Guide · Winter
Horse riding in Lapland in winterLapland has a 200 day winter. When is the right day to ride?
The Finnish Meteorological Institute puts the length of a Lapland winter at about 200 days. Winter starts in mid-October, permanent snow follows about two weeks later.
Saddle Atlas editorial team, updated 14 October 2026
- 200days of winter in Lapland, roughlyFinnish Meteorological Institute
- 51days of polar night in the far northFinnish Meteorological Institute, other sources give 52 to 54
- −10 to −20 °Cwinter average in RovaniemiVisit Finland
- 60–90 cmsnow in mid-March in the east and northFinnish Meteorological Institute
A winter ride in Lapland is not one experience, it depends on the month. In October there is often no permanent snow yet, in March there is often more than half a metre of snow. This guide shows what changes, what the providers in our selection say, and the questions worth asking before you book.
Four sourced points between October and March
Only sourced figures.
When winter starts
Winter in Lapland usually starts in mid-October, according to the Finnish Meteorological Institute. In mid-March the snow cover is typically 60 to 90 cm in the east and north. Between those dates the ride changes with the snow, so ask the provider what the trail looks like in your week. Whether a provider rides in winter is stated by the provider.
The cold
Visit Finland gives winter averages for Rovaniemi of roughly minus 10 to minus 20 degrees. That is an average, single days are colder. The monthly mean in January 2025 was minus 10 degrees (Visit Finland). Thermal underwear, a windproof outer layer and insulated boots are the usual advice. Some providers supply overalls and boots, others do not. The offer should say which. Visit Finland gives a yearly range of minus 25 to plus 25 degrees for Rovaniemi.
The dark
In the far north the polar night lasts about 51 days (Finnish Meteorological Institute, other sources give 52 to 54). Afternoon and evening rides are often held in twilight or darkness. If light matters to you, read the offer for lighting and start time. North of the Arctic Circle the sun does not rise above the horizon during the polar night. The Finnish Meteorological Institute gives 51 days for the northernmost part, Finavia and Yle give 52 and 54. Visit Finland notes little sunlight in early January in Rovaniemi, Saariselkä and Ylläs, and more light in March.
Northern lights
Some offers mention northern lights. No provider can promise them, they depend on solar activity and a clear sky. Treat a sighting as a bonus, not as the plan. (Our guide on riding under northern lights goes deeper.) An offer near Tromsø in Norway puts “chance of northern lights” in its title, and an offer near Kiruna in Sweden combines dinner and ride with a lookout for northern lights. Neither of them promises anything.
Northern lights are a bonus, not an item on the programme. No provider can promise them.
Where horses and riders meet
In our selection you find Finnhorse and Icelandic horse rides near Rovaniemi, Levi, Ruka-Kuusamo, Kemijärvi and Äkäslompolo, and further south at Koli in North Karelia. Bookable through our partners Viator and GetYourGuide, the provider states the details.
Seven questions for the provider
Save the list for the call with the stable.
- How long is the riding time, and how much is introduction?
- What equipment is supplied and what do I bring?
- How cold is it at the start time and at what temperature is the ride cancelled?
- Do we ride in the dark, and is there lighting?
- How many guests and guides?
- What level is required, is there trotting?
- Until when is cancellation free, also in cold or storm?
Which would you choose, the quiet blue hours of December or the bright snow of March?
Matching rides in our selection
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RovaniemiRide with a Lapland lunch
Ranch near Rovaniemi, small group
View at GetYourGuide
LeviGlow riding in winter
Icelandic horses in the dark evening hours
View at GetYourGuide
KirunaDinner and ride near Kiruna
Looking out for northern lights, no promise
View at GetYourGuide
RovaniemiWinter ride through snowy forests
Hills with a winter view, warm clothing needed
View at GetYourGuideThe provider states price, duration and level. No provider can promise northern lights.
Keep reading
Sources:
- Finnish Meteorological Institute, Seasons in Finland, en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi/seasons-in-finland (winter start mid October, about 200 days, permanent snow after about two weeks, snow cover mid March 60 to 90 cm in the east and north, polar night 51 days in the far north). Read on 11 October 2026.
- Visit Finland, Weather and climate in Finland, visitfinland.com/en/practical-tips/climate-and-weather-in-finland/ (Rovaniemi minus 25 to plus 25 degrees, winter minus 10 to minus 20 degrees, monthly mean January 2025 minus 10 degrees and December 2025 minus 7.8 degrees, clothing advice, sunlight in early January). Read on 11 October 2026.
- Finavia, finavia.fi/en/newsroom/2023/what-polar-night-experience-unique-darkness-finnish-lapland, and Yle, yle.fi/a/3-12273306 (polar night 52 and 54 days, Utsjoki). Read on 11 October 2026.
- Offers at GetYourGuide, as of 11 October 2026.