When Is the Best Time to Go on a Horseback Riding Holiday in Lapland?

Lapland is a destination of ever-changing landscapes and unique seasonal phenomena, making it a dream location for horseback riding enthusiasts. Unlike the standard four seasons found elsewhere, Lapland has eight distinct seasons, each offering different experiences, weather conditions, and riding adventures.

The traditional Sámi calendar recognizes these eight seasons, which reflect the natural cycle of life in the Arctic. From the deep, snowy winter to the light-filled summer of the midnight sun, each time of year offers something special. But when is the best time to visit Lapland for a horseback riding holiday? The answer depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for!

Let’s explore Lapland’s seasons month by month, looking at the typical weather in Rovaniemi, available riding experiences, and the best reasons to visit each time of year.

January – Deep Winter & Arctic Silence ❄️🌌

Weather:

  • Temperatures: -10°C to -30°C (-14°F to 14°F)
  • Daylight: 1–4 hours (Polar night ends in mid-January)
  • Snow depth: 40–80 cm

Riding Experiences:
✔️ Northern Lights Horseback Ride – Ride under the Arctic sky and search for the auroras.
✔️ Snowy Trail Ride to the Hill – A peaceful ride through deep winter landscapes.
✔️ Horse Sleigh Ride & Firelit Kota Lunch – Glide through frozen forests in a traditional sleigh.

Why Visit?
✔️ High chances of seeing the northern lights.
✔️ Experience the magical blue light of deep winter.
✔️ The most peaceful and quiet time of year in nature
When Is the Best Time to Go on a Horseback Riding Holiday in Lapland?

Lapland is a destination of ever-changing landscapes and unique seasonal phenomena, making it a dream location for horseback riding enthusiasts. Unlike the standard four seasons found elsewhere, Lapland has eight distinct seasons, each offering different experiences, weather conditions, and riding adventures.

The traditional Sámi calendar recognizes these eight seasons, which reflect the natural cycle of life in the Arctic. From the deep, snowy winter to the light-filled summer of the midnight sun, each time of year offers something special. But when is the best time to visit Lapland for a horseback riding holiday? The answer depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for!

Let’s explore Lapland’s seasons month by month, looking at the typical weather in Rovaniemi, available riding experiences, pros & cons, and the best reasons to visit each time of year.


January – Deep Winter & Arctic Silence ❄️🌌

Weather:

  • Temperatures: -10°C to -30°C (-14°F to 14°F)
  • Daylight: 1–4 hours (Polar night ends in mid-January)
  • Snow depth: 50–80 cm

Available Horseback Activities:

✔️ Northern Lights Horseback Ride (1h ride + 2h aurora hunting & kota fire)
✔️ Snowy Trail Ride to the Hill (1h riding + 1h warm-up in the kota with hot drinks)
✔️ Horse Sleigh Ride (1.5h through snowy forests)

✅ 4 Reasons to Visit in January:

  1. High chances of seeing the northern lights.
  2. Magical winter atmosphere with deep snow.
  3. No crowds—enjoy peaceful, quiet rides.
  4. Experience the true Arctic winter at its peak.

❌ 2 Things to Consider:

  1. Extreme cold (-30°C is possible), requiring proper winter gear.
  2. Very limited daylight, making daytime rides short.

🌟 Why Visit in January?

✔️ If you dream of the ultimate winter wonderland experience, January is the best time to visit!

February – Sparkling Snow & Northern Lights

Weather:

  • Temperatures: -5°C to -25°C (23°F to -13°F)
  • Daylight: 5–8 hours
  • Snow depth: 60–100 cm

Available Horseback Activities:

  • Northern Lights Ride (1h ride + 2h aurora hunt & kota fire)
  • 2-Hour Snowy Horse Ride to the Hill
  • Horse Logging & Traditional Work Demo

4 Reasons to Visit in February:

  1. More daylight than January, but still great northern lights visibility
  2. Cold but stable winter weather—perfect snow conditions
  3. Great time for extended winter trail rides
  4. Longer days make it possible to combine sleigh rides and horseback rides

2 Things to Consider:

  1. Still very cold, especially early in the month
  2. Peak tourist season for winter safaris—book early

Why Visit in February?
Perfect balance of deep winter beauty, longer daylight, and northern lights!

Weather:
🌡️ -5°C to -25°C (23°F to -13°F)
☀️ 5–8 hours of daylight
❄️ Heavy snow (60–100 cm)

Available Horseback Activities:

✔️ Northern Lights Ride (1h ride + 2h aurora hunt & kota fire)
✔️ 2-Hour Snowy Horse Ride to the Hill
✔️ Horse Logging & Traditional Work Demo

✅ 4 Reasons to Visit in February:

  1. More daylight than January, but still great northern lights visibility.
  2. Cold but stable winter weather—perfect snow conditions.
  3. Great time for extended winter trail rides.
  4. Longer days make it possible to combine sleigh rides and horseback rides for same day.

❌ 2 Things to Consider:

  1. Still very cold, especially early in the month.
  2. Peak tourist season for winter safaris—book early!

🌟 Why Visit in February?

✔️ Perfect balance of deep winter beauty, longer daylight, and northern lights!

Weather:
🌡️ -5°C to +5°C (23°F to 41°F)
☀️ 10–12 hours of daylight
❄️ Firm, deep snow (70–120 cm)

Available Horseback Activities:

✔️ Northern Lights Ride (last chance before brighter nights arrive!)
✔️ Horse Sleigh Ride & Sauna Evening

✅ 4 Reasons to Visit in March:

  1. Warmer weather makes riding more comfortable.
  2. Snow is still deep but firmer
  3. Beautiful contrast of bright snow and clear blue skies.

❌ Things to Consider:

  1. Some melting snow later in the month can make trails wet.

🌟 Why Visit in March?

✔️ Best month for winter horseback riding—long daylight, perfect snow, and comfortable temperatures!

April – Spring-Winter & Last Snow Rides

🚫 No horse activities available – horses are on their annual spring break.

May – Nature Awakens & First Summer Rides 🌱☀️

Weather:
🌡️ +5°C to +15°C (41°F to 59°F)
☀️ 20+ hours of daylight

Available Horseback Activities:

✔️ First Forest Trail Rides of the Year
✔️ Midnight Sun Ride (starting late May)

✅ 4 Reasons to Visit in May:

  1. The landscapes awaken after winter—fresh green forests and flowing rivers.
  2. Midnight sun begins—experience sunset and sunrise at the same time!
  3. Fewer tourists than in peak summer months.
  4. Mild temperatures—perfect for riding.

❌ 2 Things to Consider:

  1. Mosquitoes start appearing in late May.
  2. Unpredictable weather—some days warm, some still cold.

🌟 Why Visit in May?

✔️ Best time to see Lapland transform from winter to summer!

June – Midnight Sun Rides ☀️🏇

Weather:
🌡️ +10°C to +25°C (50°F to 77°F)
☀️ 24 hours of daylight – No sunset at all!

Available Horseback Activities:
✔️ Midnight Sun Ride (2h & 4h options)
✔️ Full-Day Wilderness Ride
✔️ Overnight Wilderness Ride (camping with horses)

4 Reasons to Visit in June:

  • Ride under the golden glow of the midnight sun.
  • Comfortable temperatures for long rides.
  • Wildflowers start blooming, and the landscapes are at their most vibrant.
  • No darkness at all, allowing for late-night adventures on horseback.

2 Things to Consider:

  • Mosquito season begins, especially near lakes and forests.
  • Can be surprisingly hot (up to +30°C / 86°F), making midday rides warm.

🌟 Why Visit in June?
✔️ Best time for experiencing the midnight sun on horseback!

July – Peak Summer & Warmest Weather ☀️🏕️

Weather:
🌡️ +15°C to +30°C (59°F to 86°F)
☀️ 24 hours of daylight

Available Horseback Activities:
✔️ Overnight Horseback Trek with Camping
✔️ Horseback Archery Training Camps
✔️ Full-Day Wilderness Ride

4 Reasons to Visit in July:

  • Best time for long trail rides and overnight treks.
  • Warm and sunny, making it the most comfortable riding season.
  • Ideal for horseback archery training, with dry ground and long daylight.
  • Wild berries begin to ripen, offering fresh snacks along the trails.

2 Things to Consider:

  • Peak mosquito season, especially near water.
  • Can be crowded in Lapland’s main tourist areas, but trails remain peaceful.

🌟 Why Visit in July?
✔️ Perfect for extended horseback adventures and archery camps!

August – The First Signs of Autumn 🍂🏇

Weather:
🌡️ +10°C to +20°C (50°F to 68°F)
☀️ 18–22 hours of daylight, starting to shorten

Available Horseback Activities:
✔️ Last Midnight Sun Rides
✔️ Autumn Trail Rides Begin
✔️ Full-Day Wilderness Ride

4 Reasons to Visit in August:

  • Great balance of warm weather and early autumn colors.
  • Less mosquitoes than in June and July.
  • The midnight sun fades, but evenings remain beautifully light.
  • Riding conditions are excellent, with dry trails and moderate temperatures.

2 Things to Consider:

  • Weather can be unpredictable—warm days but cooler nights.
  • Some summer attractions start closing toward the end of the month.

🌟 Why Visit in August?
✔️ Best time to enjoy the last warm days of summer before autumn arrives!

September – Autumn Colors & First Auroras 🍁🌌

Weather:
🌡️ +5°C to +15°C (41°F to 59°F)
☀️ 14–18 hours of daylight

Available Horseback Activities:
✔️ Northern Lights Ride (aurora season begins!)
✔️ Autumn Foliage Trail Ride
✔️ Full-Day Wilderness Ride

4 Reasons to Visit in September:

  • Spectacular autumn foliage, with golden forests and red tundra.
  • Great riding weather—cooler but still comfortable.
  • No more mosquitoes, making outdoor adventures even more enjoyable.
  • First chances to see the northern lights in clear autumn skies.

2 Things to Consider:

  • Weather can be rainy and unpredictable.
  • Not yet winter, but summer warmth is already gone.

🌟 Why Visit in September?
✔️ Best time for horseback riding through Lapland’s colorful autumn landscapes!

October – Darker Nights, Peaceful Trails 🍂🌙

Weather:
🌡️ 0°C to +10°C (32°F to 50°F)
☀️ 10–14 hours of daylight

Available Horseback Activities:
✔️ Northern Lights Ride (now in full season!)
✔️ Autumn Trail Rides
✔️ Full-Day Wilderness Ride

4 Reasons to Visit in October:

  • Quieter and less touristy than peak seasons.
  • Great aurora season, with long dark nights.
  • Fresh, crisp air makes riding comfortable.
  • A mystical, peaceful atmosphere in the forests.

2 Things to Consider:

  • More rain and gray weather compared to September.

🌟 Why Visit in October?
✔️ Best time for peaceful rides, northern lights, and cool autumn weather!

November – First Snow & Winter Begins ❄️🏇

Weather:
🌡️ -5°C to +5°C (23°F to 41°F)
☀️ 5–8 hours of daylight

Available Horseback Activities:
✔️ Snowy Trail Rides Begin
✔️ Northern Lights Horseback Ride
✔️ Horse Sleigh Rides

4 Reasons to Visit in November:

  • First real winter rides of the season.
  • High chances of seeing the northern lights.
  • Quieter than December, making it a peaceful time to visit.
  • Fresh snowfall transforms the landscapes into a winter wonderland.

2 Things to Consider:

  • Snow conditions can be unreliable—some years it arrives late.
  • Short daylight hours limit long trail rides.

🌟 Why Visit in November?
✔️ Great for early winter experiences without peak-season crowds!