Jäidenlähtö · Late April – May
Ice Break-up
Late April and May in Lapland: melting snow, rivers breaking their ice, the first green and almost no darkness.
Spring in Lapland is short and loud. Meltwater runs everywhere, the ice on the Kemijoki and Ounasjoki rivers cracks and goes, and the birches turn green almost overnight. In the far north Lake Inari keeps its ice longer, often into early June.
Reindeer calves are born in May. The migrating birds return. By the end of the month the nights are so light that the Northern Lights season is over until August. This is the calm between our two seasons, and a good time to come if you like a town to yourself.
At a glance
| Ice Break-up | |
|---|---|
| When | Late April – May |
| Daylight in Rovaniemi | About 15 hours in late April, about 19 hours in May |
| In Inari | The midnight sun begins in late May |
| Typical temperatures | +10 to +20 °C in May |
| Snow | Melts in early May in Rovaniemi, later in the north |
| Northern Lights | No. The nights are too bright from late April |
What we do in this season
Sauna
Finnish sauna, all year
A private wood-heated sauna in peaceful surroundings works in every season.
Stay in town
Postmaster Hotel
A boutique hotel in the old post office, with Leima Kitchen & Bar in the same building.
Coming next
Summer activities
Hiking, fishing, e-bikes and midnight sun evenings start as the trails dry.
Good to know
- Our winter programme has ended and the summer programme has not fully started. Check the booking calendar on each tour page, or ask us what is running.
- Trails are wet. Waterproof shoes are worth packing.
- It is the quietest time of the year in Rovaniemi.
Read more
Customer Care
Do You Have a Question?
We have answered some of the most common questions on our FAQ page, but don’t be afraid to get in touch
Info & Booking:
Activities: +358 40 128 7846
Postmaster Hotel: +358 40 501 0660
Aurora Hill Resort +358 40 146 0980