Travel guide · Finnish Lapland · 66°N is the Arctic Circle
What to Wear in Lapland in Winter
Lapland is the deepest cold most travellers will ever feel. In January, Rovaniemi averages −10°C by day and −17°C at night, and the north of Lapland drops below −30°C on its coldest nights.
The short answer
Heavyweight merino, top and long john, every day.
In Lapland you stand still for long stretches: waiting for the northern lights, sitting on a husky sled, riding in a reindeer sleigh. Still is when the cold reaches you. A 300 GSM merino base layer holds your warmth, keeps you dry when you walk into a warm cabin, and can be worn for days.
Month by month, Rovaniemi
The darkest weeks are not the coldest
Average temperatures and hours of daylight in Rovaniemi. December has the least light; January and February are the coldest.
January, place by place
Further north, colder still
North of Rovaniemi, the sun does not rise at all for part of winter: near the northern border, for almost two months. The light is not black but a deep blue, and the snow makes it glow.
Winter moments in Lapland
Four Lapland moments, and what to wear for them
Northern lights
Seen from late August to April on clear, dark nights. You wait outside, often for hours.
Wear: 300 GSM top and long john.
Husky safari
Sitting still on the sled while the dogs run, with the wind in your face.
Wear: 300 GSM, under the overalls the tour lends you.
Reindeer farm
A slow sleigh ride through the forest, then coffee by the fire in a wooden hut.
Wear: 300 GSM; Kids sets for children.
Santa Claus Village
On the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi. Walking, queues, in and out of warm shops.
Wear: merino; it breathes indoors.
Most safari companies lend overalls, boots and mittens for their tours. They do not lend what goes underneath, and that is the layer that decides whether you are warm.
Which Sleet weight
For Lapland, choose the warmest
300 GSM Heavyweight
Every adult, December to March
Made for this: still nights under the lights, sled rides and long days at −20°C.
Shop 300 GSM Ages 2–14Kids 240 GSM set
Children on every activity
Extra-fine merino top and long john. Add a fleece and the tour’s overalls on top.
Shop Kids Sensitive skinTwin Layer
For skin that finds wool itchy
Soft cotton inside, merino outside, cut for men and for women. Add a warm middle layer in Lapland.
See Twin LayerFor a week in Lapland, two tops and two long johns: you will wear the long john every day.
How to layer
Three layers, nothing tight
- Base layer300 GSM merino, top and long john. Dry skin is warm skin.
- Middle layerA thick wool jumper or fleece, and fleece trousers on the coldest days.
- Outer layerA warm parka for town; the tour’s overalls for safaris.
Keep layers loose. Warm air trapped between them is what keeps you warm, and tight boots or gloves make hands and feet colder.
Packing list
- 300 GSM merino: two tops, two long johns
- Thick wool jumper or fleece
- Warm parka and snow trousers
- Mittens, with thin gloves underneath
- Wool hat, and a neck warmer or balaclava
- Thick wool socks, three pairs
- Winter boots rated for deep cold
- Lip balm and rich hand cream for dry cold
Questions travellers ask
How cold does Lapland get?
In January, Rovaniemi averages −10°C by day and −17°C at night. Levi and Saariselkä average around −20°C at night, and cold spells can go below −30°C.
When can I see the northern lights?
From late August to April, on clear and dark nights away from town lights. They are never guaranteed, so plan several nights and dress to wait outside.
How much daylight is there?
About three hours a day in Rovaniemi in December, rising to eight in February and twelve in March. Further north, the sun does not rise at all for part of winter.
What should children wear?
A Kids 240 GSM merino set against the skin, a fleece, then overalls, mittens and a hat that covers the ears. Children lose heat faster than adults, so check hands and feet often.
Is 240 GSM enough for Lapland?
For short walks in town in November, yes. From December to March, and for any safari or northern lights night, choose 300 GSM.
What size should I take?
See the size guide, or ask us for a sizing sample kit so the fit is right before your piece ships.
Knitted in Australia since 1982
Going to Lapland this winter?
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We will tell you which weight and size each of you needs.
Delivered in 1–2 days in the UAE and 3–5 days across the GCC.