Rovaniemi
Located right on the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is a captivating destination that perfectly merges the enchantment of the northern lights with the charm of winter wonderland experiences. Known as the official hometown of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi offers travelers a unique blend of festive spirit, stunning natural beauty and thrilling activities, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to witness the aurora borealis.
From September to March, Rovaniemi serves as a prime location for experiencing the northern lights. With clear skies and minimal light pollution, your chances of witnessing this celestial display are outstanding.
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Credit: Marc Wieland
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Credit: Martin Vemödalen
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Credit: Fatih Turan
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Credit: Fatih Turan
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Credit: Marc Linnemann
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Credit: Robert Tjalondo
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Credit: Sam Williams
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Credit: Dylan Shaw
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Credit: 66 north
How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?
Many factors contribute to your likelihood of viewing the aurora in Rovaniemi. Geomagnetic activity, cloud cover and the amount of ambient light all play a big part. Check the forecasts for how good the viewing conditions are today.
Aurora Probability and Atmospheric Conditions
0%
There is a 0% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Rovaniemi area (forecast for 27 July 2026 at 12:15pm UTC)
Kp 2.00
The Kp-index is a scale used to measure geomagnetic activity. It ranges from 0 to 9, with higher values indicating greater geomagnetic activity.
- 0-2 (Very low) Far north, quite dim, and not very active.
- 3-5 (Moderate) Can be seen further south, with increased brightness and activity. Chance of good viewing conditions nearer the pole.
- 6-7 (High) Visible in many northern regions, with vibrant displays.
- 8-9 (Extreme) Widespread visibility, often seen in areas much further south than usual, with intense and colorful displays.
HPI 14 GW
The Hemispheric Power Index (HPI) is a vital measure used to assess the strength of auroral activity at the poles. It estimates the total auroral energy input, with values above 20 GW indicating an aurora-active state. When the HPI reaches levels of 100 GW or more, it signifies a very significant geomagnetic storm, which can lead to spectacular auroral displays.
Bz 2 nT
Bz refers to the north-south orientation of the magnetic field embedded in the solar wind. It is measured in nanoteslas (nT).
When Bz is negative (southward), it allows solar wind particles to penetrate the Earth’s magnetic field more easily. A strong negative Bz is often associated with increased chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
Conversely, when Bz is positive (northward), the Earth’s magnetic field tends to block the solar wind, resulting in reduced aurora activity.
Bt 4 nT
Bt measures the overall power of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) from the Sun; higher numbers (e.g., above 20 nT) mean more energy available for aurora.
Light Levels
Moon
Waxing gibbous 86%
Sunrise 3:34am
Sunset 11:12pm
Weather Forecast for Rovaniemi
Rain
17°C Feels like 18°C
- High
- 18°C
- Low
- 13°C
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Chance of precipitation 100%
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Cloud cover 99%
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Southerly winds 4 km/h gusts of 11 km/h
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Rain 5 mm
Book an amazing adventure in Rovaniemi
Explore this selection of tours and activities to make the most of your visit to Rovaniemi.
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Northern Lights Rovaniemi: Guaranteed Viewing & Unlimited Mileage
4.9 (2573)
8 hours From £173.19
Join Arctic GM’s award-winning Northern Lights hunt, recognized as part of the Best of the Best experiences on Tripadvisor. This small-group experience is built around one goal: maximizing your chances through distance, flexibility, and real-time decision-making. Operated by The Original Aurora Hunters®, our family has lived in Lapland since the 1600s, combining generations of local knowledge with continuous Aurora and weather tracking. There are no fixed routes or predefined locations. Your guide adapts the plan throughout the night, traveling long distances — including crossing the Swedish border when needed — to find clear skies. Supported by real-time updates from our large team across Lapland, this is a true Aurora hunt focused entirely on results. Professional photography is included, so you leave with high-quality images of your night under the Northern Lights.
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Rovaniemi:%100 Money Back Guarantee Northern Lights Hunting
4.9 (624)
5 - 12 hours From £103.57
AURORA HUNT – REAL NORTHERN LIGHTS EXPERIENCE IF YOU DONT SEE THE LIGHTS GET %100 MONEY BACK WITH NO QUESTION Join Lapin Taivas for an authentic Northern Lights adventure! We can travel up to 300+ KM in our comfortable Mercedes Pegabus Vans, chasing clear skies or heading deep into the wilderness — this tour is made for true Aurora Hunters. Our professional guides and photographers use the best weather data, cameras, and lenses to find the lights and capture unforgettable shots. All photos are delivered to your email within 8–72 hours after the tour. Unlike standard tours, we follow no fixed route. We drive wherever the sky is clear, often 100+ KM away from city lights, to give you the best possible viewing conditions. With an impressive 93% success rate during the 2024–25 season, this is one of the most reliable and exciting Aurora experiences in Lapland. ✨ Lapin Taivas – Your Way to the Lights ✨ ⚠️ Not recommended if you have another early morning activity the next day.
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Santa Claus Village, Husky and Reindeers Combo Safari
3.8 (45)
4 hours From £182.77
This tour gives you unique opportunity to visit three main activities of Lapland just in one day. We guarantee you unforgettable small group experience to Santa Claus Village, Reindeers and Husky sleigh rides.
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Rovaniemi: Snowmobile Safari & Northern Lights (New Snowmobiles)
4.4 (20)
4 - 5 hours From £138.38
Snowmobiling at night in Lapland offers a unique perspective — riding through silent, snow-covered forests under the Arctic sky, with the chance to see the Northern Lights above. With Arctic GM, the experience focuses on quality and comfort: small groups, quieter routes away from mass tourism, experienced guides, and premium equipment. Operated by The Original Aurora Hunters®, Arctic GM is a family-run company with roots in Lapland dating back to the 1600s. Your evening begins with pickup and transfer to a private base. After instructions, you’ll set off on snowmobiles shared between two guests, with a driver switch during the ride. The route includes around 2 hours of driving through forests and open landscapes, far from city lights. Stops are made to enjoy the surroundings and check the sky — if conditions are favorable, the Northern Lights may appear. After the ride, warm up with hot drinks and light snacks.
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Arctic Magic: Santa's Village, Snowmobiling & Glass Igloo Lunch
No reviews
5 hours From £248.04
Our tour is the seamless blend of childhood wonder and adult adventure, all guided by a local expert sharing facts about Lapland, Santa’s Village, Rovaniemi and life in the Arctic. Your journey begins in the heart of festive cheer at Santa’s Village, where the spirit of Christmas comes alive. Meet Santa in person and visit Santa’s Postal Office, adding even more magic to your experience. Enjoy and experience the warmth of a stunning Glass Igloo, where you can savor a delicious meal while watching the Arctic sky above you—all in cozy comfort. Then, we trade the quiet for the thrill of the wilderness, driving a snowmobile through pristine, snow-covered landscapes. With a professional guide handling every detail, logistics, and ensuring your safety, you don’t have to worry about a thing. You simply get to experience the full spectrum of Lapland: its wonder, its warmth, and its wild heart.
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ARCTIC SNOWHOTEL the biggest in Europe
4.8 (10)
3 hours 30 minutes From £217.58
You will check some Ice Rooms whilst learning about how this one-of-a-kind hotel is designed and created each year and Finally Following the tour you will have the chance to have lunch in the cosy Ice restaurant
Places to check out around Rovaniemi
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Arktikum
Museum
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Cafe & Bar 21
Café
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Choco Deli
Dessert Shop
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Frans & Chérie
Bistro
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Gustav Kitchen & Bar Rovaniemi
Gastropub
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Kauppayhtiö
Burger Joint
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Koivusaaren luontopolku
Hiking Trail
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Könkäänvaara
Mountain
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Korkalovaaran luontopolku
Hiking Trail
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Korundi
Museum
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Koskenranta
Waterfront
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Monte Rosa
Steakhouse
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Nili Ravintola
Scandinavian Restaurant
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Ounasvaaran huippu
Mountain
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Ounasvaaran luontopolun laavu
Hiking Trail
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Pure Pizza
Pizzeria
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Roka Street Bistro
Scandinavian Restaurant
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Rovaniemen Oluthuone
Beer Bar
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SaiGon Noodle Bar
Vietnamese Restaurant
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Sky Ounasvaara
Scandinavian Restaurant
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Uitto Pub
Pub
Explore more nearby Rovaniemi
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Credit: VALO Hotel & Work
Ranua
65°55'46"N, 26°30'57"E
Aurora probability in Ranua: 0%
Ranua, a charming town in Finnish Lapland, is renowned for the Ranua Wildlife Park, where visitors can observe Arctic animals in their natural habitats, including polar bears, lynxes and reindeer, making it a must visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
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Credit: Benjamin Genz
Kemi
65°44'8"N, 24°33'56"E
Aurora probability in Kemi: 0%
Located on the shores of the Bothnian Bay in Finnish Lapland, Kemi is known for its iconic Snow Castle, a magnificent structure built entirely of snow and ice each winter, as well as its rich maritime history and beautiful coastal scenery.
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Credit: Ximonic (Simo Räsänen)
Kemijärvi
66°42'48"N, 27°25'45"E
Aurora probability in Kemijärvi: 0%
A picturesque town in the stunning natural surroundings of Finnish Lapland. Nestled amongst pristine lakes and dense forests, that make Kemijärvi a popular destination for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking and skiing.
Other places in Finland
See also
HomeAurora ForecastPlanning Your Northern Lights AdventureNorthern Lights PhotographyScience Of The AuroraNorthern Lights PlaylistNorthern Lights Myths And LegendsBest Time Of Year To See The Northern LightsSee The Aurora Without Leaving Your HomeCan You See The Northern Lights From Where You Live?Aurora Glossary
