Finland Tours in January 2026

What our customers ask about Finland Tours in January 2026

• 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."