Finland's most northern region, Lapland is a vast and sparsely populated area that borders Norway, Sweden and Russia. Though few people live here, many tourists visit the region each year to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and unique weather phenomenon.
Lapland has a combination of arctic and continental weather. Winters are cold but not dramatically so, while summers are short but warm. The weather is quite variable and seasons are distinct. Autumn arrives in Lapland in September, which is quite early compared to other European countries. The weather continues to change, as temperatures get colder and sunshine hours decrease.
The average temperature in September is 10°C with highs reaching 13°C which is still quite pleasant. Low temperatures are starting to get chilly at this time of the year though, dropping to 6°C at their coldest. Visitors may want to bring some warmer layers to wear when the temperature drops.
The chance of snow starts to creep back in in September, although it is still highly unlikely. There's just a 1% chance of snow throughout the month. On the other hand, the chance of rainfall is quite high at 54%. September is the second wettest month behind July.
Lapland is known for its huge variations in day light summer sees the Midnight Sun when the sun never filly sets, whereas winter is shroud in darkness for most of the day. September is somewhere in between. There's a 10% chance of a sunny day and around 9-12 hours of sunshine each day. The sun rises between 6am and 7.30am and sets between 8.40pm and 6.45pm.
September is a beautiful time in Lapland, as travellers can still catch a glimpse of the Ruska season, when the leaves change to bright shades of yellow and red. This natural beauty is visible from mid-August to mid-September. By the end of September, the first signs of frost will be starting to arrive, indicating the return of winter.
Looking for accommodation in Lapland in September? One of the liveliest places to stay at any time of the year is the city of Rovaniemi. Here, you'll find comfortable, contemporary and well-priced hotels such as the Rantasipi Polar Hotel. Located in the city centre, this hotel is easily accessible and offers free parking for guests. Rooms are spacious with private bathrooms, TVs and free Wi-Fi, providing everything you need for a stay in Lapland.
For a relaxing stay, look no further than the Hotel Akashotelli located in the village of käslompolo. This traditional Finnish holiday resort offers an abundance of choice when it comes to accommodation, from hotel rooms to spacious apartments which sleep up to 8 people. On site, there's also a bar and restaurant as well as a sauna where guests can relax. A wonderful choice if you're travelling with the whole family.
A great option for adventurers is Hotel Luostotunturi. Located on the doorstep of the Pyhä-Luosto National Park, it offers a great base for exploring the area and taking part in outdoor activities. This hotel has been awarded a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence thanks to its cosy log cabin accommodation and list of amenities.
Lapland is full of authentic restaurants where you can familiarise yourself with the region's delicacies and cuisine. One such restaurant is Restaurant Kotahovi located in the Santa Claus Reindeer resort in Rovaniemi. Housed in a traditional Lappish hut, the restaurant has a warm and welcoming feel and is built around an open fire in the centre. Visitors can enjoy classic dishes such as reindeer meat, salmon with juniper berries and Finnish pancakes.
Those visiting or staying in Saariselkä may be surprised to find high quality, Michelin standard dining in the middle of this small and remote village. However, that is exactly what they'll find at Javri. The menu includes everything from coffee and lunch options to set four-course gourmet meals for dinner. The restaurant is located on the site of a luxury lodge hotel of the same name making it a great choice for guests staying there.
Finally, if you're looking for a quick lunch or a budget-friendly bite to eat while in Rovaniemi, head to Kotipizza for some of the best pizza around. This causal and contemporary eatery serves a range of delicious, freshly made pizzas with a huge choice of toppings. Visitors can eat in the small restaurant or take away.
Autumn is berry picking season in Lapland and berry picking is a popular outdoor activity. Between August and early September, the forests in the region are full of berries, from lingonberries and blueberries to cranberries and crowberries. Travelers are permitted to pick berries freely in Lapland, making it a fun activity for the whole family if you're visiting the region in September.
For those who enjoy being surrounded by nature, why not partake in some more active outdoor adventures? September is a great time for hiking before the snow falls and the temperatures drop, take a look at the weather forecast to help plan your activities.
Hiking trails can be found all over the forests, fells and national parks of Lapland. One of the best places for hiking and walking is Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, the third largest in the region. The most popular trail in the park is the Hettaallas Trail, which is 55 kilometres long. However, for a less strenuous day trip, there are several undemanding nature trails in the National Park which have information boards on the area's natural features and culture.
