Should You Visit Lapland in November? Yes, here’s why!

Lapland in November is when the landscape transforms from cosy autumnal colours to a white winter-wonderland, and is the mark of the winter season in Lapland.

You get a quieter, more relaxed experience of Lapland as it transitions into winter without the high-season crowds and prices.

In this post, we’re sharing everything we learned from our time there: the weather, costs, what you can expect in terms of snow, and, of course, the chance to see the Northern Lights.

So, if you’re wondering whether November is the right time for your own Lapland adventure, keep reading!

Pros of Visiting Lapland in November

There are plenty of advantages when visiting Lapland in November, here are a few reasons why it could be the perfect time for your trip:

• Fewer Crowds: November is just before the peak holiday season, meaning you can enjoy the magical atmosphere without the usual holiday crowds.
• Cheaper Prices: As it’s off-season for many resorts, you’ll find lower prices on accommodation, activities, and tours. This is a great chance to experience Lapland without breaking the bank.
• Winter Activities: While many winter activities like skiing and husky sledding are available, they tend to be less crowded in November. This means more personalised experiences and the chance to book your activities with little to no wait.
• Chance to See the Northern Lights: November is one of the best months for Northern Lights viewing in Lapland, with long nights and clear skies offering ideal conditions for aurora sightings.

Cons of Visiting Lapland in November

While Lapland in November has plenty of appeal, there are a few drawbacks to consider before you go:

• Unpredictable Weather: November can be a bit of a transitional month, with fluctuating temperatures and inconsistent snow. Early in the month, snow may come and go, and it’s possible to have rain instead of snow. By mid-November, the conditions improve, but the weather can still be quite unpredictable.
• Some Activities Not Fully Operational: While many winter activities are available in November, some attractions and services, especially those catering to Christmas tourism, may not be fully up and running until December. This could mean fewer options for christmas-themed experiences.
• Limited Christmas Atmosphere: If you’re hoping for a fully festive Lapland experience, you may be disappointed, as some Christmas markets and Christmas-themed attractions won’t be open until December.

What’s the Weather Like in Lapland in November?

November in Lapland marks the beginning of winter, with temperatures dropping and the chance of snow increasing as the month progresses.

Early November can still feel like late autumn, with average temperatures around -1°C to -5°C (30°F to 23°F), depending on the location.

The weather also depends on how far north and remote you are; for example, northern towns like Levi are colder than Rovaniemi.

We visited at the end of October and stayed through most of November, and as we entered Lapland from Northern Norway, our drive in was snowy, and the temperature was around -15°C.

By the end of the month, temperatures typically drop to a range of -5°C to -15°C (23°F to 5°F) or even lower, especially in the more northern and remote areas.

Will There Be Snow in Lapland in November?

Snow in November can be a bit unpredictable, especially in early November, when the landscape may still look more autumnal than fully wintery.

However, the chance of snow increases throughout the month, with mid to late November often seeing quite a bit of snow in most parts of Lapland, especially in higher elevations and more northern spots like Levi.

When we arrived at the end of October, there was snow in northern areas, and as we travelled south it was scattered.

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Locals had told us that the first snow in Lapland doesn’t stick, as it often comes and goes until it’s cold enough to stay. So, throughout early November, it would snow on some days and then melt when it rained.

However, by mid to late November, it started to feel like a true winter wonderland, with snow covering most of the ground and trees.

How Expensive is Lapland in November?

November can actually be one of the more affordable times to visit Lapland, as it’s just before the peak holiday season. Accommodation prices are generally lower in early to mid-November compared to December, January and February.

Tours and activities may also be slightly less expensive, as some winter attractions only start fully operating in December. Most resorts offer packages that include a glass igloo, activities and dining, which are often discounted in November.

At Northern Lights Village Levi, you can have a two-night stay in an aurora cabin, full board meals, and two activities (e.g. husky sledding and a reindeer safari), for roughly €999! Compared to December, when this same deal is €1,489.

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As for dining and transport, prices are the same throughout the winter months. Generally, food is quite expensive in Lapland but you can find cheaper options in bigger towns like Rovaniemi.

We didn’t eat out very much as we either ate at the resorts, or did our own shopping and cooking. We did go to a few cafes and found coffee to be roughly €4-5, and cake to be around €8.

Can You See the Northern Lights in Lapland in November?

Yes, you can definitely see the Northern Lights in Lapland during November, but it’s not always guaranteed. The best conditions for seeing the aurora borealis are clear skies, minimal light pollution, and cold temperatures – luckily, November usually ticks all those boxes!

During our trip, we were lucky enough to catch glimpses of the Northern Lights a few times. The trick is to head out to quieter areas, away from city lights, and keep an eye on the weather forecasts for clear nights.

You can also get guided tours specifically for Northern Lights viewing, where experienced guides will take you to the best spots for a chance to see the aurora.

That said, it’s important to remember that seeing the Northern Lights really depends on solar activity, so there’s never a guarantee!

Will There Be Christmas Activities in November?

Absolutely! While November is technically before the official start of the Christmas season, Lapland starts to transform into a winter wonderland. Many towns, particularly Rovaniemi, start to put up festive decorations and twinkling lights.

In Rovaniemi, you can also visit Santa Claus Village, which opens year-round and has plenty of festive activities like meeting Santa, seeing Reindeers and exploring Christmas gift shops.

However, the Christmas festivities will still be limited as some businesses won’t open until December.

Can You Visit Santa in Lapland in November?

Yes, you can visit Santa in Lapland during November! Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi is open throughout the year, and you can meet Santa every day of the year.

Beyond just meeting Santa, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. You can send postcards from Santa’s official post office, explore gift shops and even take part in some holiday-themed activities.

What Activities Can You Do in Lapland in November?

There are plenty of activities you can do in Lapland in November, even if the winter season is only just getting started!

Many activities don’t require snow or cold temperatures, and by November northern ski towns like Levi are usually open and operating. We did most of these activities throughout November:

1. Husky Sledding – One of the best activities in Lapland is going on a husky sledding adventure. You can take guided tours whatever the weather and time of year, so it’s perfect for November when it might still be autumn or a little bit of snow.

2. Skiing – By November, many northern ski towns such as Levi are open and have enough snow to ski, so if you’re wanting to do some adventure sports while visiting Lapland, then November is great! We were in Levi in early November and saw plenty of people skiing.

3. Reindeer Safaris – Another must-do is a reindeer safari. Much like husky safari’s, you can meet Reindeer year round.

4. Northern Lights Tours – As we mentioned earlier, November is a great time for chasing the Northern Lights and many resorts offer guided tours that take you to the best spots for aurora viewing.

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5. Sauna & Ice Dip – While in Lapland, you absolutely have to try a sauna and ice dip. Or, if the ice dip sounds too intense (like it did for me!) just relaxing in the sauna is a must do. In November, many of the lakes were frozen over, and you can do an ice dip after relaxing in the sauna.

How Much Daylight Can You Expect in Lapland in November?

As November is the beginning of winter, daylight hours start to get pretty short. Earlier in the month the average is 5-6 hours of daylight, and by the end of November this drops to 3-4 hours.

This usually leaves enough time to do one activity in the day, and there are plenty of activities and things you can do when it does get dark.

Where to Stay in Lapland in November?

Choosing a place to stay in Lapland depends on what you want to experience, for example, are you after Christmas festivities, adventure sports, or a luxury hideaway in the wilderness?

Of course you can always combine all three of these to have the ultimate Lapand experience!

We experienced a few different locations in Lapland, these being Levi, Rovaniemi and Syötekylä. We’d recommend Rovaniemi and Levi from our experience, as these have the most attractions, activities and things to do.

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Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi is known as the official hometown of Santa Claus, so it’s the go-to spot for Christmas festivities and activities.

It’s home to Santa Claus Village, where you can meet Santa year-round, as well as plenty of festive experiences like reindeer sleigh rides, Northern Lights tours, and cosy log cabin stays.

Levi

Levi, located further north, is known for its ski slopes and adventure sports. If you’re interested in skiing or snowboarding, Levi offers some of the best slopes in Lapland, along with scenic trails for cross-country skiing.

Resorts here, like Northern Lights Village Levi, offer unique glass igloos perfect for watching the Northern Lights.

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Saariselkä

For a quieter, more remote experience, Saariselkä is a great option. Surrounded by untouched wilderness and far from city lights, it’s a prime spot for catching the Northern Lights and exploring the unspoiled Arctic landscape.

You’ll find cosy wilderness cabins and boutique hotels offering saunas and fireplaces, making it a cosy winter retreat. Saariselkä also has great hiking and snowshoeing trails if you’re interested in exploring the snowy forests and frozen lakes on foot.

What Should You Pack for Lapland in November?

Packing for Lapland in November can be a bit tricky as temperatures can vary, but you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared for both the cold and potentially snowy conditions.

Here’s a basic packing list we would recommend based on the items we did and didn’t bring:

• Thermal base layers (top and bottom) to keep warm.
• Waterproof, insulated outerwear to handle the cold and snow.
• Sturdy winter boots and thick socks for walking in snowy conditions.
• Warm accessories like a hat, gloves, scarf, and neck warmer.
• Swimwear if you plan to try a sauna or ice dip experience.
• Camera and Accessories to capture the Northern Lights!

Best Lapland Travel Resources

• ✈️ Find the cheapest flights to Lapland here.
• 🚗 Hire a car from Rovaniemi airport here.
• 🏨 Find the best places to stay in Lapland here.
• 🎫 Find top rated Lapland tour & activies here.

Read More From Lapland

If you’re looking for more inspiration or tips on visiting Lapland, be sure to check out our other blog posts below or see our Finland page here 👇