Finland, Europe
Finnish Lapland in March
The sweet spot: deep snow, lots of daylight, and still dark nights for the aurora.
The straight answer
March is one of the best months of the year to visit Finnish Lapland. The sweet spot: deep snow, lots of daylight, and still dark nights for the aurora.
- Weather
- Cold, highs near 25F (-4C), bright sunny days
- Crowds
- 4 of 5
- Prices
- 4 of 5
What March is like in Finnish Lapland
March is the sweet spot. Highs reach about 25F (-4C), the snow is still deep, and bright, sunny days make it pleasant to be outside. Nights are still dark enough for aurora hunting. Husky and reindeer safaris run on the best snow of the year. Prices are fairly high, but the combination is hard to beat.
It is the easiest winter month for families with young kids, thanks to longer days and milder cold. It also suits skiers and aurora hunters. If you want the midnight sun or summer hiking instead, look at June or September.
Make the most of March
What is especially good about Finnish Lapland this month.
Sunny snow days
Bright days and deep snow make March perfect for sledding, skiing, and snowshoe walks.
Aurora before the nights vanish
Nights are still dark, so aurora odds stay good, especially away from town lights.
Safari season at its best
The best snow conditions for husky and reindeer rides come in February and March.
What to pack for March
- A warm jacket and snow pants
- Sunglasses and sunscreen for bright snow
- Thermal layers
- Warm boots and mittens
Our timing tip
Book early March if the aurora is your top goal, since nights get shorter as April approaches.
Book Finnish Lapland for March.
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- Hotels for March
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Finnish LaplandOpens a hotel search for Finnish Lapland in March, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Finnish LaplandWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Finnish LaplandTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Finnish Lapland for March. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in March
Things to do in Finnish Lapland
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.
Santa Claus Village
Open every day of the year. Go in the morning to avoid the longest lines to meet Santa in December.
Arktikum
Science center and museum in Rovaniemi on Arctic nature and people. A great first stop to understand the region.
Siida, Inari
The Sami museum and nature center on Lake Inari. Well worth the drive north.
Levi and Yllas
The two biggest fell resorts, with downhill and cross-country skiing in winter and hiking and biking in summer.
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.
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 March, quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Finnish Lapland?
March is one of the best months of the year to visit Finnish Lapland. The sweet spot: deep snow, lots of daylight, and still dark nights for the aurora.
What is the weather like in Finnish Lapland in March?
Cold, highs near 25F (-4C), bright sunny days.
Is Finnish Lapland crowded in March?
Finnish Lapland is busy in March, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.
What is happening in Finnish Lapland in March?
Northern lights season (late august to early april, best on dark clear nights from september to march).
Keep planning Finnish Lapland.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in March
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