The ARCTIC seasons
Since 2017 we offer sleeping on ice 365 days of the year, so when you want to visit depends entirely on what weather you find appealing. Which one will be your favorite?
Arctic winter
Visiting ICEHOTEL from December to February is an Arctic winter adventure at its most intense, with extreme cold winter temperatures and limited daylight hours. In winter, tempetatures in Juukkasjärvi can drop to as low as -40 degrees Celsius (-40 F).
If you are planning on visiting in winter or early spring, know that December and February are busy months at ICEHOTEL. It might be easier to find rooms in January, March or April.
Arctic Spring
March, April and early May are Arctic spring months, with long and sunny days and mild temperatures ranging from -10 Celsius (14 F) to +10 Celsius (50 F).
Springtime in Jukkasjärvi is often the locals' favourite season. This is the time of year to enjoy being outsite in the snow and the sun. The days are getting longer and brighter, which also brings milder weather - delightfully welcomed after months of sub-zero degrees and limited daylight. The Northern lights are slowly fading away when the light arrives, so this is the chance to catch the last Northern lights of the season.
Bring Sunscreen
The Arctic spring offers your typical winter activities, such as snowmobiling, dogsledding, ice fishing and cross country skiing, but with the comfortable temperatures allowing longer tours and expeditions in the outdoors.
When spending time in the outdoors in the spring it is important to bring sunscreen. The snow reflecting the bright sunlight increases the risk of sunburn.
Arctic summer
Summer in Jukkasjärvi means 24-hour daylight. As the sun never sets, the nights are as bright as the days between mid-May and mid-July. The midnight sun invites you to stay up late and bathe in its golden light. Why not go fishing on the Torne River, or enjoy a sauna ritual in the midnight sun.
Our summers are short and mild with an average temperature of +16 degrees Celsius (61 F).
Arctic Autumn
The Northern lights season and golden autumn days begins in September, as the days start to get shorter.
By late August the sun is setting at around 8:30 pm and the hours of darkness tells us that the autumn is coming. This time of the year means the return of the Northern lights. The berries in the forest starts to ripen and the colours of nature change to a palette of reds and oranges.
The autumn is a time for harvesting an preparing for the coming winter. Berries, mushrooms and game are collected from the forrests surrounding ICEHOTEL and make up some of our most famous culinary delights.