Finland, Europe

Finnish Lapland in February

Great snow, longer days, and strong aurora odds. European school holidays can fill resorts.

BestVery cold, highs near 14F (-10C), days lengthening

Reindeer sled in a snowy Lapland forest — Finnish LaplandPhoto: Jacek Rużyczka, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

February is one of the best months of the year to visit Finnish Lapland. Great snow, longer days, and strong aurora odds. European school holidays can fill resorts.

Weather: Very cold, highs near 14F (-10C), days lengthening
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What February is like in Finnish Lapland

February is one of the best winter months in Lapland. Highs are near 14F (-10C), the snow is great, and days get noticeably longer. Aurora odds stay strong on clear, dark nights. The one catch is European school holidays, which can fill resorts like Levi and Yllas in certain weeks. Prices are fairly high.

It suits families, skiers, and aurora hunters who want reliable snow with a bit more daylight than January. Book early for school-holiday weeks. If you want even milder temperatures with the same snow, March is the sweet spot.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Finnish Lapland this month.

Prime husky and reindeer safaris

February to March has the best snow for safaris. Book ahead during school-holiday weeks.

Skiing at Levi and Yllas

The two biggest fell resorts are in full swing, with downhill and cross-country skiing.

More daylight, same aurora

Longer days mean more time outside, while nights are still dark enough for the northern lights.

What to pack for February

A warm insulated jacket and snow pants
Thermal base layers
Insulated winter boots
Goggles for skiing and bright snow
Warm mittens and a hat

Our timing tip

Check the major European school holiday weeks before booking, since resorts and safaris fill up fast during them.

Book Finnish Lapland for February.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Finnish Lapland
Opens a hotel search for Finnish Lapland in February, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for February
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Finnish Lapland
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Finnish Lapland
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Finnish Lapland for February. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in February

Northern lights season

Late August to early April, best on dark clear nights from September to March

Stay at least three to four nights to improve your odds, and get away from town lights.

Things to do in Finnish Lapland

Full guide

Rovaniemi and the Arctic Circle

The regional capital and the gateway for most visitors, with Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle line just outside town.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Santa Claus Village

Open every day of the year. Go in the morning to avoid the longest lines to meet Santa in December.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Arktikum

Science center and museum in Rovaniemi on Arctic nature and people. A great first stop to understand the region.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Siida, Inari

The Sami museum and nature center on Lake Inari. Well worth the drive north.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Levi and Yllas

The two biggest fell resorts, with downhill and cross-country skiing in winter and hiking and biking in summer.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Husky and reindeer safaris

Most run from December to early April, with the best snow conditions from February to March. Book ahead in peak weeks.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

For a winter trip, aim for March instead of December or February school holidays: better light, lower prices, and still excellent snow.
Stay outside Rovaniemi, for example in Saariselka, Levi, Yllas, or Inari, for darker skies and fewer tour buses.
Book safaris, glass cabins, and flights for December months ahead; prices and demand peak around Christmas.
Summer and September hiking trails are uncrowded almost everywhere; the national park huts rarely feel busy outside holiday weeks.

Know before you go

May and early June (the melt season) and October to November (before snow) are gaps: many safaris, hotels, and restaurants close or run limited service.
Snow-dependent activities like husky and snowmobile safaris usually run from December to April. In some years, early December snow can be thin.
Around Christmas, restaurants and activities can be booked out; confirm Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dining in advance.
Some ski lifts and resort services close in late April or May, depending on snow.

Finnish Lapland in February, quick answers

Is February a good time to visit Finnish Lapland?

February is one of the best months of the year to visit Finnish Lapland. Great snow, longer days, and strong aurora odds. European school holidays can fill resorts.

What is the weather like in Finnish Lapland in February?

Very cold, highs near 14F (-10C), days lengthening.

Is Finnish Lapland crowded in February?

Finnish Lapland is busy in February, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.

What is happening in Finnish Lapland in February?

Northern lights season (late august to early april, best on dark clear nights from september to march).