Lapland is a vast region located in the northernmost point of Finland, bordering Norway, Sweden and Russia. The region is sparsely populated but favoured by tourists, especially during winter when it comes to life with festive spirit and provides perfect skiing conditions.
Sitting in the Arctic Circle, Lapland's climate is typically arctic with long, cold winters and short, mild summers. However, the influence of the nearby Atlantic Ocean does help to control temperatures, which means that the weather is never too extreme.
March marks the end of winter in Lapland. While spring is on its way, the month still remains cold with plenty of snow. The average temperature in March is -6°C with highs of -1°C. The coldest part of the day is at night, when temperatures can drop to -10°C, so visitors are advised to wrap up warm at night in thick layers. Despite this, the crisp days of March can be quite enjoyable, with dry air and little wind which means that it doesn't feel too cold.
Cold temperatures means that the snowy blanket that covers Lapland in winter remains into March and beyond, which is great news for skiers. There's a 58% chance of a snowy day this month. There's also a 21% chance of rain.
Lapland is well known for its dark winters, but days are rapidly getting lighter in March. There's much more sunshine to be seen, with a 12% chance of a sunny day. Lapland sees around 9-12 hours of daylight each day, with the sun rising between 7.30am and 6.30am and setting between 5.30pm and 8pm on average.
March is an ideal time to visit Lapland. While there's plenty of snow around, visitors can experience Lapland at its wintery best, however temperatures are warming up and days are getting longer, providing desirable holiday conditions. March is also a great month to see the famous Aurora Borealis in all its glory.
Once you've decided to take a trip to Lapland in March, you'll need a place to stay. Luckily, Lapland has some fantastic accommodation options.
One of the most unique and unforgettable places to stay in Lapland is the The Arctic Snow Hotel on Lake Lehtoajarvi at Sinetta. This world-famous hotel is carved out of ice and snow and rebuilt every year in a different design. While this may sound a little cold, visitors can spend the night in specially designed sleeping bags to stay cosy.
The Arctic Snow Hotel is also home to some of the region's best glass igloos. Set out in the open, staying here is a great way to experience Lapland's natural surroundings but in the comfort of a bed. The igloos are set far enough away from the city lights that guests may even spot the Aurora Borealis.
For those on a budget, Hotel Kieppi offers a comfortable and family-friendly stay in Saariselka. Located in the centre of town, guests can stay in rooms or suites that are decorated in traditional Finnish style while on site there's a bar and lounge with an open fireplace. Free parking and a free breakfast each morning are included.
For an unforgettable dining experience in Lapland, have dinner at Santamus. Fine gourmet cuisine is combined with a unique atmosphere and traditional Lappish décor. Dishes focus on Finnish delicacies such as smoked reindeer and wild berries. Don't miss out on dessert, which is served on a wooden boat which emerges from blue mist towards your table!
Café & Bar 21 is a cool and contemporary eatery located in the centre of Rovaniemi. Dishes here are made fresh with local ingredients, featuring choices such as salads, soups and waffles as well as a great range of cocktails and hot drinks. An ideal place for a coffee or a quick lunch during sightseeing.
Finally, if beer and burgers are your thing, head to Bull Bar and Grill. This contemporary pub and restaurant serves American inspired dishes including chicken wings, hot dogs and pancakes alongside a great range of drinks. Bull Bar and Grill is located under the City Hotel in Rovaniemi.
Winter sports are a popular reason to visit Lapland in March, and many tourists chose to head to one of the region's biggest and most popular ski resorts, Levi. This resort features two beautiful snow parks and a variety of slopes for all ages and abilities. There's also a village centre with an array of shops, bars, restaurants and hotels. While you're in Levi, why not try your hand at something new? Make the most of the ice and snow with an ice karting adventure. Levi ice karting is a fun and fast paced activity, in which holiday makers can race around a track of soft white snow. A fantastic experience for the competitive at heart.
For a truly authentic experience, travellers can see how the Sami people live by visiting a real Sami village. Most tourist towns offer these tours where you can meet the people and learn more about their unique and peaceful way of life in the snow.
