Lapland

Lapland Weather in December

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in Lapland, Finland in December.

Planning a trip to Lapland, Finland this December? Here's what you need to know about the weather:

What to Expect in Lapland in December

Lapland, Finland is a region in Finland. December in Lapland generally has very cold temperatures, with moderate precipitation. December falls during the winter season.

Temperatures

The average maximum temperatures are very cold and range from -6°C (21°F) in Kilpisjärvi to -2°C (28°F) in Kemi. Nighttime temperatures generally drop to -8°C (18°F) in Kemi and -13°C (9°F) in Kilpisjärvi. In many regions in Finland, December is characterized by its biting cold temperatures. If you're venturing into these areas during this time, it's crucial to be adequately prepared. Ensure you layer up with warm clothing to fight off the chill and stay comfortable.

For specific regional insights in Lapland, Finland, refer to the map provided below.

Precipitation

In December, precipitation varies across different areas. From moderate snowfall in Nellimö with an average of 35 mm (1.4 in) to moderate snowfall in Tornio with 66 mm (2.6 in).

Average sunshine

Sunshine is quite limited in many locations during December. Rovaniemi receives roughly 4 hours of sunlight. For destinations with more sunshine, our weather planner offers alternatives worldwide.

Explore Lapland by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Lapland — and find the best time to visit. (based on Rovaniemi)

Best Places to Visit in Lapland in December

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across Lapland.

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

Popular Destinations in Lapland

What is the weather like in December for some of the most popular destinations in Lapland, Finland?

Temperature range in Lapland (December)

Precipitation variation in Lapland (December)

Rovaniemi

In December Rovaniemi generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -4°C (25°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -11°C (12°F) and moderate monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
-1°C (30°F)
-4°C (25°F)
-6°C (21°F)
Min temperature
-7°C (19°F)
-11°C (12°F)
-14°C (7°F)
Monthly sun hours
18 hours
4 hours
15 hours
Monthly snowfall
56 mm (2.2 in)
52 mm (2 in)
45 mm (1.8 in)
Monthly rainy days
20 days
21 days
22 days
Weather conditions

Levi

In December Levi generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -5°C (23°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -12°C (10°F) and moderate monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
-2°C (28°F)
-5°C (23°F)
-7°C (19°F)
Min temperature
-9°C (16°F)
-12°C (10°F)
-15°C (5°F)
Monthly sun hours
19 hours
4 hours
15 hours
Monthly snowfall
53 mm (2.1 in)
46 mm (1.8 in)
39 mm (1.5 in)
Monthly rainy days
18 days
19 days
20 days
Weather conditions

Äkäslompolo

In December Äkäslompolo generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -5°C (23°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -12°C (10°F) and moderate monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
-2°C (28°F)
-5°C (23°F)
-7°C (19°F)
Min temperature
-9°C (16°F)
-12°C (10°F)
-15°C (5°F)
Monthly sun hours
19 hours
4 hours
15 hours
Monthly snowfall
56 mm (2.2 in)
48 mm (1.9 in)
40 mm (1.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
18 days
18 days
19 days
Weather conditions

Saariselka

In December Saariselka generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -5°C (23°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -12°C (10°F) and moderate monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
-2°C (28°F)
-5°C (23°F)
-7°C (19°F)
Min temperature
-8°C (18°F)
-12°C (10°F)
-14°C (7°F)
Monthly sun hours
0 hours
0 hours
38 hours
Monthly snowfall
41 mm (1.6 in)
38 mm (1.5 in)
35 mm (1.4 in)
Monthly rainy days
20 days
20 days
21 days
Weather conditions

Pyhätunturi

In December Pyhätunturi generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -4°C (25°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -12°C (10°F) and moderate monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
-1°C (30°F)
-4°C (25°F)
-7°C (19°F)
Min temperature
-8°C (18°F)
-12°C (10°F)
-15°C (5°F)
Monthly snowfall
52 mm (2 in)
48 mm (1.9 in)
43 mm (1.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
21 days
21 days
22 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in Lapland, in Finland.

Popular cities in December

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in Lapland in December.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Rovaniemi -4°C (25°F) -11°C (12°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Levi -5°C (23°F) -12°C (10°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Äkäslompolo -5°C (23°F) -12°C (10°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Saariselka -5°C (23°F) -12°C (10°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Pyhätunturi -4°C (25°F) -12°C (10°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Salla -5°C (23°F) -12°C (10°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)

Lapland weather in December: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Lapland, Finland in December?

Expect poor weather across Lapland, Finland in December. The popular destination of Rovaniemi averages -4°C (25°F) by day and -11°C (12°F) at night during this winter month.

What is the average temperature in Lapland, Finland in December?

Daytime temperatures in Rovaniemi peak at roughly -4°C (25°F) in December, dropping to about -11°C (12°F) overnight.

Does Lapland, Finland get a lot of snow in December?

Not particularly. Rovaniemi averages just 52 mm (2 in) of snow in December, making it a mostly dry month for Lapland, Finland.

Is December a Good Time to Visit Lapland, Finland?

Given the typically poor weather conditions in Rovaniemi, December may not be the ideal time to visit Lapland, Finland.

Generally speaking, July provides perfect weather in Rovaniemi. On the other hand, the weather in January, February, March, April, October, November and December tend to be poor.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in Lapland.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to Finland? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in Finland.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

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Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.