Finland in December is a snow-covered wonderland—ideal for husky safaris, Santa villages, and Northern Lights spotting. But make no mistake: it’s cold. Arctic cold. Whether you’re heading to Lapland, Helsinki, or a lakeside sauna cabin, you’ll need real winter gear to stay warm, dry, and safe.
Expect heavy snow, sub-zero temps, and short daylight hours. Pack layers, waterproof gear, thermal protection, and all the cozy accessories you can fit. In Finland, being warm is being happy.
📝Note: This article is all about what to pack for Finland in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!
Weather & Travel Context 🌦️
- Helsinki: -6°C to 0°C (21°F to 32°F)
- Rovaniemi/Lapland: -20°C to -5°C (-4°F to 23°F)
- Short days: 3–6 hours of daylight 🌘
- Snowy, icy, and extremely cold ❄️
- Pack for serious cold & outdoor activity 🧊
What to Pack for Finland in December
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
- Hard-shell suitcase – snow and slush-proof 🧳
- Carry-on – hold thermal gear & chargers 🛄
- Daypack – insulated or fleece-lined 🎒
- Packing cubes – winter gear takes space 📦
- Shoe bags – for snow-covered boots 👞
- Waterproof toiletry kit – keeps moisture out 🧴
- Document organizer – for ID & bookings 💼
- Foldable tote – grocery stops or souvenirs 🛍️
- Waterproof laundry bag – snow = wet clothes 🧺
- Luggage scale – winter gear gets heavy ⚖️
- Travel lock – cabin-to-cabin safety 🔐
- Neck pillow – long transfers 🛌
- Sleep mask – arctic light tricks your clock 😴
👗 Clothes
- Thermal base layers (2–3 sets) – wool or tech fabric ❄️
- Fleece mid-layers (2–3) – insulation is key 🧥
- Heavy parka – down or synthetic, Arctic-rated 🧊
- Waterproof snow pants – for any outdoor time ⛷️
- Jeans – only for indoors (cold when wet) 👖
- Wool sweaters – warm + Nordic style 🧶
- Winter dresses – thick knits with tights 👗
- Fleece pajamas – warm nights in lodges 🛌
- Thermal tights – under skirts or extra warmth 🧦
- Swimsuit – Finnish sauna culture! 👙
- Undergarments (warm + breathable) 👙
- Wool socks (5–7 pairs) – thick & warm 🧦
- Balaclava or thermal face mask – arctic air 🥶
💆 Skincare
- Intense moisturizer – avoid cracked skin 🧴
- SPF – snow reflects UV, yes really! 🌞
- Face oil or balm – cold barrier 🧼
- Gentle cleanser – skin is sensitive in the cold 🧽
- Thick lip balm – carry everywhere 💋
- Hand cream – hands dry fast in gloves ✋
- Hydrating mist – indoor heat dries skin 💧
💄 Makeup
- Hydrating foundation – avoid cakey skin 💄
- Cream blush – glows in cold light 🌸
- Neutral eyeshadow – cozy cabin vibes 🎨
- Waterproof mascara – snow-safe 👁️
- Lip stain or tint – windproof color 💋
💇 Hair Care
- Comb – hat hair helper 💇
- Hair ties – under beanies 🌀
- Moisturizing shampoo & conditioner – snow-safe 🚿
- Leave-in conditioner – protect from static 💁
- Dry shampoo – between snow adventures 🌬️
- Hair oil – restore shine ✨
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- Waterproof insulated boots – must-have 🥾
- Indoor slippers – many hotels require 🥿
- Wool socks – wear daily 🧦
- Beanie or thermal hat – fleece-lined preferred 🧢
- Touchscreen gloves – snowproof & functional 🧤
- Neck gaiter or scarf – windproof 🧣
- Thermal base gloves + outer mittens – dual layers 🧤🧤
- UV sunglasses – bright snow glare 🕶️
📑 Documents & Essentials
- Passport – required for entry 🛂
- Visa (check Schengen rules) 🧾
- Travel insurance – snow trip must 📄
- Train/flight/bus passes – printed & digital 🎟️
- Health card or EU insurance proof 💳
- Local SIM or Wi-Fi device – remote areas 📶
🚑 First Aid
- Cold meds – dry nose, sinus ache ❄️
- Blister pads – from heavy boots 🩹
- Anti-inflammatory cream – snow sports 🏂
- Thermometer – cold symptoms 🌡️
- Painkillers – snow headaches 🤕
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- Toothbrush/paste – cold-fresh clean 🪥
- Deodorant – layers = stay fresh 🧼
- Razor – sauna-ready 🪒
- Wet wipes – glove-friendly 🧻
- Hand sanitizer – cold season 🧴
- Feminine products – pack your brand 🩸
📱 Tech & Electronics
- Phone + charger + power bank 🔋
- Camera – Northern Lights = must 📸
- Universal adapter – EU plug (C/E/F) 🌍
- Headphones – cozy cabins 🎧
- Offline maps – icy roads & remote places 🗺️
🎧 Entertainment
- Books or Kindle – cozy by fire 📚
- Podcasts – long train rides 🎧
- Notebook – record Arctic adventures 📝
🎁 Extras
- Hot packs – hands & toes 🔥
- Reusable bottle – use insulated 💧
- Thermos – hot drinks for the trail ☕
- Snacks – energy for snow hikes 🍫
- Ski goggles – if snowmobiling 🥽
- Headlamp – darkness comes early 💡
🌍 Travel Tips
- Book thermal gear early 🎿
- Layer smart – thermal + fleece + shell 🧥
- Dry boots nightly near heaters 🥾
- Always wear reflectors after dark 🚶
🛂 Visa Tips
- Finland is in the Schengen zone 🛂
- Visa-free for many nationalities 📄
- Print accommodation bookings 📋
⭐ Must-Haves
- Thermal base layers ❄️
- Insulated boots 🥾
- Wool hat, scarf, gloves 🧣
- Passport 🛂
- Travel insurance 🧾
- Power bank 🔋
👍 Good-to-Have
- Hot hands 🔥
- Headlamp 💡
- Thermos ☕
- Sauna flip-flops 🩴
- Ski goggles 🥽
