People often prefer doing a Finland tour in January because during this time winter is at its peak, allowing all the winter activities Lapland is famous for to get fully operational. If you are also exploring the internet to look for Finland tours in January 2027, then you have landed on the right destination. On this page we have listed amazing Finland tour itineraries specifically suited to travel in the month of January. We have also separately mentioned the pros and cons of traveling to Finland in January and what things you should consider before booking a tour in January.
Also, we have created a guide that helps you understand the designing of the Best Finland tour itinerary in January 2027. One thing has to be understood: Finnish Lapland in extreme winters is not for beginners. If your itinerary is not planned and you are not prepared, your vacation may convert into a struggle in a flash of a moment.
List of best-suited Finland tours in January 2027
Pros of Visiting Finland in January
- January offers the most stable and consistent winter conditions, with deep snow fully settled across Finnish Lapland, unlike December when snow can still be building up in some areas
- Northern Lights visibility is excellent in January due to long, dark nights and clearer skies, often more reliable than March when daylight hours increase
- Winter activities such as snowmobiling, husky safaris, reindeer rides, and ice hotels are fully operational in January, whereas early December may have limited availability
- Compared to December, January is less crowded, as Christmas and New Year holidays are over, making experiences more relaxed and personal
- January delivers the true Arctic winter feel, with frozen lakes, snow-laden forests, and iconic white landscapes that are less consistent in March
- Accommodation availability improves in January after peak holiday season, offering better choice and sometimes better value than late December
- Temperatures in January are predictably cold, which is ideal for winter adventures, while March can bring melting snow and mixed conditions
- Ice-based experiences like ice floating, icebreaker cruises, and frozen river activities are more reliable in January than in March
- Photography conditions are excellent in January, with soft daylight, blue-hour tones, and pristine snow, compared to the brighter and harsher light of March
- January is ideal for travelers seeking an authentic Arctic winter experience without the festive rush of December or the transitional feel of late winter
Cons of Planning Finland tour in January
- January is the coldest month in Finland, with temperatures often dropping much lower than in December, February, or March, which can be challenging for some travelers
- Extreme cold in January requires heavier winter clothing and more preparation, compared to the relatively milder conditions of March
- Daylight hours are shorter in January than in February and March, limiting sightseeing time and outdoor photography windows
- January is more prone to snowstorms in Finnish Lapland, resulting in flight cancellations or nonoperational tours due to extreme cold.
- Outdoor activities may feel physically demanding in January due to low temperatures, especially for first-time Arctic travelers
- Travel logistics such as road transfers and flights can face weather-related delays more often than in late February or March
- Casual city exploration and walking tours are less comfortable in January compared to the more pleasant conditions of March
- January offers no festive holiday atmosphere, unlike December which has Christmas markets and seasonal celebrations
- Equipment-heavy activities like snowmobiling or long safaris may feel intense rather than leisurely because of the cold
- January is less suitable for travelers who prefer long daylight hours, lighter clothing, or mixed winter-spring scenery
- Compared to February and March, January can feel more extreme and less forgiving, making it better suited for travelers who actively seek deep Arctic winter conditions
Things to consider to plan your best Finland itinerary in January 2027
- Be prepared for extreme winter temperatures, especially in Lapland, and plan layered clothing, thermal wear, insulated boots, gloves, and face protection
- Choose destinations known for deep winter reliability, such as Rovaniemi, Ivalo, Saariselkä, Levi, and Inari, where snow conditions are consistently strong in January
- Choose destinations where Aurora incidents historically happen more
- Prioritize itineraries that include fully operational winter activities like snowmobiling, husky safaris, reindeer sledges, ice floating, and icebreaker cruises
- Do plan a visit to Tallinn in Estonia if you have days; this allows you a cruise ride of 2 hours from Tallinn to Helsinki. Trust us, January is the best time to visit Tallinn Old Town.
- Ice restaurants or hotels can be visited and experienced in January; these are better equipped in January compared to other months
- Plan outdoor activities around limited daylight hours, keeping sightseeing and transfers efficient during daylight and reserving evenings for Northern Lights hunts
- Select accommodations that are winter-optimized, such as glass igloos, Arctic resorts, or hotels with easy access to activities to minimize exposure to extreme cold
- Book flights, hotels, and activities well in advance, as January is a peak operational month for Arctic experiences despite fewer festive crowds
- Always keep your necessary items in your handbag; also, Finnair is popular for baggage delays
- Allow buffer time in your itinerary for weather-related delays, especially for intercity road transfers and domestic flights
- Include multiple nights in Aurora-prone regions to increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, as sightings are weather dependent
- Consider itineraries that balance adventure and rest, avoiding back-to-back long outdoor activities in very cold conditions
- Opt for guided tours and transfers rather than self-driving unless experienced in Arctic winter driving
- Plan meals and breaks strategically, as warming-up intervals are essential for comfort and safety
- Ensure travel insurance covers winter sports and extreme weather conditions. Finnish hotels and tour vendors won’t listen to excuses and will directly ask you to get an insurance claim even if you are covered or not.
- Set realistic expectations: January offers a true Arctic winter experience, best suited for travelers seeking snow, adventure, and dramatic winter landscapes
Best sample Finland itinerary for January 2027
Sample Itinerary – Perfect Finland Tour in January 2027 (10 Days)| Day | Itinerary Details |
|---|
| Day 1 |
Arrival at Helsinki, check in to the hotel, and enjoy a traditional Finnish sauna in central Helsinki.
The first day of your Finland tour in January 2027 sets a relaxed and authentic tone. |
| Day 2 |
Breakfast at the hotel followed by a half-day tour of Porvoo village.
Porvoo looks exceptionally beautiful in January when covered in white snow. |
| Day 3 |
Breakfast at the hotel, checkout, and transfer to Helsinki Harbor.
Enjoy a 2-hour cruise/ferry to Tallinn Harbor, check in to the hotel, and explore Tallinn Old Town on your own.
January is one of the best months to visit Tallinn, as the snow-covered old city looks magical. |
| Day 4 |
Breakfast at the hotel, checkout, and transfer to Tallinn Airport.
Fly from Tallinn to Rovaniemi, transfer to the hotel, check in, and enjoy a Northern Lights hunt tour by bus in the evening. |
| Day 5 |
Breakfast followed by a transfer to Santa Claus Village.
Meet Santa, cross the Arctic Circle, enjoy a 500-meter husky sledge ride, Snowman World entry,
and lunch at an ice restaurant. Return to the hotel in the afternoon and explore Rovaniemi city centre on your own. |
| Day 6 |
Breakfast and proceed for the Icebreaker cruise at Kemi with an ice-floating experience.
End the day after this unforgettable Arctic adventure. |
| Day 7 |
Breakfast, checkout from the hotel, and transfer to Saariselkä Igloo Resort.
Check in to your igloo room and enjoy a reindeer Northern Lights hunt by sledge in the evening. |
| Day 8 |
Breakfast followed by a 2-hour snowmobile safari.
Spend the rest of the day exploring the igloo resort on your own. |
| Day 9 |
Breakfast, checkout from the resort, and transfer to Ivalo Airport.
Fly from Ivalo to Helsinki, followed by transfer to a hotel near Helsinki Airport. |
| Day 10 |
Breakfast, checkout from the hotel, and transfer to Helsinki Airport for your departure flight
to the next destination. This marks the end of your perfect Finland tour in January 2027. |
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