Lapland & Snow: What You Need to Know

First Snow in Rovaniemi (and Lapland!)

In Lapland, the first snowflakes usually fall on the highest fells (mountains), far from most people’s eyes, sometimes as early as August. Up here in the Arctic Circle, however, the first dusting typically arrives around mid-October. A delicate white veil settles over nature, which has just shed the last of its ruska (autumn colors).

The first snow is a gentle reminder that winter is on its way — although it often melts before the true snow season begins. Still, it’s always a special occasion to witness — a beautiful prelude to the winter wonderland soon to come.

Scroll down to see how the first snow changes the landscape!

Permanent Snow Cover

By November, winter starts to take hold. That’s when the permanent snow cover usually arrives. At first, the blanket can be thin, but as long as temperatures remain steadily below zero degrees Celsius (32°F), each new snowfall deepens it. Each year, Lapland receives around 150 to 200 centimetres (59–79 inches) of snow.

At Apukka Resort, we officially launch our early winter activities on November 10th. If there isn’t enough freshly fallen snow yet, we use a combination of stored snow and snow cannons to ensure our guests can enjoy real Arctic fun — no matter what mood Mother Nature happens to be in.

While it may look like Lapland is snowy year-round in pictures, that’s not quite the case. The snow season typically lasts about seven months, from November to May — still quite a lot, more than half the year! During this time, Lapland transforms into a fairytale land, where reindeer roam through snowy forests and the silence of the Arctic invites you to slow down and relax.

Largest Amount of Snow

The snow keeps building throughout the winter, reaching its deepest levels by March.

This is the heart of Lapland’s late winter — a favorite time for locals. The days are longer, the sun glitters on the snow, and the air is still crisp enough to keep everything beautifully white. It’s the perfect time to enjoy outdoor fun: skiing, snowshoeing, or simply relaxing by a bonfire under the clear Arctic sky.

By March and April, the snow can reach over one meter deep in many areas — creating that postcard-perfect vista visitors dream of.

When Does the Snow Melt?

As spring arrives, the snow begins to melt — usually from mid-April onward. However, Lapland’s vastness means the timing can vary: while southern areas see the snow vanish earlier, the northern fells may remain white much longer. Believe it or not, in late June 2014, the Summer Solstice was celebrated with snow! Traditional Midsummer bonfires were joined by snowmen, and temperatures dropped as low as minus six degrees Celsius (21°F).

In 2025, in Rovaniemi, our last snowfall was on May 21st.

Spring in Lapland is filled with sunshine, glistening streams, and the joyful songs of birds returning from their long migrations. The summer that follows may be short, but what it lacks in length, it more than makes up for in beauty.