Finland in December : Complete Winter Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Finland in December ? This is the ultimate time to experience the country’s winter magic. As snow blankets the landscape, Finland transforms into a fairy-tale Arctic destination known for its Northern Lights, ski resorts, Santa Claus Village, and traditional Finnish saunas. December marks the peak of Finland’s winter season, offering travellers everything from husky safaris and ice fishing to Christmas celebrations in Lapland. Whether you’re planning a romantic winter getaway or a family holiday filled with snow adventures, this complete guide covers everything you need to know, including weather, places to visit, things to do, and travel tips, for a perfect December trip to Finland.

Key Takeaways

• Weather: Temperatures range from -10°C to 0°C (14°F to 32°F) with short daylight hours and consistent snow cover
• Season: Deep winter with polar nights in the north and festive Christmas atmosphere throughout
• Crowd Level: Peak tourist season, especially around Christmas and New Year, expect premium pricing
• What to Bring: Thermal layers, waterproof winter coat, insulated boots, warm accessories, and camera gear
• Best Booking Strategy: Reserve accommodations and activities 4-6 months ahead for December travel

Finland Weather in December: What to Expect

Northern Lights In Finland

Finland’s December weather is characterised by freezing temperatures, with most of the country experiencing conditions below the freezing point, creating a true winter atmosphere with snow coverage throughout. In Helsinki, daytime temperatures typically reach around -1°C with nights dropping to -7°C, while the country receives approximately one hour of sunshine daily.

Weather Element	December Condition	Why It Matters
Temperature Range	-10°C to 0°C (14°F to 32°F)	Perfect for winter activities and snow preservation
Daily Sunshine	1-2 hours in the south, 0 hours in the far north	Creates a magical twilight atmosphere
Monthly Snowfall	14+ snowy days	Ensures pristine winter landscape
Humidity Level	85-91%	Snow-related humidity creates crisp air
Daylight Hours	5-6 hours (south) to complete darkness (far north)	Extended darkness is ideal for Northern Lights
Northern Lights Visibility	Excellent in Lapland	70-80% success rate over 3-night stays

Pro Tip: Schedule outdoor activities during the brief daylight window, and prepare for temperatures that can plummet to -20°C or even -30°C in northern regions during cold spells.

December vs Other Months: Finland Weather Comparison

December stands out with its longer, darker nights compared to other winter months, though it can be cloudier than February-March when skies tend to clear up more frequently.

• Winter Season (November-April): December offers the darkest nights for aurora viewing
• Peak Christmas Season (December 20-31): Highest prices and crowds, but a magical atmosphere
• Shoulder Winter (January-February): Potentially clearer skies and fewer tourists than December, though extremely cold temperatures

Best Places to Visit in Finland in December

1. Rovaniemi: Gateway to the Arctic Circle

Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, is the headline destination in December, with Santa Claus Village drawing visitors from around the world for the ultimate festive experience with reindeer rides, snow-dusted pine trees, and lights adorning the winter landscape.

• Location: Finnish Lapland, Arctic Circle
• Best Time to Visit: Throughout December for Christmas magic
• Activities: Visit Santa Claus Village, husky sledge rides, snowmobile safaris, and Northern Lights excursions

2. Helsinki: Capital City Winter Charm

Helsinki hosts Finland’s oldest and most beautiful outdoor Christmas market at Senate Square, running from November 28 to December 22, creating an enchanting festive atmosphere.

• Location: Southern Finland coast
• Best Time to Visit: Early-mid December for Christmas markets
• Activities: Explore Senate Square Christmas Market, Aleksanterinkatu Christmas Street lights, Design District shopping, and Independence Day celebrations on December 6th

3. Levi: Premier Ski Resort Paradise

Levi, situated approximately 170 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, offers world-class winter sports facilities with over 40 slopes and 230 km of cross-country ski trails, combined with excellent Northern Lights viewing opportunities.

• Location: Northern Lapland
• Best Time to Visit: Throughout December
• Activities: Downhill skiing, cross-country trails, reindeer sleigh rides, and post-ski Finnish sauna experiences

Top Things to Do in Finland in December

1. Winter Sports: December marks peak ski season in Finland. Top resorts like Levi, Ylläs, Ruka, and Saariselkä offer perfect snow, ski schools, rentals, and cross-country trails for all levels.

2. Northern Lights Viewing: Experience up to 80% success rates for spotting the Aurora Borealis in Finnish Lapland during the long Arctic nights of December.

3. Traditional Finnish Activities: Enjoy sauna and ice swimming, husky and reindeer safaris, and ice adventures like snowshoeing, skating, and ice fishing across Finland’s frozen lakes and forests.

4. Christmas Markets & Festivals: Visit Helsinki Christmas Market at Senate Square for local crafts, glögi (mulled wine), and festive lights. Don’t miss Vanhan Joulutori and Ornamo Design Christmas for authentic Finnish holiday vibes.

Tip: Plan to spend at least 4-7 nights in Finland for the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights, as multiple nights significantly increase your success rate.

Finland Events & Festivals in December

Festival Name	Date	Description
Independence Day	December 6	National holiday with flag-raising ceremonies, cathedral mass, torchlight processions, and the Presidential Independence Day reception broadcast live
St. Lucia’s Day	December 13	Traditional parade starting at Helsinki Cathedral at Senate Square, celebrating with processions and cultural performances
Christmas Markets	Throughout December	Senate Square market open Monday-Thursday and Sunday 11-19, Friday-Saturday 11-20, until December 22
Christmas Eve	December 24	Traditional Finnish Christmas celebrations with special meals and family gatherings
New Year’s Eve	December 31	Celebrations across cities with fireworks and festive parties

Finland Travel Costs in December: Budget Planning

December represents peak vacation season in Finland, especially in Lapland, with significant crowds at major attractions like Santa Claus Village and elevated demand driving up prices for flights, accommodation, and excursions.

Accommodation:

• Budget stays: ₹2,300–₹3,200 (hostels)
• Mid-range hotels: ₹9,200–₹13,800
• Luxury stays/glass igloos in Lapland: from ₹20,000+ per night

Transport:

• 7-day rail pass: ~₹17,000
• Car rentals: ₹3,700–₹5,500 per day
• Local transport tickets: ₹275–₹460 each
• Return flights (Helsinki–Lapland): ~₹14,700

Daily Budget:

• Budget travellers: ₹4,600–₹7,400/day
• Mid-range travellers: ₹16,500–₹19,300/day
• Luxury travellers: ₹36,800+/day
• Meals: ₹460–₹1,800 depending on dining style

Regional Weather Across Finland in December

Northern Finland (Lapland)

In December, temperatures outdoors in northern regions frequently drop below -20°C or even -30°C, creating extreme winter conditions. The darkness is December’s greatest asset for aurora viewing, with the sun barely rising above the horizon, creating prolonged twilight known as the “Blue Moment” followed by nearly 22 hours of darkness daily.

Southern Finland (Helsinki Region)

Helsinki experiences daytime temperatures around -1°C, falling to -7°C at night, with approximately 22 days featuring some precipitation (often as snow) and average monthly precipitation of 58mm. Daylight lasts about 6 hours daily.

Expert Finland Travel Tips for December

• Book Well in Advance: Secure accommodations and activities 4-6 months ahead for December travel, as peak season demand is extremely high, especially around Christmas and New Year
• Layer Strategically: Pack thermal underlayers, wool or fleece mid-layers, waterproof outer layers, insulated boots, gloves, hat, and scarf. The more layers under your coat, the better
• Northern Lights Strategy: Stay at least 3-4 nights in northern Lapland to maximise aurora viewing chances, as weather and solar activity vary nightly
• Transportation Planning: Consider flying directly to Lapland airports rather than routing through Helsinki to save time and potentially money
• Cultural Respect: Embrace Finnish customs like removing shoes indoors, respecting personal space, and appreciating silence as a cultural norm
• Christmas Planning: Visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi around Christmas for the ultimate festive experience, but expect premium pricing and larger crowds
• Activity Timing: Plan aurora hunts between 10 PM and 2 AM when the lights are most active, and book winter activities during the brief daylight hours

Bottom Line: Why Visit Finland in December ?

December is the best time to experience Finland at its most magical, with snow-covered landscapes, festive Christmas villages, and the spellbinding Northern Lights. Though prices peak during the holidays, the payoff is an unforgettable Arctic adventure filled with reindeer safaris, saunas, and winter sports. Booking a Finland tour package in advance ensures you capture the best of Lapland’s winter charm while enjoying smooth travel and curated experiences. Bundle up, plan smart, and get ready for the ultimate Nordic winter escape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the weather like in Finland in December?

Expect freezing temperatures around -2°C (28°F), heavy snowfall on 14+ days, limited sunshine (about 1 hour daily), and high humidity. Northern Finland stays snow-covered all month.

Is December a good time to visit Finland?

Yes, it’s the best time for snow activities, Northern Lights, and Christmas experiences in Rovaniemi, Levi, and Helsinki.

How much snow does Finland get in December?

Finland sees consistent snowfall, especially in Lapland, while southern regions receive snow later in the month.

What should I pack for Finland in December?

Bring thermal layers, down jackets, waterproof boots, gloves, scarves, and hats. Layering is key for comfort in sub-zero temperatures.

Why are travel costs high in December?

December is the peak winter and holiday season, with high demand for flights, hotels, and tours, especially around Christmas and New Year.