March: a Perfect Time to Visit Rovaniemi
You’ve probably heard that winter in Rovaniemi feels like a Christmas fairy tale, which is why most visitors focus on the period between December and February. However, based on our nine years of experience running tours and activities in Lapland, March is often the best time to experience winter in Rovaniemi. Yes, really.
Snow still blankets the landscape, all winter activities operate as usual, and the conditions are generally more comfortable than in the heart of mid-winter. For anyone dreaming of a snow-covered Rovaniemi without the extremes of early winter, March hits the sweet spot. Here’s why.
Ideal Snow Conditions and Temperatures
March is actually our snowiest month. A thick snow cover blankets the region, often exceeding one metre in many areas. By this time, snow has been accumulating for several months, creating high-quality conditions that are ideal for winter adventures.
These are truly perfect conditions for activities such as husky and reindeer sledging, snowmobiling, hiking, and skiing. Trails are well packed, slopes are in top shape, and everything simply works better.
And in case you were wondering about the temperatures: yes, they are warmer. In Rovaniemi, we leave behind the coldest period, when temperatures can drop below -20°C (-4°F), to welcome milder March conditions, typically ranging from -11°C (12°F) to -1°C (30°F).
Better Conditions for Northern Lights
Conventional wisdom holds that winter is the best time to see the Northern Lights. It’s certainly a good time, but not the best! In fact, the statistics prove it: Geomagnetic storms, an astronomical phenomenon that causes auroras to appear in the skies of the Earth’s polar regions, occur more frequently around the two equinoxes (March and September), almost twice as often. Several scientific models, such as the Russell-McPherron effect, explain this equinoctial peak in auroral activity.
When it comes to hunting the northern lights, the second most important thing you need is a clear sky. Again, statistics show that spring in Rovaniemi is less cloudy than winter. Just to give you an example, for the period between 2019 and 2023, March on average had almost twice as many nights with clear skies as January.
But let’s put science aside and trust the locals, who will tell you that the best time to see the Northern Lights is in March. The skies are clearer, the aurora more frequent and, of course, the warmer weather makes for a more comfortable viewing experience.
Fewer Tourists, Lower Prices
From December to February, Rovaniemi sees its highest tourist traffic. Popular hotels, restaurants, and tour operators can be fully booked, and attractions are often crowded.
By March, things start to calm down, and the city returns to its peaceful rhythm. Flights are often available for half the price, and car rentals, accommodation, and other services are generally cheaper.
If seeing the real Santa Claus is your dream, December is the most iconic time. However, the Rovaniemi Santa Claus Village is open all year round. In March, you can enjoy the same magical snow-covered landscapes — and all the Christmas spirit — without the long queues to meet the legendary character.
More Daylight, More Magic
Being part of the Arctic Circle, Lapland experiences an extreme winter solstice in December, with less than three hours of daylight in Rovaniemi. From that point, the days gradually lengthen, and by the spring equinox in March, day and night are nearly equal, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors.
March’s sunny days are truly mesmerising. The crisp white snow reflects the sunlight, sparkling like a million tiny stars. Imagine hiking or snowmobiling through breathtaking Arctic forests, sledding at a husky farm, enjoying a barbecue in a traditional lavvu, witnessing a stunning sunset, and ending the day with a relaxing sauna.
With better snow conditions, warmer temperatures, lower travel costs, better chances of seeing the Northern Lights and longer hours of sunshine, we can all agree that March is also a very good time to visit Rovaniemi and experience Lapland’s winter scenery. Give it a try and enjoy your stay!