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WHEN TO VISIT

Seasons in Suomu

Suomu has seven distinct seasons. See when to catch the autumn colours, the first snow, Christmas, the best skiing, the spring crust snow or the midnight sun – and pick yours.

The Suomu year

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Autumn coloursFirst snowChristmasSkiingSpring snowMaySummer
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Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
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Ruska – autumn colours
Read about this season
Ruska – autumn colours
September – early OctoberNow

TIME OF COLOURS

Ruska – autumn colours

In September the fell bursts into yellow and red. The air is crisp, the mosquitoes are gone and the trails are dry – the best time to hike to the top of Suomutunturi and pick berries. Evenings are already dark, so the aurora season has begun.

  • Hiking and mountain biking in autumn colours
  • Lingonberry and cranberry forests
  • The first aurora nights
Daylight
12 h 32 min
Temperature
+2…+12 °C
Snow
No snow
Northern Lights
Good

Tip: The colours usually peak in mid-September and last about two weeks.

See things to do
First snow and the coming of the polar night
mid-October – November

SILENCE SETTLES IN

First snow and the coming of the polar night

The first snow usually falls in Suomu in late October, and by November the landscape is white. Days shorten fast and the blue hour colours the afternoons. This is a calm time: accommodation is affordable, and auroras are often visible from early evening.

  • Snowshoeing and the first ski tours
  • Blue hour and silent forests
  • Prime aurora season
Daylight
7 h 02 min
Temperature
−10…+3 °C
Snow
First snow / melting
Northern Lights
Best time

Tip: The slopes open depending on snow, usually around the turn of November and December.

See accommodation
Christmas and the polar night
December – Epiphany

POLAR NIGHT AND CHRISTMAS

Christmas and the polar night

In December the sun rises above the horizon only briefly, but the snow reflects the light and the day is one long, soft blue twilight. Snow-laden spruces, candles and the campfire in the kota make Christmas in Suomu unforgettable. The dark hours are at their longest – plenty of time for auroras.

  • Christmas time on the fell
  • Snowmobile and husky safaris
  • The longest aurora nights
Daylight
2 h 12 min
Temperature
−20…−5 °C
Snow
Snow
Northern Lights
Best time

Tip: Christmas and New Year are the busiest time – book accommodation early.

See accommodation
Downhill and cross-country skiing
January – mid-March

THE HEART OF WINTER

Downhill and cross-country skiing

From January to March Suomu is at its best: 11 slopes, 70 km of ski tracks and 70 km of snowmobile trails. The frost can be hard, but light returns every week and the February sun already warms. Clear frosty nights are the golden time for auroras.

  • 11 slopes and 70 km of tracks
  • Snowmobiling, ice fishing and huskies
  • Clear aurora nights
Daylight
7 h 30 min
Temperature
−25…−5 °C
Snow
Deep snow
Northern Lights
Best time

Tip: Late February and the Finnish ski holidays are the busiest time. January is quieter and cheaper.

See things to do
Spring crust snow
mid-March – April

LIGHT AND CRUST SNOW

Spring crust snow

In March and April the days are long, the sun shines on the snowfields and there is more snow than at any other time of winter. The crust lets you ski straight into the forest, and afternoons are spent on the slope restaurant terrace in the sun. Auroras are still visible until the nights turn bright in late April.

  • Longest ski days and soft spring snow
  • Crust skiing and touring
  • Spring sun and terraces
Daylight
14 h 32 min
Temperature
−10…+5 °C
Snow
Deep snow
Northern Lights
Good

Tip: Easter is the most popular week of spring – book early. Late April is quiet and affordable.

See things to do
The quiet of May
May

THE QUIET OF SPRING

The quiet of May

In May the snow melts, the rivers run high and the migratory birds return. The slopes are closed and the trails still wet, but the nights are already light and Lapland is entirely at peace. For those looking for complete silence and affordable accommodation.

  • Returning birds and spring floods
  • The bright nights begin
  • The most affordable accommodation
Daylight
19 h 33 min
Temperature
0…+12 °C
Snow
First snow / melting
Northern Lights
No – bright nights

Tip: Some services are closed in May – check opening hours in advance.

See accommodation
Summer and the midnight sun
June – August

COOLCATION

Summer and the midnight sun

In summer the sun never sets and the temperature stays pleasant while southern Europe swelters. Summer in Suomu means hiking to the fell top, mountain biking, paddleboarding and fishing – and a silence you will not find anywhere else. In late August the nights darken and the aurora season begins again.

  • Midnight sun from June to July
  • Hiking, mountain biking, SUP and fishing
  • Berries and mushrooms in August
Daylight
21 h 14 min
Temperature
+12…+22 °C
Snow
No snow
Northern Lights
No – bright nights

Tip: July has the most mosquitoes – August is the calmest and warmest summer month.

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