A quick guide to Finnish Lapland

Temperatures


Both days and nights are extremely cold, with temperatures remaining firmly below freezing. Through the winter, the ice on lakes and rivers is exceptionally thick and the ground is covered in snow for 6 months of the year.

Lapland has a subarctic climate, meaning cold, dry winters, short summers, and below zero temperatures for five months of the year (temperatures sometimes even fall below -40oC).

Average temperatures (°C)
December -12.4
January -14.1
February -13.8
March -8.8
April -2.0

Clothing


Our perfectly picked hotel in Finnish Lapland, Hotel Ylläshumina, has everything you need, including thermal coats, trousers, boots, socks. If you have more than three activities booked you get the equipment for the week, otherwise it’s €80 to rent it all.

Michael, a Q5 Safari trip leader, explains that the coats and trousers they provide are much more practical than the overalls you get most places.

We recommend taking microspikes for your shoes as this will make it easier to walk in the snow and ice.

What else to pack:
- Thermal base layers
- Wool or fleece jumpers
- Waterproof boots/shoes
- A good pair of gloves, hat & scarf
- Swimsuit (for the Jacuzzi and sauna!)
- Evening outfits
- Wool socks
- Hand warmers

Daylight hours


December 5hrs 20mins
January 6hrs 25mins
February 9hrs 45mins
March 13hrs 25mins
April 18hrs 01min

Did you know?
In Finnish, the name for winter's darker days is kaamos (polar nights).
The sky is often dark blue, with shades of purple, around midday.
 

Northern Lights


Throughout the winter months, the ‘Aurora Borealis’ or Northern Lights are a regular occurrence. They can occur at any time after dark, but the most common time is just before midnight on clear nights.

In the hotel reception they have the aurora predictor open for you to check.

Did you know? The Finnish Sámi link the lights to a legend of an arctic fox running along snow-covered fells, sending a spray of snow crystal sparks into the skies – their name for the lights translates as ‘foxfire’.

Activities available
Husky sledding
Snowshoeing
Snowmobile safari
Reindeer farm visit and safari
Cross-country skiing (Ylläs has the most extensive ski route network in Finland)
Fatbiking
Winter walking
Downhill skiing

N.B. You can hire all cross-country ski equipment from Q5 Safari activity centre and access to the trails is free of charge. At the hotel reception you can find daily updates on trails that are open/cleared.

You can choose our activity holiday which includes three guided activities or the one without for the freedom to choose how many you do.

We recommend booking activities in advance to ensure you get to experience the ones on your wish list.