What is the best time to visit Lapland?

Did you plan a trip to the border of the world? To know when to organize your stay, find all our tips on the best time to go to Lapland!

Are you planning your trip to Lapland? This will surely not have escaped you, this region is the most northern part of continental Europe! Located on and beyond the polar circle, there is obviously a very cold part of the year. Few people, it stands on horseback in the Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish and Russian territories. It is famous for its vast subarctic wilderness areas and its spectacular natural phenomena such as the northern lights and the midnight sun. Its capital and main access door, Rovaniemi , is also known as the home of Santa Claus, and thus welcomes a festive village dedicated to the character!

So, what's the best time in Lapland? Would you like to go there during the harsh winter months or, on the contrary, during the gentle summer days? There are so many things to do in Lapland! It would be a shame to spoil your stay by not choosing the time of your arrival. To help you prepare your adventure, discover our guide to find out when to go to Lapland according to the seasons.

When to visit Lapland?

Weather

Located north of Norway, Finland and Sweden, Lapland is a cold region much of the year. As in Europe, there are four distinct seasons with a polar oceanic climate on the coast and continental in the land. In Lapland, the average winter temperature is -10°C , and go up 20°C In summer. However, temperatures can go up to -40°C in winter within the land and reach up to +30°C Summer!

In general, Lapland is covered with a thick and pretty layer of snow and ice between October and April. Winter lasts nearly 200 days! To observe sublime northern lights, this rough period is obviously the best. In Lapland, they show about one night in two between mid-September and late March.

Spring, like autumn, is a very short season. It only starts at the end of April and simply starts the melting of snow and ice.

In the summer, temperatures easily reach 20°C on average on the coast or in the land. Nature then reborns, it is a true bloom of vegetation. To visit Lapland and enjoy the most pleasant climate, we recommend you go there during the summer months, from June to August. Moreover, you can observe the famous midnight sun from June 6 to July 7. On precipitation, summers are known to be rather rainy despite everything. So, to you to see and choose what attracts you most!

Budget

On the budget side, it is important to know that plane tickets to Finland are globally more expensive in winter in summer. There are fortunately no large rate variations between the two periods. Winter is usually considered high season. The travellers are rushing to discover the magical magic of the Father-Noël Village or the northern lights. From September to March, the price of flights oscillates around 300€ per person with a peak in December.

Conversely, although the climate is more favourable, spring and summer are considered low season. If the midnight sun dazzles travellers, boreal lights and Christmas magic are missing! At the monetary level, the best time to go to Lapland if you want to prefer your budget is between April and July. Moreover, if we plan to leave in Lapland from France, from Paris and not from Marseille, Lyon or Bordeaux is much more affordable. Similarly, it is best to book your departure on a weekday. The flight will generally be less expensive than a reserved flight for a Saturday afternoon for example. And, of course, a reserved flight in advance will always be cheaper than a departure in the last minute!

Visit Lapland in winter

Lapland is obviously known for its winter postcard decors! Strong snow, reindeer and sled dogs, glazed landscapes of an immaculate white, all bathing in a magical atmosphere. For yes, we unmistakably associate this beautiful northern region with Santa Claus and all the magic that accompanies it. It is not for nothing that Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, houses the Village of Santa Claus, one of the most important attractions in the region!

Unfortunately, it is also at this time that climate conditions are the harshest. For example, it is not surprising, when you make a hole in the ice of a frozen lake, to see the water freeze on the surface instantly!

Fortunately, travellers who are sufficiently shy and prepared will be rewarded with one of the most beautiful shows on Earth: the Northern Lights! Throughout the Lapland, you will find great spots to observe, from mid-September to late March. This period is also the best time to practice winter sports, take a dog ride or simply relax in a traditional sauna. Attention, unlike elsewhere, winter is the high season in Lapland, especially in Finland.

Visit Lapland on average season

If you plan to go to Lapland, know that spring and autumn can offer a good compromise between a rainy and hot summer season and a very harsh winter season! May and September are thus excellent months to visit this region, unlike in April or October. Indeed, temperatures remain extreme during these two months that can easily be described as winter months!

In September, it is even possible to observe boreal aurora if we are lucky. Rainfall is also slightly lower than during the rest of the year. In May, the sun is at the rendezvous and this month is ideal for discovering Lapland with family. It can also be noted that there are fewer tourists during this mid-season. For this period, don’t forget to take a solid umbrella and boots to face the frozen and melted snow!

Visit Lapland in summer

Are you dreaming of large spaces bathed with light in a bright nature? So you can go to Lapland during the summer the eyes closed! From June to August, Lapland summer is certainly an incredible season. The temperatures are thus pleasant, oscillating between 18 and 30°C. Thanks to this optimal climate, you can indulge in a lot of outdoor activities.

Hiking in mountain biking or on foot in forests in green valleys or in the middle of beautiful forests, swimming in peaceful lakes, toads in fjords or on mountains... You don't risk getting bored during this time! Especially as you can also experience the midnight sun. The latter is ideally observed during the summer solstice on June 21.

When to visit Lapland: the must-have festivals

If Lapland is a wild and remote territory, we obviously celebrate it as everywhere else! Here are some of the festivals taken by the Lapons:

Vappu

Vappu is certainly one of the biggest festivals of the year in Lapland. Everywhere in Finland and Lapland, the inhabitants meet on the evening of 30 April for an open-air festival with a carnival character. Beginning in the evening with the consumption of sparkling wine and a fermented drink, the sima, the party ends with great picnics on May 1st!

Saint-Jean Festival

Traditionally accompanied by impressive lights of joy, the Saint-Jean is the favorite Lapland party! Celebrating the summer solstice, it takes place the night of Friday to Saturday before 20 to 26 June. On this occasion, the Lapons raised the national flag and built large brewers. The inhabitants dance, sing and drink around the fire until dawn. It is fascinating to attend this feast in Lapland, in the light of the midnight sun!

Saint Lucia

Symbolizing the light, Saint Lucia is celebrated every 13 December. This party coincides with the longest night of the year. In the cities, young girls march by wearing light crowns. Boys disguised as Mage Kings accompany them. There are several traditional snacks and drinks.

Christmas

Lapland is obviously the ideal destination for the holiday season! Light buns, decorations and sparkling snow are then part of the winter landscape. So, don’t hesitate to come and enjoy the magic of Christmas with family, couple or friends, in this beautiful northern region!

What to take in his suitcase?

This point will not have escaped you. Depending on the seasons, you will need different clothes. In times of great cold, extreme temperatures need to be well equipped. Here are the things to take in his suitcase during the winter:

• Technical underwear made of merino wool, such as tights or a long sleeve t-shirt (avoid cotton);
• thick and very hot socks;
• A polar for great cold (like Millet);
• Ski pants cut-off and a little thick;
• A feather doudoune or a very thick ski jacket;
• Cold shoes, with one or two more sizes to let the air flow;
• A bonnet or a chapka, as well as thick gloves (e.g. merino wool);
• Heaters for hands and feet.

With all this, you will not be able to get cold and enjoy your stay in Lapland!