What to Expect in Lapland in May
Peace & Quiet in the North
May in Lapland is all about change—melting snow, reindeer calves, and long golden evenings. Here’s what to expect during this peaceful and magical month.
May in Lapland is a month of in-between moments—snow still clings to the fells, while the forests begin to breathe green again. It’s quiet, beautiful, and full of subtle transformations. Here are four things to expect if you find yourself in Lapland during this unique time of year.
1. Melting Snow & Bursting Buds
May is the month when winter finally loosens its grip. Snow still lingers in places, especially in the north and higher elevations, but lower areas begin to green up. Willow and birch trees start to bud, and early spring flowers push through the thawing ground, adding color to the landscape.
2. More Light, Less Night
By mid-May, the sun barely sets in northern Lapland. Days are long, golden, and full of potential. It’s not quite midnight sun yet, but the light stretches well into the evening, giving locals and visitors alike more time to explore—or just enjoy the silence of spring evenings.
3. Reindeer Calving Season
May is a tender and vital time for reindeer. This is when most calves are born, and herders keep a close eye on the new arrivals. You might not spot the tiny calves unless you’re lucky (or local), but knowing it’s calving season adds a special layer of magic to the forests and fells.
4. A Quiet, Local Lapland
Tourist crowds are few and far between in May, making it one of the calmest months to experience Lapland life. It’s a time when locals rest, reset, and prepare for the busy summer ahead. Shops, cafés, and nature trails may be open with shorter hours—but you’ll often have them all to yourself.
Maybe May is right for you
May in Lapland might not be the most talked-about month, but it holds a quiet kind of magic. The land is waking up, life is beginning again, and everything moves at a slower, softer pace. If you find yourself here during this time, embrace the stillness—you might just fall in love with Lapland’s quietest season.
Photo credits:
Ice swimming, by AV Lappi | Lapland Material Bank
Spring birch, by Lapland Material Bank
Swans, by Marko Junttila | Lapland Material Bank
Reindeer calves, by Terhi Tuovinen | Lapland Material Bank
Solo hike, by Harri Tarvainen | Lapland Material Bank
Spring hare, by Markus Kiili | Lapland Material Bank
