Early winter · Weather & things to do
Rovaniemi in December
Rovaniemi cools off: highs slip to 21°F (-6°C), from 27°F in November, with lows of 10°F (-12°C) and about 2.2 in (56 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 41/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 21°F (-6°C)
- Avg low
- 10°F (-12°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.2 in (56 mm)
- Humidity
- 99%
- Cloud cover
- 81%
- Daylight
- ~0 h 59 min
- Comfort score
- 41/100 · Tough
What December feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 21°F (-6°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Average lows of 10°F (-12°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Expect about 2.2 in (56 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 81%.
Only about 0 h 59 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are June – August.
- Shortest days of the year, about 0 h 59 min of daylight.
- Comfort holds steady from November (41 → 41/100).
- Our Rovaniemi, Saariselkä & Helsinki route is planned for Late Nov – Dec, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — December is part of it.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 10°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Rovaniemi in December
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Arktikum
Science centre and Regional Museum of Lapland under a 172-metre glass gallery, covering Arctic nature, Sámi life and the northern lights.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 21°F.
Ounasvaara
Forested fell across the river from town, with downhill slopes, a ski-jump hill and lit cross-country and snowshoe trails.
Nili
Log-walled restaurant on Valtakatu serving Lappish dishes such as sautéed reindeer, Arctic char and cloudberries.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 21°F.
Santa Claus Village
Year-round Christmas village straddling the Arctic Circle, with Santa's office, reindeer rides and the painted Arctic Circle line.
Nearby in December
- Saariselkä in December~140 mi · highs 17°F, 1.7 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Tromsø in December~279 mi · highs 28°F, 4.9 in rain or snow · 4°C (8°F) warmer by day, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Rovaniemi in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Rovaniemi?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 41/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are June – August. Expect highs of 21°F (-6°C) and 2.2 in (56 mm) of rain or snow.
How cold is Rovaniemi in December?
Average highs are 21°F (-6°C) and average lows 10°F (-12°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Rovaniemi in December?
Not much: about 2.2 in (56 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 5th-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 30.2 in (767 mm).
What should I pack for Rovaniemi in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 10°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Rovaniemi
Routes in season in December
- Rovaniemi, Saariselkä & Helsinki Late Nov – Dec
Planning Rovaniemi in December?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.