How cold is it really in Lapland?
When you think of Lapland in winter, you probably picture endless snow, magical Northern Lights nights, and untouched nature you won’t find anywhere else. But many travelers ask: how cold is it really in Lapland?
The answer: very cold. And yet, it’s exactly this extreme cold that makes a trip to Lapland such an unforgettable experience.
The climate in Lapland
Lapland stretches across the far north of Finland, Sweden, and parts of Norway and Russia. This region above the Arctic Circle is known for harsh winters and short summers.
December – February: average between -10 °C and -20 °C
Early January (coldest month): sometimes -30 °C or colder
March – April: often milder, but still below freezing
November: first snow arrives, winter begins
The biggest difference is often the wind, which makes it feel much colder than the thermometer shows.
Wind chill: The cold you don’t see on the thermometer
Wind chill often matters more than the actual temperature.
On a snowmobile tour, -15 °C can easily feel like -30 °C.
In the forest, sheltered from the wind, -20 °C can feel surprisingly mild.
During activities like snowshoeing, you warm up quickly.
The cold is part of the experience, it’s what makes a trip to these remote places so worthwhile.
How to dress for the cold
Good preparation is everything. A few practical tips:
Thermal layers: Start with a thermal base layer, add a warm sweater, then a thick ski jacket and trousers.
Snow boots & wool socks: Keep space in your boots so your feet stay warm.
Accessories: A warm hat, mittens or gloves, and a buff or scarf to trap heat.
For camping or longer treks: Always bring a reindeer hide or sleeping bag.
👉 On many excursions you’ll also be given special winter suits, useful if you don’t want to bring everything yourself.
Best time to sisit Lapland
The best time depends on what you want to experience:
Late December: Christmas feeling, deep snow, chance of Northern Lights.
Early January: the most snow, the coldest month, but also the most silent nights.
February: longer days, still dark nights, perfect for Northern Lights.
Late March – April: milder cold, more sunlight, ideal for skiing and outdoor activities.
Most travelers choose winter, but summer in Lapland is also special, with the midnight sun and endless days.
Activities that make the cold worthwhile
Traveling to Lapland isn’t just about braving the cold, it’s about embracing the landscape and culture.
Spotting the Northern Lights in remote places, the highlight for many.
A ride with snowmobiles or reindeer.
Adventures like husky sledding, snowshoeing, or ice fishing.
Warming up in the sauna after a day in the extreme cold.
These are experiences you won’t find anywhere else, and they make the cold more than worthwhile.
Conclusion: cold Is part of the magic
If you prepare well, you’ll discover that the cold isn’t an enemy, but a friend. Winter in Lapland asks for proper thermal clothing, but gives back a world of Northern Lights, snow, and untouched wilderness.
Veelgestelde vragen over kou in Lapland
How cold is it in Lapland in January?
In January, temperatures often drop below -20 °C, with lows down to -30 °C. It’s the coldest month of the year.
What should I wear for Lapland in winter?
Layers with thermal clothing, a thick jacket, snow boots, wool socks, mittens or gloves, and a warm hat.
What is the best time to visit Lapland?
For the Northern Lights, the best months are November to late March. In summer, you’ll experience the midnight sun instead.
What does -20 °C feel like in Lapland?
Because of the dry air, -20 °C often feels less sharp than the same temperature in Central Europe. With wind or on a snowmobile, it can feel much colder.
Is a winter trip to Lapland worth it?
Absolutely. Despite the cold, a winter holiday in Lapland is an unforgettable experience filled with nature, silence, and the magical Northern Lights.
