Why Visit Lapland in Summer? Authentic Activities, Wild Nature & the Midnight Sun
01/09/25
Lapland in summer holds many surprises… often unknown!
No, Lapland is not only about snow and winter. Summer attracts far fewer visitors than winter, which makes it the perfect time to explore wild corners in peace and tranquility.
In summer, you discover a Lapland bathed in light, wild and alive – far from mass tourism, with a wide range of activities that are often more affordable.
Lapland in summer is a magical, unusual and revitalizing destination, perfect for a trip rich in discoveries, well-being, and a deep reconnection with nature.
This article presents the main reasons why you should choose summer, as well as the best summer activities for your trip to Lapland.
Weather in Lapland in Summer: Temperatures and Conditions
Summer in Muotkatunturi, in the far north of Finnish Lapland, is mild, bright, and surprisingly pleasant.
From June to August, temperatures usually range from 8°C to 25°C, sometimes even up to 30°C, with long days (and no nights). In Northern Finland, there is no night from early May until late August. That’s the magic of the Midnight Sun.
The climate is dry and invigorating, with pure air and no pollution.
- June: still fresh, but extremely bright.
- July: the warmest and greenest month, with boreal forests in full bloom, abundant flora, and slightly warmer lakes.
- August: still pleasant with mild daytime temperatures, cooler evenings, and the first starry skies.
- September: spectacular, with flamboyant Ruska colors – nature’s own Arctic Indian summer.
Rain is rare, usually in the form of short showers. Wind may be present on the tunturi hills, especially in Muotkatunturi Nature Reserve, but overall the atmosphere remains calm and perfect for outdoor activities.
The Midnight Sun: Magical Light 24/7
The Midnight Sun is a unique natural phenomenon found above the Arctic Circle, like in Lapland. The sun never sets, offering soft golden light 24/7 for several weeks.
In the Muotkatunturi wilderness area, in Northern Lapland (Inari region, close to the Norwegian border), you are beyond the Arctic Circle – one of the best places to experience the Midnight Sun in a wild, untouched setting.
It provides an incredible sense of freedom, rare energy, and a deeply regenerating experience.
Best times to enjoy the Midnight Sun in Muotkatunturi:
- May 22 – July 22: two full months when the sun never sets at this latitude (~69°N). Perfect for hiking, packrafting, SUP, wild camping, or meditation under golden light even at midnight.
- Late July – mid-August: the gradual return of twilight, but nights remain luminous with magical soft light between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m.
Why Muotkatunturi is ideal:
- No roads, no tourist infrastructure – total wilderness.
- Fewer mosquitoes from mid-June onwards, none in August.
- Rolling tunturi hills and countless lakes with breathtaking horizon views.
It’s the perfect atmosphere for a women’s retreat, family trip, or gentle hiking holiday in pure nature.
August: A Balance Between Sun and Northern Lights
August is a rare moment in Lapland when the golden light of day blends with the returning darkness of night… and the very first Northern Lights of the season appear.
It’s the ideal month to enjoy mild weather, long days outdoors, and the magic of the Aurora Borealis beginning its dance across the Arctic sky.
September: The Magic of Ruska
September is the time of Ruska, Lapland’s own Indian Summer. Nature turns gold and red in a thousand shades. Days are still long and mild, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
And at night, incredible Northern Lights reflect in crystal-clear lakes and rivers, creating the phenomenon of “double auroras”.
Locals love September: cooler but pleasant temperatures, clear sunny days – perfect for hiking, fishing, and paddling in lakes not yet frozen. Muotkatunturi becomes a true paradise with fiery hills and sparkling blue waters.
What to Do in Lapland in Summer: Must-Do Activities
You don’t need to love cold or snow to discover Lapland! Summer is the ideal season for outdoor adventures in Muotkatunturi Nature Reserve, at the foot of the tunturi hills, near the legendary Route 92 leading to Nordkapp.
- Admire the Midnight Sun – a magical experience
- Hiking & trekking through wild landscapes
- Cani-hiking with huskies
- Water activities: packraft, paddleboarding, fishing, and swimming in rivers
- Discover Sámi culture: authentic immersion in local traditions
- Visit national parks: breathtaking scenery & rich biodiversity
- Pick Arctic berries and mushrooms, cook typical meals
- Wildlife watching: wolverines, foxes, moose…
- Spot reindeer roaming free in nature
- Stay in typical log cabins for comfort & authenticity
- Join artisan workshops
- Meet reindeer herders & husky mushers
- Relax in a traditional Finnish sauna
- Hunt for the first Northern Lights of the season
- Visit the Sámi Museum in Inari
Authentic Encounters with the Sámi
Summer is the best time to meet the Sámi people, Lapland’s Indigenous community. Fewer tourists mean deeper connections, real exchanges, and authentic cultural immersion.
You can join festivals, visit reindeer herders and mushers, and learn about Sámi traditions. Don’t miss the Sámi Museum in Inari, which reveals their history, spirituality, and deep bond with Arctic nature.
Lapland Alive in Summer
Boreal forests, blooming tundra, crystal-clear lakes, and wild rivers – summer reveals a vibrant Lapland full of life, perfect for wildlife watching and awe-inspiring hikes.
It’s also the season for berry-picking and cooking traditional meals close to nature. And yes, meeting reindeer face-to-face in the wild is common – and simply magical!
An Invitation to Reconnect with Yourself
Summer in Lapland invites you to slow down, breathe, and listen to your body. You experience an intimate, preserved Lapland at your own pace.
Perfect for activities like the traditional sauna, music workshops inspired by Sámi nature sounds, fishing, or accessible adventures like packrafting.
Conclusion: Summer in Lapland – A Journey to Truly Live
Choosing Lapland in summer means embracing a rare, luminous, and deeply regenerating experience.
Far from the winter clichés, summer reveals another face of the Far North: alive, vibrant, and ideal for reconnecting with nature — and with yourself.
In the gentle glow of the Midnight Sun, every activity becomes an invitation to slow down, feel, and marvel. Whether you’re seeking gentle adventure, authentic sharing, or simply fresh Arctic air, Lapland in summer welcomes you with both simplicity and grandeur.
You’ll return with much more than memories: renewed energy, meaningful encounters, and the feeling of having lived something truly unique.
If you’re still hesitating… don’t wait. Let yourself be carried by Arctic light and discover the magic of summer in Lapland.
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