Finland in January: Complete Winter Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Finland in January ? January is one of the most magical months to visit Finland. The country is blanketed in snow, rivers and lakes freeze into shimmering ice, and the Northern Lights dance vividly across the Arctic skies. It is the peak of winter, perfect for snow activities, husky safaris, and winter cabin holidays. Whether you can ski in Lapland, have the atmosphere of the Finnish sauna, or relax on the snowy mountains of South Finland, this complete guide will assist in your planning of a great visit to Finland in January.

Key Takeaways

• Weather: Freezing temperatures ranging from −10°C to −3°C (14–27°F) in the south, and −25°C to −10°C (−13–14°F) in Lapland.
• Nature Highlight: Snow-covered landscapes, frozen lakes, and the mesmerising Northern Lights.
• Crowd Level: In Lapland, Winter is coming, and the aurora hunters have come there as well as skiers; the rest of the areas are silent.
• What to Pack: Heavy winter coat, thermal layers, gloves, scarf, hat, snow boots, and insulated clothing.
• Best Value: Off-peak winter deals in southern cities; higher prices in Lapland for aurora and ski activities.

Finland Weather in January: What to Expect

It is all snow and ice in Finland in winter. Lapland transforms Northern Finland into an Arctic paradise, whereas Southern Finland is quite snowy but with a slight mildness.

Weather Element	January Condition	Why It’s Perfect
Temperature Range	−10°C to −3°C (South), −25°C to −10°C (Lapland)	Ideal for winter sports, aurora hunting, and cosy cabin stays
Daylight Hours	4–7 hours (North), 6–8 hours (South)	Short days encourage evening aurora spotting; winter light is magical
Snowfall	Heavy, 50–100 mm over 15–20 days	Perfect for skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing
Humidity	60–70%	Dry cold makes snow crisp and clear
Aurora Visibility	High in Lapland	Peak season for Northern Lights in Rovaniemi, Saariselkä, and Levi

Tip: Northern Finland’s polar nights last until early January; this offers unique dark-sky conditions for aurora photography.

Finland January Weather vs Other Months

• Colder than December and February, and covering snow evenly.
• The ideal destination in winter when one wants to ski, go husky sledging and ride through snowmobile restrictions.
• Southern cities are also less busy after the holiday season and are the place to explore without any crowds.
• The occurrence of short daylight makes the process of aurora hunting more predictable.

Read more: Finland Travel Guide

Top 5 Places to Visit in Finland in January

• Lapland – Arctic Adventure & Northern Lights

Lapland is among the best places to visit in Finland in January. The darkness of the Arctic nights, snowy forests, and frozen rivers are the best conditions to observe the aurora. Rovaniemi, Saariselkä, and Levi offer ski resorts, snowmobile tours, and husky safaris.

• Address: Northern Finland (Rovaniemi, Levi, Saariselkä)
• Best Time to Visit: Throughout January
• Activities: Northern Lights tours, husky sledging, reindeer farms, ice fishing, skiing

Tip: Book Aurora tours in advance; apps like My Aurora Forecast provide live updates.

• Helsinki – Winter City Charm

Helsinki in January is no longer a place of noise, and it is beautiful as the parks, the streets and the famous harbour are covered with snow. Museums, cafes and design districts are open, providing a winter cultural retreat. It is one of the family-friendly places to visit in Finland in January. 

• Address: Helsinki City Centre
• Best Time to Visit: Early–mid January
• Activities: Museums, winter city walks, cafes, Finnish sauna experiences

Tip: Warm up in Helsinki’s traditional saunas after exploring the snowy city streets.

• Saariselkä: Northern Lights Paradise

Saariselkä is located way above the Arctic Circle with some of the darkest skies, which makes viewing of the aurora the best site ever in Finland. This quaint village is a mixture of superb winter sports and wilderness of the finest value.

• Address: Far Northern Lapland
• Best Time to Visit: Throughout January
• Activities: Aurora hunting, wilderness skiing, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and Sami culture experiences
  
• Ruka & Kuusamo – Skiing & Snow Adventures

Ruka and Kuusamo are ideal for skiing, snowboarding and snowmobile safari. The hills and the forests are snowy and magnificent. It is one of the most family-friendly places to visit in Finland in 2026. 

• Address: Kuusamo Region, Northern Finland
• Best Time to Visit: Throughout January
• Activities: Downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowmobile safaris

Tip: Evening ski slopes are beautifully lit

• Nuuksio National Park – Easy Winter Hiking Near Helsinki

Nuuksio is open throughout and even during winter; there is easy access to the area. Snow-covered forests and frozen lakes make it a peaceful day trip from Helsinki.

• Address: Espoo, Uusimaa Region
• Best Time to Visit: Day trips anytime in January
• Activities: Winter hiking, snowshoeing, exploring frozen lakes and snow-covered forests

Best Things to Do in Finland in January

• Northern Lights Hunting: The Northern lights are best seen in January when there are clear and dark skies and when there is high solar activity in the atmosphere. 
• Winter Sports Adventures: One of the most adventurous activities recommended in Finland during January is engaging in winter activities such as snowboarding, skiing and ice skating. 
• Husky and Reindeer Safaris: Husky riding in snowy, quiet forests is an experience of a lifetime. January has the heavy snow that will leave the trails ideal to go sledging.
• Traditional Finnish Sauna Experience: January is an exceptionally cold month, and the traditional Finnish sauna traditions are even more significant, whether it is an old-fashioned smoke sauna or saunas of the modern lakeside. 
• Cultural Activities: Visit museums, art galleries, and winter markets in Helsinki and Turku.

Read more: Best time to see Northern lights in Finland

Finland Events & Festivals in January

Festival	Dates	Location	Highlights
Rovaniemi Winter Festival	Jan 2–10	Rovaniemi	Snow sculptures, ice activities, and aurora tours
Kemi SnowCastle	Jan 1–31	Kemi	Ice hotel, ice restaurant, and snow sculptures
Levi Ski Carnival	Jan 15–20	Levi	Ski competitions, snowboarding events, and local cuisine
Helsinki Winter Market	Jan 5–25	Helsinki	Winter crafts, seasonal foods, and family activities

Regional Weather Across Finland in January

Northern Finland (Lapland):

The temperatures often drop below -25 o C with nearly complete darkness for up to 22 hours of the day. January has some of the most favourable skies for the Northern Lights, and the purest snow of the winter games.

Southern Finland (Helsinki Region):

The temperatures of the day are not less than -8 °C and -3 °C, with some snowfall. The number of hours in daylight is approximately 5-6, and it is enough time to sightsee the area and go on walks during winter.

Where to Stay & How to Get Around Finland in January

The winter transport facilities in Finland are good. Big cities are connected by trains and buses. A rented car is ideal for exploring remote places like Lapland. Winter tourism makes accommodation in Lapland an expensive affair- there are budget hotels at a cost of between ₹5,000‑₹9,000 per night, mid-range ₹12,000‑₹20,000, and luxury cabins at ₹25,000 and above. The region of Southern Finland is cheaper after the holidays.

Finland Travel Costs in January: Budget Planning(2026)

Daily Budget Estimates

Traveler Type	Daily Budget	Includes
Budget Traveler	₹4,000–₹6,500	Hostel, self-catering, public transport, limited activities
Mid-Range Traveler	₹14,000–₹18,000	Hotel, restaurant meals, some tours, local transport
Luxury Traveler	₹32,000+	Premium hotels, fine dining, private tours, experiences

What to Know Before Visiting Finland in January

• Dress in layers and wear insulated winter clothing.
• Get ready for dark days- make plans with sunshine.
• Book accommodations 2-3 months in advance.
• Skiing and Book Aurora tours should be reserved earlier.
• Try traditional Finnish winter foods like salmon soup, reindeer stew, and Karelian pies.
• Respect local nature rules and quiet hours in cabins and national parks.

Conclusion – Why January Is the Best Time to Visit Finland

Finland in January is a true winter fairyland. White landscapes, skylights, and relaxing cabin life are some of the reasons why it will be a dream destination. A mixture of winter sports, natural beauty, and Finnish cultural peculiarities in a single unforgettable journey: that is what January will bring you, whether it is the adventures of the Arctic in Lapland, or the cultural confection of Helsinki. Are you in the mood for a snowy Nordic getaway? Discover the tailor-made Finland tour packages from PickYourTrail to have an idea of the ideal winter vacation.

FAQs

Is January a good time to visit Finland?

Yes. January is a good time to visit Finland when it is snowing, viewing the Northern lights, and enjoying the winter beauty of Finland.

Can you see Northern Lights in Finland in January?

Absolutely! January has one of the optimal conditions for exposure to Northern Lights with a 75-85% success rate throughout the night stay of 3-4 days in Lapland. 

What should I pack for Finland in January?

Heavy winter coat, thermal layers, gloves, scarf, hat, snow boots, and insulated clothing.

Are tourist attractions open in January?

Yes, the majority of attractions, museums, and ski resorts are open year-round.

How expensive is Finland in January?

Rates in January are 20-30 % cheaper than those in December once the New Year is over. The average expenditure per day on budget passengers is INR 4,000 -6,500, mid-range passengers INR 14,000-18,000 and luxury passengers INR 32,000 and above.