Best Time to Visit Lapland: A Season‑by‑Season Guide

Planning a trip to Lapland is unlike choosing any other holiday destination. The region’s Arctic beauty shifts dramatically with the seasons, and every time of year offers something entirely unique. Whether you dream of seeing the northern lights, enjoying a snow-covered wonderland, or discovering the quiet magic of the midnight sun, the best time to visit Lapland depends on what you want to experience.

At Silver Birch Resort, surrounded by tranquil lakeside scenery just outside Rovaniemi, each season is celebrated in its own way—from starlit winter nights to golden autumn days.

Here’s a guide to help you decide when to plan your journey.

Winter

December – February
Snow, Silence and Northern Lights

When most travelers imagine Lapland, they picture soft blankets of snow, frosty trees, and the possibility of seeing the northern lights dance across the sky. Winter delivers exactly that.
  • December brings the festive spirit alive. Snow is abundant, Christmas markets glow in Rovaniemi, and activities like husky sledding, snowmobiling, and reindeer rides are in full swing.
  • January is often the coldest month, but also the most atmospheric. Clear nights create perfect conditions for northern light displays, visible directly from the glass-roofed cabins at Silver Birch Resort.
  • February offers longer days, still plenty of snow, and a balance between deep winter activities and more daylight for exploration.
In our restaurant, winter flavors are hearty and comforting that match the crisp Arctic air outside.

Spring

March–May
Bright Days and Melting Snow

Spring in Lapland is both energizing and peaceful. Days stretch longer, and the snow reflects sunlight, creating a dazzling brightness.

  • March is one of the best times to enjoy snow activities with more daylight—skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing are at their peak. The northern lights are still frequent in early spring.
  • April offers milder weather, and snow remains in most places. It’s a wonderful month for families who want winter adventures without the deepest cold.
  • By May, the snow begins to melt, rivers start to flow again, and nature awakens. Migratory birds return, and the forests feel alive with fresh scents and sounds.

At the resort, this season brings lighter flavors to the table that echo the sense of renewal outdoors.

Spring Packages at Silver Birch Resort in Rovaniemi, Finland4-day Autumn Holiday Package at Silver Birch Resort in Rovaniemi, Finland
Spring Packages at Silver Birch Resort in Rovaniemi, Finland

Summer

June – August
Midnight Sun and Nature in Full Bloom

Summer is Lapland’s best-kept secret. While many come in winter, those who visit between June and August discover a completely different wonder.
  • June introduces the midnight sun, where the sun never sets. Days feel endless, ideal for hiking, canoeing, or simply sitting by the lake at Silver Birch Resort watching the golden light shimmer on the water.
  • July is warmest, with pleasant temperatures for outdoor adventures. It’s berry-picking season too—blueberries and cloudberries are a true taste of Lapland’s wilderness.
  • August offers cooler evenings and the first hints of autumn colors. It’s also mushroom season, which inspires creative dishes in our restaurant.
Summer stays in the lake-view cabins invite you to wake to birdsong and take in serene views from your terrace. It’s a season of calm energy and outdoor living.

Autumn

September–November
Golden Forests and Quiet Magic

Autumn in Lapland is breathtaking. Known as ruska, this is when forests turn shades of red, orange, and gold. The season is short but spectacular.

  • September is the prime month for hiking and photography. The air is crisp, the landscapes colorful, and evenings grow dark enough for the first northern lights.
  • October continues the autumn colors in early weeks, with a chance of the first snowfalls later in the month. The contrast of golden trees against frosty mornings is unforgettable.
  • November is often overlooked, yet it holds its own charm. While it’s a transitional month, snow usually arrives by mid-November, and northern lights are visible again. Fewer visitors mean peaceful trails and a sense of exclusivity.

Our autumn menus reflect the forest’s harvest – warming seasonal dishes, paired with the cozy glow of candlelight in the restaurant.

Month-by-Month

Highlights at a Glance

  • December – Christmas magic, deep snow, huskies, reindeer rides.
  • January – Northern lights at their brightest, quiet and atmospheric.
  • February – Winter sports with longer daylight.
  • March – Snow activities + frequent auroras.
  • April – Softer winter, good for families.
  • May – Melting rivers, awakening nature.
  • June – Midnight sun, endless days.
  • July – Warmest month, berry season.
  • August – Cool evenings, mushrooms, early autumn hues.
  • September – Ruska season, golden landscapes.
  • October – Early snow, crisp colors.
  • November – Quiet, first snow, aurora nights.

Choosing the Best Time for You

So, when is the best time to visit Lapland? The answer depends on the memories you want to create. If your dream is to watch the northern lights, come between September and March. If you prefer snowy adventures, December through April won’t disappoint.

For endless daylight and warm outdoor experiences, June to August is perfect. And if you want peace, color, and a deeper connection with nature, September and October are treasures waiting to be discovered.

Experience Every Season at Silver Birch Resort

Let the light guide your days: golden in autumn, soft in spring, endless in summer, and pale beneath the winter sky. Here, nature doesn’t just surround you – it shapes every moment.

Silver Birch Resort sits on a quiet lakeside peninsula in Finnish Lapland, offering rare privacy and space to slow down. This is where calm meets comfort, and the value lies in the silence, the scenery, and the simplicity.

Each glass cabin opens to the lake. No roads. No city sounds. Just uninterrupted views and the still beauty of Lapland.

Only 30 minutes from Rovaniemi Airport. Private transfers ensure a seamless arrival in every season.

At Silver Birch Resort, the seasons are not just changes in weather—they are part of the story we share with our guests. From gazing at auroras through glass roofs in winter to enjoying lakeside sunsets under the midnight sun, each visit feels different, yet equally memorable.

Our newly opened restaurant complements the journey, offering dishes that follow nature’s rhythm – warming in winter, fresh in spring, light in summer, and rich in autumn.

Whichever month you choose, Lapland will surprise you. And from the comfort of your private cabin by the lake, the beauty of the Arctic will feel even closer.

Ready to plan your own Lapland story? Discover our cabins and book your stay or get in touch with us to find the season that’s right for you.


GET IN TOUCH WITH US

We’re here to make your Lapland escape seamless from the very first step. Send us a message — we’re happy to help you plan your stay.