When to Travel•August 26, 2026•3 Minutes

Why NOT to Travel to Lapland in September

Eyeing September as a possible time for a Lapland holiday? Read this article first! Are you sure you want to enjoy clean, fresh Arctic air? Have a great chance of seeing the Auroras? Wander through forests painted in autumn colors? Okay, suit yourself, but we warned you! In this post, we jokingly list all the reasons why you definitely shouldn’t experience Lapland in September.

You Just Loathe the Fresh Air

Cool, crisp air and the scent of the forest after summer? Ugh, am I right? If you dream of a holiday where the air you breathe feels fresher than freshly washed bedsheets, then September in Lapland is not for you. During this time, the temperatures are pleasantly cool, while you can still occasionally get echoes of the summer’s warmth. If you are not careful, this refreshing Arctic air (reportedly the cleanest in the world!) may cause such effects as clearer thoughts, increased happiness, and a more vigorous spirit.

You DON’T want to see the Northern Lights

Do you get peeved when the skies are filled with dancing lights? Shake your fist angrily at the Northern Lights? Then you should avoid Lapland in September because this is the month when the autumn equinox rolls around. The big wigs explained to us that this has something to do with increased solar winds, and Earth’s magnetic field, and… Well, you can read more about it here. The point is: Auroras grow more frequent and intense—bad news for Aurora haters!

You Don’t Like Adventures in the Fall Foliage

In September, a spectacular transformation begins to take place in the forests of Lapland. Say bye-bye to the greens, and welcome reds, oranges, and golden yellows! Now, if the thought of enjoying hiking or fatbiking amid these colors makes you worry you’ll have too much fun, you’d better skip this season. We at Apukka Resort, however, love autumn and have a tremendous number of activities available for all those who wish to enjoy the colorful landscapes.

You Miss the Summer Heatwaves

“The hottest summer on record,” “Another heatwave on the way”—if you miss headlines like these, cover your eyes: scorching temperatures are usually but a distant memory in Rovaniemi by September. On the contrary, you’re far more likely to find temperatures in the +10°C to +15°C range, cooling down toward +5°C by late September. For those looking for a change of pace after the summer, a refreshing autumn holiday might do the trick!

You Adore the Crowds

Do you enjoy waiting in lines? Are your favorite holiday destinations those where there are people as far as the eye can see? Then September in Rovaniemi might not be your bag. All the shops are open, and so are the restaurants and tourist attractions, yet there are no massive crowds anywhere. At Apukka Resort, you’ll have no problem finding just the right accommodation for you, not to mention the activity that suits your schedule.

Wait, so you DO want to go, after all?

When people talk about stepping off the merry-go-round, they might as well be talking about visiting Lapland in autumn. No rush. No hurry. Nothing frying your attention span. A place where both the mind and body have a chance to recharge. For the best and most convenient experience, we recommend booking a holiday package. And when you do it on our website, you’ll save 5% on accommodation and 10% on all activities!

When to Travel