Climate

It can be cold, extremely cold!

Rovaniemi is located on the arctic circle which means the climate is mild, subarctic, and characterised by extreme seasonal changes between darkness and light, cold and warmth.

Annual average temperature: +0.2°C
Snow on the ground 183 days/year.
Coldest temperature: -45.3°C.
Highest temperature: +30.6°C.

During the period when the Arctic Winter Challenge is organised the sun is still on its way to shine more and more every day. The darkness will gradually transform into lightness. To get an idea for the amount of daylight:

February 1st, sunrise: 09.18, sunset: 15.44
March 1st, sunrise: 07.32, sunset: 17.29

The temperature in this period of the year is below zero and the highest average measured was -8.6 °C versus the lowest average measured - 18.4°C. These temperatures are averages and it can get both warmer and colder. It could easily get colder during the nights where the temperature sometimes drops to -25°C or even -35°C. In the daytime (when you're lucky) the temperature could rise to just above zero. It all depends on the weather and of course no one can predict what will happen during the Arctic Winter Challenge, but winter it will be!

These extreme temperatures take extreme clothing measures. Do not underestimate the coldness, especially when it is windy. 10 minutes outside with "only one hat" at -30°C can let your ears freeze off, so be carefull, it hurts! Imagine what could happen when you spend the whole day outside. The best way to conquer the cold is to wear multiple layers and preferably thermo-underwear and ski-clothing as it is made for extreme circumstances.

Don't worry about the amount of snow! On average there will be about 60 cm of snow covering the entire landscape. In some places the wind might have made higher piles. In the cities and on the roads much of the snow is bulldozered away in order to be able to drive. All Finnish cars are obligated to drive with spike tyres during wintertime and when you're here you'll understand why!