Clothing Guide for Arctic Winter Conditions
Winter in Lapland is Arctic, yet with the right clothing, spending time outdoors remains comfortable and enjoyable even in very cold temperatures.
In Ivalo, winter temperatures often drop below –20 °C, and as recently as this January, the temperature reached –38 °C.
Over the long term, Ivalo’s average annual temperature is around 0 °C. The warmest month is July, with an average of about 18 °C, while the coldest month is January, averaging around –11 °C.
In summer, temperatures can rise to +30 °C, highlighting the wide seasonal contrast typical of the Arctic climate.
What Aurora Village Provides for Guests
Aurora Village Ivalo provides warm outdoor clothing and equipment to ensure guests can safely and comfortably participate in winter activities, even in extreme cold:
Warm insulated winter overall
Wool socks, if needed
Warm winter boots
Mittens / winter gloves
Balaclava and helmet for snowmobile and karting activities
In addition, hand and foot warmers are available for purchase at the Aurora Village
What You Should Bring With You
Layered clothing is essential in Arctic conditions. By adding or removing layers, you can adapt to different temperatures and activity levels.
Base Layers
Base layer sets made of merinowool or technical materials
These materials:
move moisture away from the skin
retain warmth in cold and changing conditions
work efficiently as part of a layering system
You may bring more than one base layer, allowing you to adjust your clothing as conditions change.
Head & Neck
- Warm hat or beanie
- Neck warmer or scarf
Mid Layers
- Fleece base layer
- Wool sweaters
- Wool pants
Multiple layers trap air and provide better insulation than a single thick garment.
Footwear
- Warm winter boots
(preferably slightly larger than normal to allow room for wool socks) - Wool socks
Important note:
Boots should never be tight. Tight footwear restricts blood circulation and causes feet to become cold quickly, even in very warm boots.
Managing Warmth Indoors and Outdoors
When wearing winter clothing indoors, your body can start to sweat quickly. If you then go back outside while damp or sweaty, you will feel cold very fast.
For this reason:
Always remove or loosen outer layers when going indoors
Avoid overheating and sweating while inside
Before going back outdoors, make sure your clothing is dry and comfortable
Managing layers this way is one of the most important skills for staying warm and comfortable in Arctic conditions.
Take Care of Your Feet
When spending time indoors while wearing winter boots, your feet will start to sweat.
If you then go back outside with damp boots or socks, your toes will get cold very quickly and the risk of frozen toes increases.
To stay warm and comfortable:
Remove winter boots when staying indoors for longer periods
Allow your feet and socks to dry and cool down
Put on dry socks before heading outside again
Keeping your feet dry is just as important as wearing warm boots when spending time in Arctic conditions.
Important for Your Health
Prevent Cold Injuries and Getting Sick
Most frostbite injuries occur in the hands, as fingers are exposed and have limited blood circulation in cold temperatures.
A significant amount of body heat is lost through the head, especially when it is uncovered.
Colds and flu-like illnesses are often linked to an exposed neck and open collar, allowing cold air to cool the upper body and airways.
For these reasons, it is essential to:
keep your hands well protected with mittens or warm gloves
always cover your head when outdoors
protect your neck and collar area with a scarf or neck warmer
Proper protection of these areas greatly reduces the risk of frostbite, heat loss, and getting sick, and helps you stay warm, healthy, and comfortable in Arctic conditions.
Fit Matters in Cold Conditions
In Arctic temperatures, clothing that is too tight is one of the most common reasons people feel cold.
Clothing should be loose and comfortable, not restrictive
Air trapped between layers acts as the best insulation
This is especially important for:
footwear
socks
gloves and mittens
clothing that tightens around ankles or wrists
A good rule of thumb in Arctic conditions:
slightly too loose is always better than too tight.
Spring Winter Note (March–April)
As spring approaches, the sun becomes stronger and reflects intensely off the snow. We recommend bringing:
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Supplementing Your Gear on Site
There is a souvenir shop located in the Aurora Village courtyard where guests can purchase warm clothing and accessories such as hats, neck warmers, wool sweaters, and mittens. Many of these products are locally made handicrafts.
The village of Ivalo is only about a 5-minute drive away and offers well-equipped shops where you can easily supplement your clothing or gear if needed.