Snow in Lapland / Ruka / December
Snow almost certain. By mid-December there was snow on the ground in Ruka in every one of the last 10 winters, typically 24 cm. Early in the month that was 9 of 10 winters, by the end of December 10 of 10.
Measured at Kuusamo Kiutaköngäs by the Finnish Meteorological Institute. A solid cover of 20 cm or more was there in 8 of the last 10 winters.
How the snow builds up (or melts) during December, over the last 10 winters.
| Date | Any snow | 20+ cm | Typical depth | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 December | 9 of 10 | 3 of 10 | 18 cm | 0–36 cm |
| 15 December | 10 of 10 | 8 of 10 | 24 cm | 3–40 cm |
| 31 December | 10 of 10 | 9 of 10 | 38 cm | 13–58 cm |
Daily temperatures at Kuusamo Kiutaköngäs over the last ten Decembers.
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By 15 December there was snow on the ground in Ruka in every one of the last 10 winters, typically 24 cm. A solid cover of 20 cm or more was there in 8 of 10.
The average daily high in December is about -5 °C and the average low about -12 °C. The coldest night in the last ten Decembers reached -33 °C.
On 15 December the sun rises around 10:38 and sets around 13:22 in Ruka: about 2 h 44 min of daylight.
Yes, December is in the northern lights season, when the nights are long and dark. You need a clear sky and some solar activity, so stay a few nights and get away from town lights.