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Finland, Europe

Finnish Lapland in July

Warmest month and best for lakes, but peak mosquito season. Bring repellent and head nets.

GoodWarm, highs near 68F (20C)
Reindeer sled in a snowy Lapland forest
Finnish LaplandPhoto: Jacek Rużyczka, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

July is a good month to visit Finnish Lapland. Warmest month and best for lakes, but peak mosquito season. Bring repellent and head nets.

Weather
Warm, highs near 68F (20C)
Crowds
3 of 5
Prices
3 of 5

What July is like in Finnish Lapland

July is the warmest month. Highs reach about 68F (20C), days are long, and the midnight sun still shines in the north. It is the best time for lakes, canoeing, and long hikes. It is also peak mosquito season, so repellent and head nets are a must. Crowds are moderate and prices fair, and fell resorts switch to hiking and biking.

It suits families and hikers who want long, warm days outside. Travelers who hate bugs should pick August or September instead. If you want the aurora or snow, come back in winter.

Make the most of July

What is especially good about Finnish Lapland this month.

01

Lake days

Warm afternoons make July the best month for swimming and canoeing on Lapland's lakes.

02

Endless daylight for hiking

The midnight sun lets you hike late into the evening in the national parks.

03

Summer at the fell resorts

Levi and Yllas switch to hiking and biking in summer, with easy trails for families.

What to pack for July

  • Strong mosquito repellent and a head net
  • Light hiking clothes and a warm layer
  • An eye mask
  • A swimsuit for lake days

Our timing tip

Hike on breezy fell tops rather than in low, marshy areas to cut down on mosquitoes.

Book Finnish Lapland for July.

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What's on in July

Midnight sun

Late May to late July, varies with latitude

In the north, the sun does not set for weeks. Best experienced on a fell top at midnight.

Things to do in Finnish Lapland

Full guide
01

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 →

02

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 →

03

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 →

04

Siida, Inari

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

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

05

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 →

06

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 July, quick answers

Is July a good time to visit Finnish Lapland?

July is a good month to visit Finnish Lapland. Warmest month and best for lakes, but peak mosquito season. Bring repellent and head nets.

What is the weather like in Finnish Lapland in July?

Warm, highs near 68F (20C).

Is Finnish Lapland crowded in July?

Crowds in Finnish Lapland are moderate in July; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Finnish Lapland in July?

Midnight sun (late may to late july, varies with latitude).

Keep planning Finnish Lapland.

The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.

  1. 01Finnish Lapland in JuneThe month before: Mild, highs near 62F (17C), sun never sets in the northGood
  2. 02Finnish Lapland in AugustThe month after: Mild, highs near 61F (16C)Good
  3. 03Finnish Lapland in SeptemberThe next best month: Cool, highs near 50F (10C), first frostsBest

Also at their best in July

Everywhere in July

Where else is good in July?

Tell us when you can go and what kind of trip you want. We rank every place we cover for that exact month.

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