Discover the Best Time to Visit Lapland: A Seasonal Guide for Nature Lovers

What Time of Year is Best for Lapland? A Comprehensive Guide

Are you looking to visit one of the most magical places on the planet? Look no further than Lapland. Located in northern Finland, this region is known for its pristine natural beauty, northern lights, and outdoor adventures. But what time of year is the best time to visit Lapland? In this guide, we’ll break down the unique experiences that each season in Lapland offers, so you can decide for yourself which time of year is the best fit for your trip.

Winter in Lapland: December-February

Winter in Lapland is a magical time, with snow blanketing the landscape and creating a winter wonderland. For those who love cold weather activities, this is the time to visit. Temperature hovers somewhere between -10°C to -25°C but don’t worry, the fluffy snowsuits provided by many of the tours will keep you warm. During this season Lapland is characterized by hours of twilight and gorgeous northern lights displays. The months of December and January are the best for northern lights viewing, but be prepared for a much colder and wintry experience.

If you’re interested in winter sports like skiing and snowmobiling, this is the perfect time to visit Lapland. There are plenty of resorts open in Lapland during this time, and the activities here will take your breath away. You can also visit Santa Claus Village where you can meet Santa Claus and his elves, make gingerbread cookies with Mrs. Claus, and see reindeers.

The highlight of winter in Lapland is certainly the opportunity to go on a Dog Sledding tour. Get the chance to ride a team of huskies and take a sled through the beautiful snowy scenery. You can curl up with a blanket, enjoy the scenery while the dog handles the work. And if you fancy a warm drink to warm your hands up, just say “hot juice please” in Finnish and you will get a delicious hot berry juice.

Spring in Lapland: March-May

Spring in Lapland brings warmer weather and melting snow. During this season, the snow is still on the ground, but temperatures may rise to around 5-10°C. As the snow melts, the rivers start to open up and the ice-fishing season ends. Around mid-March, you can enjoy a different kind of winter experience – Ice-floes.

The month of May is a great time to visit Lapland for birders. You can spot more than 200 bird species, including rare species like the beautiful Snowy Owl, the majestic Golden Eagle, and the lovely Lapland Longspur. The beautiful migratory birds here are a sight to see.

If you’re looking for adrenaline pumping adventure, spring is the right time for Ice Karting, which is basically a go-kart on ice. It’s a thrilling ride that promises to keep your heart racing.

Summer in Lapland: June-August

Summer in Lapland is a completely different experience compared to winter. With temperatures ranging from 10-20°C and the sun constantly up all night, it’s easy to lose track of time. In fact, there is a phenomenon called the “”Midnight Sun””, and you can experience it in Lapland. The midnight sun is a natural phenomenon that occurs in the summer months. For a few weeks, the sun does not set below the horizon, and you can experience a twilight sun all night long.

During this season you can embark on an unforgettable midnight Golfing experience. Hit the fairways under the comforting light of the sun, pack a picnic basket full of snacks to enjoy under the midnight sun.

Summer is also the perfect time for camping under the stars and enjoying nature at its finest. There are plenty of camping spots in Lapland, including Finnish National Parks. You can eat like a Finn by making a campfire and cooking food on it, and don’t forget to try grilled Finnish salmon wrapped in aluminum paper.

Autumn in Lapland: September-November

In autumn, Lapland is a symphony of colors, with the trees turning yellow, orange, and red, and the rivers glistening in the sunlight. This season brings the beautiful Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights back, and the viewing conditions get better as the nights grow longer. So, grab a warm blanket, sit back and witness the incredible display of green, purple, and pink lights illuminating the sky of Lapland.

Autumn is also the perfect time to experience Berry and Mushroom picking. You can pick berries like lingonberries and blueberries, which are found almost everywhere in Lapland, and cook a delicious jam from it. Lapland is also famous for its mushrooms like the delicious chantarelle or the poisonous fly agaric (so be careful!

If you’re looking for a unique Lapland experience, try sleeping in a glass igloo and watching the northern lights beaming overhead. There are several cool glass igloos in Lapland that can provide you with this amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Conclusion

There is no definitive answer to the question “What time of year is best for Lapland?” It all depends on your interests and preferences. Lapland offers an equally magical experience throughout the year. From winter sports, Ice-Fishing and Dog Sledding in winter, to Ice-karting and Aurora Borealis hunting in spring, or midnight golfing and camping in summer to berry and mushroom picking in autumn.

The key to enjoying your Lapland adventure is to plan ahead, and make the most out of the unique experiences each season has to offer. And always keep in mind that Lapland is not just a destination, it’s an escape from reality.