What are the best places to see the Northern Lights in Finland during January?

Finnish Lapland emerges as the premier destination for Northern Lights viewing in January with clear skies and minimal daylight creating perfect conditions. The area around Oulanka National Park offers unobstructed views while Rovaniemi combines Aurora viewing with outdoor adventures. Visitors can join guided Aurora tours that pair with activities like snowmobile rides or peaceful snowshoe walks. Basecamp Oulanka situated far from city lights serves as a reliable observation point. One TourRadar traveler shared: "We were lucky enough to see the Northern Lights on five nights out of seven with a tremendous display one night." The glass igloos at Santa's Igloos Arctic Circle and the open spaces near Inari lake provide additional vantage points for sky watching.

What winter activities can I experience in Finland during January?

Finland's winter landscape transforms into an outdoor playground in January. Basecamp Oulanka offers dog sledding expeditions through silent forests and well-maintained trails for cross-country skiing. The expansive Oulanka National Park welcomes snowshoers of all skill levels. One TourRadar traveler noted: "The husky sledding was amazing - the scenery was breathtaking and the dogs were incredible." Additional activities include ice climbing sessions reindeer-led safaris and guided snowmobile tours. The Arctic Snow Hotel and Santa Igloos Arctic Circle provide distinctive bases for these winter pursuits.

What is the average temperature in Finland during January?

January holds the distinction as Finland's coldest month with notable regional temperature variations. Rovaniemi in Lapland records temperatures between -14°C to -22°C (7°F to -8°F) while Helsinki maintains relatively milder conditions ranging from -3°C to -7°C (27°F to 19°F). One TourRadar traveler shared: "It was often minus 26 on my trip and apart from fingers occasionally I was not cold with the proper gear provided." Local accommodations like the Arctic Light Hotel in Rovaniemi and Wilderness Hotel Inari come equipped with appropriate heating systems and winter gear rentals.

What unique accommodation experiences are available in Finland during January?

Finland's winter accommodations range from the extraordinary to the traditional. The glass igloos at Santa's Igloos Arctic Circle let guests watch the Northern Lights from heated comfort while the Arctic Snow Hotel offers rooms carved from ice. One TourRadar traveler noted: "The glass igloo experience was truly a pinch-yourself moment." Urban visitors find comfort in Scandic Hotels across major cities while nature enthusiasts prefer wilderness lodges like Basecamp Oulanka complete with private saunas and outdoor hot tubs.

Which Finnish cities are best to visit in January?

Rovaniemi the official hometown of Santa Claus draws winter visitors with its array of cold-weather activities and the famous Santa Claus Village. Helsinki presents a quieter winter atmosphere perfect for exploring Senate Square Helsinki Cathedral and local museums. The coastal city of Kemi stands out for its Sampo Icebreaker cruises. One TourRadar traveler recommended staying at "Hotel Arthur in Helsinki or Hotelli Aakenus in Rovaniemi for their central locations and easy access to winter activities."

What special events or festivals happen in Finland during January?

January's calendar features distinctive Finnish winter celebrations. The Skabmagovat Indigenous Peoples' Film Festival brings Sami culture to Inari through film and traditional events. Helsinki brightens its winter nights with Lux Helsinki displaying artistic light installations throughout the city. The Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi hosts Arctic Spirit events combining local traditions with winter activities. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The winter festivals add an extra magical element to the already enchanting Finnish winter landscape."

Finland Tours in January 2027

10 best Finland trips in January 2027

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Polar
Winter in Finland: Lapland & Northern Lights
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
From
US$2,999per person
Price based on Private Double Room
10 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
24 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
WINTER DREAMS
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
EUROLATINO Tour Operators
From
US$2,474per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Polar
Lapland: A Family Winter Adventure
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Ranua
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
From
US$2,499per person
Price based on Private Double Room
3 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Finnish Lapland Winter Adventure
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Inari
Age Range
Ages 16+
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore!
From
US$3,110per person
Price based on Private Double Room
17 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
31 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Northern Lights
Winter wonder in Inari
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Ivalo, Inari
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Inventia
From
US$2,657per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
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Northern Lights
Winter adventures in Inari
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Ivalo, Inari
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Inventia
From
US$3,101per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
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Hiking & Trekking
Winter Sleep – Archipelago Winter Wellness Week
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Turku
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Aksyt Ammat Ltd
From
US$3,137per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Polar
Winter wonders for families
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Hossa
Age Range
Ages 7+
Operated in
English
Operator
Upitrek
From
US$1,812per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Explorer
Nordic and Baltic Winter Magic: A 10 Day Private Journey from Riga to Lapland
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Latvia Estonia Finland
Age Range
Ages 14+
Operated in
English
Operator
Kiktour
From
US$6,000per person
Price based on Private Double Room
6 Jan, 2027
6 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Northern Lights
Arctic Winter Adventure - Adults Only
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Ivalo, Inari
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Inventia
From
US$4,086per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Finnish Lapland in Winter
4.8 (12 traveler reviews)
"It was a good trip, well planned, not too hurried."
Lynsay, traveled in January
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi,Pallas - Yllastunturin kansallispuisto+1 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
From
US$4,895per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
9 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Finland Family Winter Adventure
4.6 (15 traveler reviews)
"The scenery was breathtakingly beautiful, the dogs amazing and friendly and capped off with hot drinks in a Teepee."
Andrew, traveled in January
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Kuusamo, Oulanka National Park, Ruka
Age Range
Ages 9+
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
15% Off
From $4,348
US$3,705per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Polar
Finnish Lapland Winter Family Holiday
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Rovaniemi, Levi
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
15% Off
From
US$2,605per person
Price based on Private Double Room
10 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Lapland Winter Adventure
4.6 (5 traveler reviews)
"Excellent from start to finish, such a smooth payment plan and travel experience."
Ann-Claire, traveled in December
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Kalix
Age Range
Ages 6+
Country Region
Lapland
Operated in
English
Operator
Carisa Travel Group
15% Off
From
US$3,716per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Finland in 8 days - Covering Helsinki and Rovaniemi
4.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
WiseYatra
20% Off
From $3,751
US$3,001per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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