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For those who have been following me and my wife on Instagram (and if you don’t yet, check out @drone.by.mas & @clara.travel.guide), you might know that after our trip to Lapland, we promised to share all the tips and tricks we picked up before and during our adventure.
After spending hours watching videos, scrolling through profiles, and reading blogs to plan this trip as perfectly as possible, now, it’s time to share everything we’ve learned with you to help you plan the most magical trip to Lapland, Finland. Let’s dive in!
What’s the best time to visit Lapland?
What’s the best time to visit Lapland?
The best time to visit Lapland depends on what you're after. Instead of a long explanation, here’s a quick breakdown of each season with its pro and cons:
Winter: December to February
Winter: December to February
Pro: Northern Lights, winter activities (like husky sledding, snowmobiling), and the Christmas vibe.
Cons: Very cold temperatures and cloudy skies (below -20°C (or colder))
Spring: March to May
Spring: March to May
Pro: Northern Lights (during the equinox around March 21st) skiing, and snowshoeing with milder temperatures.
Cons: Shorter days and unpredictable weather as snow starts to melt.
Summer: June to Aug
Summer: June to Aug
Pro: Midnight Sun, hiking, fishing, and wildlife safaris with mild temperatures.
Cons: No Northern Lights, nonexistent due to the constant daylight. and busy tourist season due to Midnight Sun tourism.
Autumn: September to November
Autumn: September to November
Pro: Autumn colors, hiking, and early Northern Lights sightings in September and October, during the equinox around September 23rd and During mid-end November.
Cons: Unpredictable weather and colder temperatures by November.
When is the best time to catch the Northern Lights?
When is the best time to catch the Northern Lights?
Some people might say the prime time to see the Northern Lights is from December to February, when the long, dark nights create the perfect conditions. During this period, the chances of seeing the auroras are about 70-90% on clear nights. However, here’s the catch: clear nights. One thing to keep in mind is that these months are also the cloudiest time of year in Lapland, as the cold temperatures and high humidity often lead to more clouds. So, while you’ll have long nights and a better chance to see the lights, if the sky is cloudy, you won’t get to see those beautiful auroras dancing across the sky.
Let’s dive a bit deeper into the key factors that affect your chances of seeing the Northern Lights:
- Weather: Clear skies are essential, so make sure to check the forecast for minimal cloud cover. We recommend using the My Aurora Forecast & Alerts app to get both cloud and aurora forecasts.
- Location: The farther north you go, the better your chances. Remote areas away from city lights are ideal. We stayed further north than Rovaniemi and had the most magical aurora sightings.
- Solar Activity: Higher solar activity means more intense and frequent auroras. Every 11 years, solar activity increases (imagine the Sun going from sleepy to super active, like it’s getting a big burst of energy). This surge in solar energy makes the auroras appear more often—like in 2024 and forecasted for 2025, when there’s more energy coming from the Sun, increasing your chances of seeing the lights.
- Moon Phase: A new moon gives you the best viewing conditions. A full moon can be too bright, making it harder to see the auroras, like what happened on our last days.
- Aurora Forecasts: There are apps and websites that provide real-time updates on aurora activity. We used two free apps that worked great for us: Aurora Alert Realtime and My Aurora Forecast & Alerts. Some apps even send real-time alerts based on your location.
When to Visit Lapland for Northern Lights: Our Recommendation
When to Visit Lapland for Northern Lights: Our Recommendation
If you’re someone who feels the cold easily, like us, early winter (November–early December) is an amazing time to visit Lapland. It offers a perfect balance of Northern Lights chances (70-80%), manageable cold, and fewer crowds. Plus, you’ll likely see the first permanent snow, creating that magical white landscape.
For context, we spent 7 nights in mid-November and saw the auroras 3 nights, while friends who visited in January didn’t spot them at all due to cloudy skies.
In short, if you want to enjoy Lapland’s magic without freezing or breaking the bank, early winter is the way to go! 🌌
Of course, Santa lives in Lapland, so you can visit him any time of year, but during December, you’ll get the full Christmas magic.
What are the must-see attractions?
What are the must-see attractions?
Depending on when you visit, there are plenty of activities you’ll want to include in your itinerary. Here are our top recommendations:
Hunt for the Northern Lights: Experiencing the auroras is magical. Early winter often has clearer skies, while mid-winter provides longer nights. To increase your chances, wait until your last two nights to book a tour, as you might spot them naturally during your stay, we have indeed spot them on our first three nights so cancelled the hunt that we booked.
Meet Santa Claus: Head to Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, the official home of Santa, for a truly unforgettable experience. It’s open all year, but the festive magic peaks during winter. You can even do amazing activities in here such as Dog Sledding or Reindeer Sleigh Rides.
Stay in a Glass Igloo or Snow Hotel: Sleep under the stars—and maybe the auroras—in a cozy glass igloo or take on the adventure of staying in a snow hotel. Don’t miss our Where to Stay section for igloo recommendations!
Ranua Zoo: A must-visit for animal lovers, Ranua Zoo is home to Arctic wildlife in natural habitats. It’s an educational and fun experience for all ages and a great addition to your Lapland itinerary.
Try Snow Activities: Options like ice karting or Snowmobiling, are unique to Lapland, but keep in mind that some activities require colder weather and permanent ice. We visited a bit too early for this but would love to try it next time!
How do I get around once I’m there?
How do I get around once I’m there?
Depending on your plans, there are three main transportation options in Lapland:
Renting a Car: If you want to explore on your own, chase the auroras, or travel between locations, renting a car is the best choice. However, prices can vary depending on the season—expect to pay up to €120 per day during peak season (including insurance), or around €70 per day during autumn or early winter.
Transportation: in Rovaniemi, buses are the main form of public transport. You can check schedules, routes, and ticket prices at http://linkkari.fi
If you're staying at hotels or igloos, ask if they offer transfers—many accommodations provide this option at an additional cost, and it’s often very convenient.
Uber and Bolt: Available in high season, these services are good for short trips around town. However, I’d recommend using them sparingly, as they can be expensive, with a 30-minute ride costing around €70.
We’ll share both the places we’ve visited through invitations and those we’d have personally booked within our budget.
When choosing where to stay in Lapland, it all depends on your holiday goals. If your top priority is spotting the Northern Lights, head as far north as possible, like Levi or Inari. We stayed at the Northern Lights Ranch in Kongas, 20 km from Levi. Its remote location with minimal light pollution was perfect for aurora viewing. Levi is also a hub for skiing, snowmobiling, and husky safaris.
If you prefer better public transport, more activities, and proximity to Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi is your best option. It’s well-connected and offers access to must-visit spots like the Ranua Resort & Zoo, just an hour away. For a luxurious touch, you can stay in one of the largest igloos in the region, complete with a private sauna!
Looking for something more affordable? Check out the Arctic Snow Hotel, where early winter rates are often reasonable. Or, for a unique cultural experience, try the Yurt District, where an authentic Mongolian yurt awaits, hosted by a lovely local who’s also the sales manager. It’s one of the most charming and convenient stays we’ve experienced.
Airbnb is another great option, with cozy cabins for up to 4 people starting at €110 or entire apartments from €320. In autumn and early winter, you can even find apartments or flats starting as low as €60. Mid-range hotels, cabins, or cottages generally range between €100–€180, while igloos or glass cabins start at €400.
Accommodation prices vary by season, so book early to secure the best deals!
What should I pack?
What should I pack?
Once you’ve decided on the destination, season, and booked your tickets, the next big question is always: What do I pack? Packing for Lapland can be tricky because the seasons vary greatly, and early winter to winter temperatures can range from pleasant to extreme. To make it easier, I’ll start with the basic essentials for all seasons, then add season-specific items you’ll need beyond the basics:
Basics (All Seasons):
Long-sleeve base layers (thermal or merino wool).
Waterproof jacket.
Warm hat, gloves, wool socks, balaclava, or scarf (thicker for winter).
Comfortable walking shoes (waterproof is a bonus).
Sunglasses (essential in snowy landscapes).
Daypack or backpack.
High-SPF sunscreen & lip balm (yes, even in winter!).
Travel adapter, power bank, extra batteries (cold weather drains them faster).
Camera or smartphone with extra storage.
Headlamp or small flashlight.
Swimsuit (for saunas or ice swimming).
First aid kit (painkillers, band-aids, basic medicines).
Reusable water bottle.
Autumn (September–November):
Waterproof hiking boots.
Lightweight rain jacket or poncho.
Winter (November–April):
Thicker thermal base layers (top and bottom).
Insulated winter jacket (down or similar).
Snow pants or insulated overalls.
Liner gloves (to wear under insulated gloves).
Waterproof, insulated snow boots.
Hand warmers and toe warmers.
Thermal flask (for hot drinks).
This list focuses on the essentials specific to Lapland. On top of this, don’t forget to pack your personal basics like underwear, towels, and cosmetics—whatever you consider essential for any trip!
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