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. As residents and visitors revel in the festive spirit of the season, the city nearly always seems blanketed by a thick layer of white. Despite the deep freeze, the hospitality of the people and the magic of Christmas keep the city vibrant and alive. Amidst the chill, the city’s reputation as Santa’s hometown shines, attracting visitors willing to brave the Arctic cold.
Temperature
In Rovaniemi, the average high-temperature in December gently drops from a subzero cold -3°C (26.6°F) in
November to a still freezing cold -6.4°C (20.5°F). In the month of December, the temperature in Rovaniemi generally rests at an average low of -12.5°C (9.5°F).
Rainfall
In Rovaniemi, during December, the rain falls for 10 days and regularly aggregates up to 42mm (1.65") of precipitation. In Rovaniemi, during the entire year, the rain falls for 115 days and collects up to 577mm (22.72") of precipitation.
Daylight
With an average of 2h and 42min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year in Rovaniemi.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 10:15 and sunset at 13:57. On the last day of December, in Rovaniemi, sunrise is at 10:58 and sunset at 13:41 EET.
Sunshine
With an average of 0.1h of sunshine, December has the least sunshine of the year.
UV index
The months with the lowest UV index in Rovaniemi are
January,
February,
October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 0. A UV Index estimate of 2, and below, represents a low health risk from unprotected exposure to Sun's UV rays for the ordinary person.
Note: A maximum UV index of 0 in December translates into the following recommendations:
In contrast to children, who must always be shielded from the sun, most people can tolerate up to an hour of sun exposure without any burns. Limiting sun exposure during midday hours helps in reducing the harmful effects of UV radiation. Wearing a wide-brim hat can block approximately 50% of UV radiation, protecting the eyes.