stay.

Lapland March Pyha Luosto

5. TRAVELING IN MARCH : ACCESSIBILITY, COMFORT AND PEACE OF MIND

Traveling to Finnish Lapland in March combines accessibility and comfort. Rovaniemi remains easily reachable by train from Helsinki, offering a more pleasant and varied travel experience. The journey allows travelers to gradually discover Finnish landscapes and is an appealing alternative for those who wish to avoid flight connections. More information about Helsinki–Rovaniemi routes can be found here.

In addition, several airlines continue to operate flights to Rovaniemi from major European cities until mid-March, and even until the end of March with airlines such as Finnair or Ryanair. This makes travel planning easier and allows visitors to take advantage of a period when prices and visitor numbers are often more affordable.

Finnish forest

With milder temperatures, longer daylight, and fewer tourists, March offers a calmer, more relaxed Lapland. You can explore at your own pace, enjoy greater flexibility, and experience the region without the usual crowds. In March, Lapland becomes a more accessible, comfortable, and peaceful destination.

See you next march ?

And that’s it! We hope this article helps you make the best choice.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us!