Every winter we meet guests who arrive in Rovaniemi in a city coat and trainers. They survive, but they don't enjoy it. The good news: you don't need expensive gear to stay warm in Lapland. You need the right layers. This is the list we'd give a friend.
How cold does it get?
From December to February it's usually somewhere between −10 °C and −25 °C, and a few nights each winter go below −30 °C. It's a dry cold, which feels easier than damp cold at the same temperature, but wind and standing still both make it feel a lot colder.
The three-layer rule
1. Base layer.
Long-sleeve top and long johns in merino wool or a synthetic thermal fabric. No cotton. Cotton holds sweat and makes you cold the moment you stop moving.
2. Mid layer.
A wool sweater or fleece. On very cold days, add a thin down or synthetic vest as well.
3. Outer layer.
A warm, windproof jacket and insulated winter trousers or ski pants. Your jacket should cover your bottom if possible.
The packing list
- 2 sets of thermal base layers
- 1 to 2 wool sweaters or fleeces
- Warm winter jacket
- Insulated winter or ski trousers
- Winter boots with a thick sole, rated for the cold, one size bigger so you can wear thick socks
- Wool socks, a few pairs
- A warm hat that covers your ears
- Thin liner gloves plus thick mittens (mittens are warmer than gloves)
- Scarf, buff or neck warmer
- Lip balm and a rich face cream, the cold air is very dry
- Power bank, cold drains phone batteries fast
- Swimsuit, for the sauna and maybe a hole in the ice if you're brave
- Slippers or warm socks for indoors
What you don't need to bring
If you've booked a husky, snowmobile or reindeer safari, the tour company almost always lends you a thermal overall, boots and mittens for the trip. So don't buy expedition gear just for that. Check what's included in your tour, and pack for the rest of the time: walking around town, waiting for the aurora, playing in the snow.
If your home has a drying cabinet or a warm sauna dressing room, hang everything there in the evening. Dry gear is warm gear.
Small tips from locals
- Don't dress too warm for active things. If you sweat, you'll freeze later. Open your jacket when you're moving.
- Keep your phone in an inside pocket, close to your body.
- Hand and toe warmers from any supermarket are cheap and work great for aurora nights.
- Pavements can be icy. Shoe spikes are sold in most supermarkets and sports shops in town.
- Forgot something? Rovaniemi has sports shops and outdoor stores in the centre, and many rental companies rent winter clothing too.
Packing for autumn and spring
In September and October it's usually around 0 to +10 °C. A waterproof jacket, a warm sweater, a hat and proper walking shoes are enough. In March and April the sun is strong on the snow, so add sunglasses and sunscreen to the winter list.
Once you're packed, the rest is easy. Find a warm place to stay, book a few experiences, and if you have any questions before you come, message us.
