Snow has been firmly on the grounds since mid-December, with a very cold snap that occurred in early January – the temperature in Rovaniemi went as low as -38 degrees Celsius, and stayed there for days! A truly Arctic experience for those who visited us in Rovaniemi during those few frozen first weeks of 2026! Already know when you are traveling? Book your Rovaniemi Northern Light tour here! 

However, because of the improving weather conditions, and the approach of the spring equinox, February and March offer a good mix of extended daylight and excellent aurora viewing opportunities. For example, December gave us only around 90 minutes of daylight in December, in early February the sun rises before 09:00AM and sets around 15:30. In this short guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect from snow in Rovaniemi, how Rovaniemi weather shapes your experience, and how recent space weather events are influencing aurora activity in 2026. 

Winter in Rovaniemi: Deep Snow and Shifting Days

By mid-winter, Rovaniemi transforms into a classic Arctic landscape. Snow typically begins accumulating in late autumn and often stays through April, creating reliable conditions for winter activities and tours. Deep snow cover during this time of year makes everything from snowshoe hiking to sleigh rides possible, and most visitors find that February and March offer consistent snowy scenery that’s ideal for photography and outdoor excursions.

As the winter progresses, Rovaniemi weather begins to change in subtle but important ways. Daylight hours increase, with February offering more light than the darkest weeks of December and January. This shift not only makes daytime activities more enjoyable but also means our evening aurora tours start later, with nights that are still long enough for great viewing. Average temperatures in Rovaniemi in these months often hover well below freezing, especially at night, so dressing warmly remains essential.

Rovaniemi northern lights tours run all the way until mid-April, when the sun finally claims a victory over night-time darkness and auroras become too faint to see. Average temperatures in Rovaniemi in these months often hover well below freezing, especially at night, so dressing warmly remains essential.

Why the Second Half of Winter Is Great for Northern Lights Tours

Rovaniemi Northern Lights tours don’t rely just on darkness—they depend on a mix of clear skies, active solar conditions, and minimal light pollution. Cloud cover and sometimes less than optimal weather is always part of Arctic winters, but still, the second half of the season can offer a sweet spot: clearer skies than the deep cold snap of mid-January and longer nights than in late spring.

Our Northern lights routes often take us deep into snow-covered forests and onto frozen lakes, where light pollution is minimal and our chances of catching a display improve.

Snow in Rovaniemi: Reliable and Beautiful

One of the most common questions visitors ask is about snow in Rovaniemi. In most years, our Arctic hometown enjoys a substantial amount of snowfall through February and March. Snow can stick around for up to six months—from late October into April—and it’s generally thick and scenic during this part of winter.

The presence of snow not only enhances the landscape but also supports a range of activities that pair well with Northern Lights tours. Think sledding, husky rides, ice fishing, and even northern lights skiing tours during the night!

Rovaniemi Weather: What You need to Know

Understanding Rovaniemi weather helps you plan your trip and pack appropriately. Expect nighttime lows that can dip sharply below zero, especially in the late evening and early morning. Clear skies often coincide with colder conditions, but when that happens, visibility for auroras tends to be good. Rovaniemi northern lights tours are timed to take place during the most commonly active time for auroras, usually from around 20:00 in the evening and lasting anywhere between 4 and 7 hours.

Daytime temperatures gradually rise through March but remain below freezing for most of the winter season. Changing conditions like light snow showers or overcast skies can affect visibility from night to night. That’s one reason why many travellers schedule multiple Northern Lights tours or keep evenings flexible, in case clearer weather opens.

Solar Storms and Aurora Activity: A 2026 Highlight

This winter has already seen remarkable space weather events that have added to northern lights activity. In mid-January 2026, Earth was struck by one of the most significant solar storms in over two decades, triggered by a powerful solar flare and coronal mass ejection (CME). This geomagnetic storm caused auroras to be visible much farther south than usual, and intensified auroral activity for several nights as charged particles interacted with Earth’s magnetic field. One of our guides told us their friends in Greece saw auroras!

For visitors to Rovaniemi this season, these large solar flares mean that the aurora forecast has more active periods. While northern lights are never guaranteed, especially with changing cloud cover and weather patterns, periods of heightened geomagnetic activity significantly increase the chances of seeing a vivid display in Rovaniemi and elsewhere. 

Planning Your Trip

To make the most of Rovaniemi Northern Lights tours:

Book early. February and March are popular as days lengthen and snow conditions remain excellent.

Allow flexibility. Weather and aurora forecasts can shift. Consider leaving open evenings for aurora tours.

Dress appropriately. Bring insulated layers, waterproof outerwear, and accessories for extended nights outside. When you book with Beyond Arctic, everything is included in the price.  

If you’re curious about Rovaniemi Northern Lights tours and want suggestions for specific itineraries or how to combine aurora chases with daytime activities, contact us. Our team of Arctic experts are here to help tailor a plan for your visit.

Contact our Arctic experts by phone or WhatsApp (+358 50 323 1090) or email (contact@beyondarctic.com) 

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