What's the Weather Like in Lapland in January?
January is one of the best times of year to visit Lapland, which is a dream destination for anyone who enjoys winter activities such as skiing, sledging and hiking. There's generally a constant blanket of snow that gives everything a magical, festive feel.
Many visitors also come hoping to see the Northern Lights in January as it's one of the best times of the year for this amazing natural phenomenon to make an appearance.
How Cold Does It Get In Lapland In January?
Lapland has cold, harsh winter weather with lots of snow and January is no exception. Average temperatures are around -9°C throughout January, with highs only reaching 5°C.
Temperatures regularly drop to lows of -12°C, especially at night, so travellers should be well prepared with warm clothing and accessories. Visitors shouldn't worry too much about the cold though, as the dry air and low chance of wind mean that temperatures don't feel too biting.
How Much Does It Snow In January in Lapland?
There's very little rain in Lapland. Any precipitation that does fall is in the form of snow, which is in abundance throughout the month. There's an 81% chance of a snowy day in Lapland in January, which means that snow falls on most days.
Can You See The Northern Lights In January In Lapland?
Between September and April is the best time to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). January's long, dark nights make the lights easier to spot. And avoiding nights with a full Moon give an even better view.
How Much Daylight Is There In Lapland in January?
As it's the middle of winter, there are only a few hours of daylight in January in Lapland. Because of its position, the sun rises around 10am and sets shortly after, at around 2pm.
Though this can feel unusual if you're visiting from another country, the darkness actually sets a perfect scene to see the famous Northern Lights.
Where Are The Best Places To Stay In Lapland?
Glass Igloos For Northern Light Spotting
One of the most magical places to stay in Lapland in January is the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. Kakslauttanen is located out in the wilderness, surrounded by the beautiful nature of Lapland. The famous glass igloos are where guests can sleep under the Northern Lights.
The two person igloos feature a glass roof, a bed and a private toilet are available throughout the winter season. There's a range of other accommodation options at this huge resort too, including cosy log cabins, traditional Finnish houses and real snow igloos while you can even visit Santa's house. Wherever you choose to stay, this resort is an unforgettable choice for the whole family
Ski Hotel With Wonderful Views
Another popular choice is Hotel Levi Panorama, which sits on a mountainside in the ski resort of Levi. This prominent position makes it a great place for skiers to stay and means that guest can enjoy panoramic views in all directions across the Lapland countryside.
Rooms here are decorated in a modern Scandinavian style with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs and the hotel also features an on-site restaurant and bar.
Where To Eat And Drink In Lapland
Laanilan Kievari
Lapland is home to an array of Nordic restaurants serving traditional Lapland speciality dishes. One such restaurant is Laanilan Kievari which is rated number one in Lapland on Trip Advisor.
This cabin-style restaurant is located in Rovaniemtie and provides a warm welcome and a cosy setting for lunch or dinner. Dishes include smoked arctic char, whitefish and reindeer, which are all locally sourced and cooked fresh
Arctic Boulevard
Also in Rovaniemie is Arctic Boulevard, a highly regarded fine dining restaurant with an array of Finnish flavours. This eatery offers a real taste of Lapland, with meats such as moose and hare and desserts made from local berries. The restaurant is located inside the Arctic Light Hotel in the centre of town.
Pannukakkutalo
If you're visiting or staying in the resort of Levi, don't miss Pannukakkutalo. This pancake house will be a hit with the whole family, serving up huge pancakes with a variety of toppings, from savoury to sweet. Try them with smoked cheese and salami, raspberries, or chocolate sauce and whipped cream. A great place to warm up and fill up after a day on the slopes.
Things To Do In Lapland In January
If you're visiting Lapland in January, you'll be spoiled for choice of activities, whether you're looking for an adrenaline-filled holiday or a once-in-a-lifetime trip with the family.
Skiing trips
With so much snow around this month, many holidaymakers come to Lapland for a skiing holiday. Lapland's Ylläs ski resort is located in the Kolari area and is the largest one in Finland, with over 60 slopes.
The longest slopes run for two miles and there's also 210 miles of cross-country tracks. The huge resort even has restaurants, shopping and child care available.
The Northern Lights
No winter trip to Lapland would be complete without seeing the Northern lights. While you're not guaranteed to witness them, January is one of the best times of the year for this amazing natural phenomenon.
The best time to see the Aurora Borealis is at night, when the skies are dark and there's less cloud coverage. Companies such as Lapland Safaris offer night-time snowmobile trips into the countryside, where you can experience Lapland's nature and get away from the artificial light of the resorts. This will give you the best chance to see the amazing display.
