Peak Season⭐ Top Pick

Sodankylä in January 2026

Aurora enthusiasts who want a scientifically renowned location with genuine Finnish Lapland character. Here's everything you need to plan your January visit.

✦8/10

🌡️ Weather in Sodankylä in January

-16°C

Avg Temperature

very cold — heavy layering required

18h

Dark Hours / Night

Long dark nights — excellent aurora windows

🟢 High

Aurora Likelihood

January is prime aurora season — clear nights frequently deliver displays

January in Sodankylä sits at -16°C average, which is very cold — heavy layering required. Expect around 18 hours of darkness each night. Pack accordingly and check the detailed packing list below.

🌌 Northern Lights in January

🟢 High likelihood· Aurora score 8/10

Sodankylä has a base aurora score of 8/10. In January, conditions are optimal — long dark nights (18h), typically clear skies, and strong geomagnetic activity combine to make this one of the best aurora months here.

Tips for aurora chasing in January: Head away from town light pollution, check real-time Kp forecasts (apps like SpaceWeatherLive or My Aurora Forecast), and allow at least 3 nights to maximise your chances of a sighting.

Book a guided aurora tour with a local expert — they track forecasts obsessively and know the best viewpoints. Many operators offer "chase" trips that drive to clear sky patches.

🎯 What to Do in Sodankylä in January

✓Northern Lights Tours

✓Aurora Camp (overnight vigil)

✓Aurora Photography

✓Aurora Glass Cabin Stays

✓Husky / Dog Sledding

✓Snowmobile Safari

✓Reindeer Sledding

✓Cross-Country Skiing

✓Snowshoeing

✓Ice Fishing

✓Photography Tours

Activity availability depends on snow / ice conditions and local operator schedules. Always confirm in advance.

🎒 What to Pack for January in Sodankylä

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Merino wool base layers, fleece mid-layer, and a windproof insulated jacket

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Waterproof insulated boots rated to -20°C minimum

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Thermal hat, neck gaiter, and wind-resistant gloves

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Hand warmers — invaluable for cold photography sessions

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Camera with manual mode, wide-angle lens (f/2.8 or faster), and sturdy tripod

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Extra camera batteries — cold drains power fast; keep spares in an inner pocket

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Remote shutter release or intervalometer for long-exposure aurora shots

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Ski goggles or polarised sports glasses for snow glare

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Waterproof salopettes or snow trousers for multi-hour outdoor activities

📦 View the full interactive packing list for Sodankylä →

🏨 Accommodation in January

Peak Season

This is peak season — book accommodation 2–4 months in advance. Expect prices around $60+/night for mid-range options. Popular choices include Wilderness cabins, Guesthouses, Aurora research lodges. Aurora lodges and glass cabins sell out fastest.