Plan your nights
Aurora season and clothing FAQ for Rovaniemi
When to come, how cold it gets and what to wear. Short answers to the questions we hear most, so you arrive ready for a long night outside.
The aurora season at a glance
Highlighted months have snow for every tour, including snowshoeing. Autumn nights are milder and the lights reflect on open lakes.
1 · Base layer
Wool or synthetic thermal top and long johns, plus wool socks. Skip cotton: it holds sweat and gets cold fast.
2 · Warm middle
A fleece or wool jumper and warm trousers. Add a second thin layer on nights below minus 20 °C.
3 · We lend the outer
From November we lend a thermal overall, winter boots, mittens and a hat on every tour. Bring a neck warmer of your own.
Season and clothing questions
When is the best time to see the northern lights in Rovaniemi?
The season runs from late August to early April, whenever the sky is dark. December to February gives the longest nights, while September, October and March often have milder weather and clearer skies. Book a few nights in a row if you can, because the weather decides more than the month.
How cold does it get on a winter tour?
From December to February, nights in Rovaniemi are often between minus 10 and minus 25 °C, and sometimes colder. We stand still for long periods, so it feels colder than a walk in town. Our guides check the temperature and the wind before every tour and keep a fire going.
What clothing is included?
From November to March, every tour includes a thermal overall, winter boots, mittens and a hat in your size. Tell us your shoe size and height in the booking form. In autumn we lend waterproof jackets and give you a warm drink instead of a snowsuit.
Can I see the northern lights from my hotel in town?
Sometimes, on strong nights. Street lights wash out most of the show, though, and a cloud bank over town can hide it completely. Our tours drive away from the light and towards the clearest sky.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The guide decides by 17:00. If the sky looks hopeless or it is too cold or windy to be safe, we cancel and you choose another night or a refund. Light cloud is not a reason to cancel: we chase the gaps.
Are the tours suitable for children?
The Aurora Hunt welcomes children from 4 years and the snowshoe trip from 8 years. The Photography Tour is for guests aged 12 and over because the night is long and mostly standing still. We carry child-size boots and overalls.
Do I need a proper camera?
No. Recent phones take good aurora photos on a tripod with night mode on, and our guides will show you how. On the Photography Tour we lend tripods and help you set up any camera with manual settings.
Ready to pick a night?
See every sample departure with seats left, then send a booking request with your clothing sizes.