Climate and monthly weather forecast
Rovaniemi, Finland

Serving as Finland's gateway to the subarctic, Rovaniemi experiences a Subarctic climate, classified as Dfc in the Köppen system. This categorization stands for severe winters, absence of dry seasons, and relatively cool summers. Observing a year-long weather pattern, the city follows a course from freezing temperatures to light and warm moments.

Temperature fluctuations are evident throughout the year. During the colder months, lows may plummet to a freezing -14.5°C (5.9°F), with the highest temperature not going above -8.2°C (17.2°F). Rovaniemi finds moderate relief from colder temperatures during the warmer months, where low temperatures average around 2.3°C (36.1°F) and highs occasionally reach up to 19.7°C (67.5°F).

Rainfall also varies on a monthly basis. Each month sees an average of around 10 days of rainfall, with total monthly rainfalls ranging from 31mm (1.22") to 72mm (2.83"). The higher amounts of rain typically occur in the midst of summer from June to August. June alone welcomes 59mm (2.32") of rain, which gradually increases to 72mm (2.83") in August.

Daylight hours and sunshine also vary as the seasons change. In the shorter days of winter, Rovaniemi experiences minimal daylight, with only 2.7 hours seen in December. Conversely, June boasts the longest daylight hours, approximately 23.8 hours, and subsequently, the most sunshine hours at 9. The UV index, rather low for most of the year, reaches its peak during these sunny summer months.

Rovaniemi citizens welcome summers with open arms, a period characterised by warmer temperatures and a relaxed atmosphere. The summer months from June to August are arguably the most suitable time for a visit. Temperatures in this period scale to a comforting warmth, seeing lows around 8.3°C (46.9°F) and reaching up to 19.7°C (67.5°F) in July. Daylight is abundant, with average hours stretching from 19.6 hours in May and reaching 23.8 hours in June. These months also bring extended sunshine hours, with maximum sunlight observed in June with 9 hours.

Winter in Rovaniemi translates to freezing conditions, with significantly reduced daylight hours. The period from November to February captures the coldest months. November experiences the low temperatures dropping to -7.9°C (17.8°F) and December's highs failing to rise above -6.4°C (20.5°F). Daylight hours are particularly limited in December and January with 5.7 and 2.7 hours respectively. Coupled with minimal sunshine, these frozen winter months can be rather harsh for visitors not adapted to such cood conditions.

With the advent of spring, Rovaniemi witnesses a gradual increase in temperature. Spring months from March to May, bring temperatures ranging from -9.4°C (15.1°F) to 10.8°C (51.4°F). Rainfall during this season stays relatively low, with April experiencing the least rainfall 31mm (1.22") across the year. Daylight hours also see a significant increase, from 11.8 hours in March to a pleasing 19.6 hours by May, which coincides with a steady rise in sunshine hours.

Rovaniemi's summer, spanning from June to August, is marked by the city's warmest temperatures, longest daylight hours and an animated ambiance. Low temperatures during these months stay between a mild 8.3°C (46.9°F) to 11.4°C (52.5°F), while high temperatures peak in July at 19.7°C (67.5°F). Rainfall sees a upward trend during summer, with July and August receiving the highest, measuring 69mm (2.72") and 72mm (2.83") respectively. However, increased sunshine hours and an elevated UV index add to the summer's irresistible charm.

Autumn in Rovaniemi, extending from September to November, introduces a noticeable drop in temperature and reduced daylight hours. Temperatures in these months range from 4.2°C (39.6°F) to -3°C (26.6°F), hinting at the impending winter chill. Rainfall remains relatively high, with November receiving 49mm (1.93"). Daylight hours recede dramatically, from 13.1 hours in September to a mere 5.7 hours by November, coupled with a reduction in the sunshine hours and UV index.

Painting a typical Subarctic picture, Rovaniemi's winter sets in from December, and extends until February. Winters are extremely cold, with low temperatures plunging to -14.5°C (5.9°F) in January. High temperatures also fail to rise significantly, peaking merely at -6.4°C (20.5°F) in December. Daylight hours in December and January are limited to 2.7 and 4.5 hours respectively. December receives a moderate 42mm (1.65") of rain, but with minimal sunshine, winter embodies a stark, icy landscape in Rovaniemi.

January in Rovaniemi, Finland is firmly within the grip of the harsh winter, resulting in a frosty mix of snow and ice. Average low temperature hits the bracing figure of -14.5°C (5.9°F) while the high temperature barely warms up to -8.2°C (17.2°F). Weather in January »

As winter transitions from its harshest period, February in Rovaniemi offers a slightly softer, albeit still solidly wintry, atmosphere than January. Temperatures still remain below zero but sunlight begins to make a more noticeable appearance, brightening the snow-covered landscapes of the city. Weather in February »

March represents the onset of spring in Rovaniemi, but the vestiges of winter remain, with an average low temperature of -9.4°C (15.1°F). The days begin to lengthen as the equinox approaches, allowing more opportunities for outdoor activities such as snowmobiling or ice fishing. Weather in March »

April steps further into spring territory, marking a significant turning point in Rovaniemi's weather conditions. An average high temperature of 3.6°C (38.5°F) can be experienced, providing a welcome change from the preceding frosty months. Weather in April »

May in Rovaniemi truly heralds in the spring with average high temperatures climbing to 10.8°C (51.4°F). Days are marked by clear skies and considerable sunlight that serve to further the thaw. It's a month where the weather can vary internally - with chilly winds one day and a warm sun the next. Weather in May »

June showcases Rovaniemi in its summer prime, with a warm average high temperature of 16.8°C (62.2°F). Days are rich in sunlight, a key factor contributing to the region's lush greenery. It's a prime time for outdoor adventurous activities from hiking to river rafting. Weather in June »

Basking in the warm glow of the Finnish summer, July in Rovaniemi records the hottest weather of the year at 19.7°C (67.5°F). The city sparkles under the golden sunshine, adding to the overall joyful ambiance. Outdoor water activities, such as boating and swimming, are popular pursuits during this time. Weather in July »

August is truly the bridge month between the long, warm days of summer and the emerging frosty mornings of autumn in Rovaniemi. The decline in temperature is fairly noticeable with the average high dropping to 16.5°C (61.7°F). Weather in August »

September transitions Rovaniemi from summer to autumn, replicating the cool crispness of autumn’s arrival. Average high temperature dips to 10.4°C (50.7°F), adding a new chill in the air. Dropping leaves and changing colors paint the landscapes of Rovaniemi in vast arrays of reds, oranges, and browns. Weather in September »

October shows clear signs of the upcoming winter with an average high temperature decreasing to 3.1°C (37.6°F). Teetering between the remnants of autumn and the dawn of winter, Rovaniemi's October will often alternate between clear and overcast skies. Weather in October »

November embarks on the beginning of the long Finnish winter, with an average high temperature steadily plunging to -3°C (26.6°F). The city adorns a white coat as snow covers the land, preparing Rovaniemi for the approach of its famous guests, the snowmen. Weather in November »

December sees Rovaniemi fully immersed in the depths of winter. With high temperatures not straying above -6.4°C (20.5°F) and low temperatures plummeting to the deepest cold of the year at -12.5°C (9.5°F), it indeed evokes the image of a winter wonderland. Weather in December »