Rovaniemi Without Snow: Is It Still Worth Visiting?

A snowless trip to Rovaniemi is still very much worth it. You'll lose sledging, snowball fights, snowmobile rides, and snow-covered tree photos, but almost everything else, from husky farms to Santa Village to Northern Lights hunting, is still possible without snow on the ground. If snow is your priority, January to March is a better bet than early winter; nevertheless, remember that there’s a lot waiting for you even without snow.

Will there be snow in Rovaniemi this winter?

Nobody can promise the snow conditions for your exact travel dates. Snow at Christmas is usual in Lapland, but early winter varies from year to year, and a warm spell can change your plans. The Finnish Meteorological Institute’s snow statistics show the usual pattern, not a guarantee for any one trip. Yes, it's a drag – believe me, we locals prefer a frosty winter too. Nevertheless, you can still have an absolutely magical time on your trip, so don't despair.

Without doubt, if there's no snow, you can unfortunately shelve the dreams of sledging, snowball fights, and snowmobile rides, as well as pictures of snow-covered trees. But that's about it. Everything else is just a matter of adjusting expectations. Here's what happens to your planned activities, and how to get through them.

What outdoor gear do you need without snow?

You'll get by with much less prepping. It's still very likely cold for most people's liking, so you'll need good shoes, preferably Gore-Tex, a jacket that shields you from the wind, and a hat and gloves. You may not need a thick overall or as many layers in milder weather, but dress for the temperature, wind, and time you'll spend outside, not just whether there's snow. For more information on what to pack, check out what to pack for Rovaniemi.

Can you still visit husky and reindeer farms without snow?

Yes. The husky and reindeer activity providers' livelihood depends greatly on the winter season, and they'll do everything in their power to keep customers happy. Many still offer tours to get to know the animals and take pictures, and some husky farms offer rides in a cart made for snowless times. Check with your operator, as the options depend on the temperature and ground conditions. Huskies especially need to run all year round to stay sane and happy, so operators have methods to work around the weather. My tip: bring good gloves, as holding onto the cart and using the brake makes your hands freeze even when it's not that cold. It's a lovely activity all year round, not just in a winter wonderland.

Do Santa Village and SantaPark work without snow?

Yes, Santa Village runs all year long and isn't dependent on snow. You'll miss out on some activities such as snow slides and snowmobiles, but others still work, and most importantly, Santa doesn't mind the weather. Remember that people visit the village all year round! SantaPark is in a cavern underground and is an excellent choice, especially on days when the weather isn't to your liking; inside, you'll forget all about it and enjoy the Christmas magic. Unlike the village, SantaPark opens seasonally, so check its opening dates before making plans. If you don't want to book a reindeer farm visit, remember Santa Village has a petting zoo, Santa’s Pets, where you can buy food and feed the reindeer yourself. Super cute!

Can you see the Northern Lights without snow?

Yes, though seeing the Northern Lights with snow glittering all around does add something special. Seeing them without snow is still very special indeed, and especially above a dark lake or river, they look absolutely gorgeous. Aurora tours run in full swing during the Christmas season, whether there's snow or not, so enjoy the unique experience regardless.

Can you still dine outdoors without snow?

Yes – an atmospheric dinner in a kota (a Lappish hut) doesn't lose its charm no matter the weather conditions.

Can you go sauna and ice swimming without snow?

Without ice, true ice swimming isn't possible, but the water is definitely cold enough to get your blood rushing after (and before) a good steam in the sauna. You can enjoy treatments at some sauna establishments, or do a simple sauna at your hotel or a public sauna in the city. Refreshing.

Can you enjoy nature strolls without snow?

Yes, there are plenty of nature trails in Rovaniemi to enjoy, and when there's no snow, you don't have to worry about crossing paths with irritated skiers. Take some snacks with you and enjoy this stage of nature, where everything slows down and gets quiet.

What to do in Rovaniemi when the weather is bad?

Besides SantaPark, Arktikum, Pilke, and Korundi are all lovely spots to visit even on a rainy day. Enjoy some culture and learn about local history. Korundi also hosts very high-quality concerts, mostly but not solely classical music; check their website for what's on during your trip.

If your kids didn't tire themselves out on the slopes, check out RolloHalli, which has an indoor activity park for both little kids and teens; another great escape when the weather isn't on your side.

Can you go ice skating without snow?

Yes, ice skating doesn't require snow, only minus degrees. There's still a good chance that, if it's cold enough, the city's ice skating rinks will be prepped for use. Check which rinks are open and where skate rental is available before heading out. There's one in the middle of the city by the shopping mall, but my favourite is at the old market square by Naava Café; it's a bit bigger and less exposed, even though it's literally a five-minute walk from the malls.

Can you ski without snow?

Ounasvaara ski resort aims to get the slopes and a cross-country skiing track up and running as soon as it's cold enough for the snow machines to do their work. It doesn't require a lot of snowfall, only enough minus degrees to keep the stored snow from melting. Check the situation at Ounasvaara when you arrive, and don't let bare ground on the way in mislead you.

With the climate changing, we have to adjust to the thought that winters aren’t quite what they used to be. But don’t get discouraged; with the right state of mind and a little preparation, you’ll definitely have a trip to remember!

For the rest of your trip, see our Rovaniemi in winter guide.