Searching for the best place for a March holiday? Look north.
While most travellers flock to crowded ski resorts or early spring beaches, those in the know are discovering something better: Lapland is one of the best March holiday destinations in Europe with last-minute options often available.
Deep snow meets bright sunshine. Peaceful trails replace holiday crowds. Winter shows off its very best, and there’s space to breathe. Here’s why March might be your perfect Arctic escape.
1. Peak Snow Conditions, Comfortable Temperatures
March delivers Lapland’s best snow conditions: deep, consistent coverage perfect for snowmobiling through frozen forests, trekking on snowshoes, or gliding across wilderness on cross-country skis. Even tobogganing and eLyly adventures hit their stride now. The secret? Temperatures are milder than midwinter, but winter is still in full swing. You get authentic Arctic snow without the extreme cold, comfortable enough for all-day outdoor adventures.
2. A Quieter, More Peaceful Atmosphere
Once school holidays end across Europe, the atmosphere shifts. The trails, lodges and restaurants become noticeably quieter. You’ll mostly meet fellow adults seeking the stillness of Arctic nature – couples, friends, solo adventurers. It’s the perfect time to slow down, recharge and enjoy space to breathe. No queues for ski lifts, no crowded aurora viewing spots, just you and the wilderness.
3. Glorious Sunshine and Extended Days
March brings light back to Lapland. The sun rises early and sets late, casting golden Arctic light across endless white landscapes. It’s a photographer’s dream and an outdoor lover’s gift.
What this means practically: full days of activities without racing against darkness. Ski from morning until afternoon, pause for lunch in the sunshine, and still have evening light for exploring. After the long polar night, this feels absolutely glorious.
4. Northern Lights Continue to Dance
Aurora season is far from over. The Northern Lights are still active, often spectacularly so, with viewing times simply shifting about an hour later as darkness arrives later each evening. The beautiful trade-off? You get both worlds. Spend sun-filled days skiing or exploring, then watch the sky come alive with shimmering auroras after dinner. March delivers the complete Arctic experience.
5. Exceptional Value and Availability
March offers some of the best value of the year. With school holidays finished, you’ll find excellent availability and competitive pricing that would be significantly higher in January or February.
What this means for your holiday: upgrade your accommodation, stay longer, or add extra activities like husky safaris or snowmobile adventures – all for the same budget you might spend on a shorter peak-season trip. For example, our Ivalo apartments usually have good availability with flexible options.
6. Perfect Multi-Day Skiing trips
Saariselkä Ski Resort, right next door to Ivalo, offers gentle slopes ideal for beginners and varied terrain for experienced skiers. For our multi-day guests, we arrange everything from ski days with professional instructors to simple lift ticket bookings if you prefer exploring independently.
Conditions are also consistently excellent for multi-day skiing trips. Cross-country enthusiasts will love the groomed trails stretching across the wilderness, while backcountry skiers find stable conditions for more ambitious tours.
7. Guaranteed Ice Fishing and Classic Arctic Activities
The lake ice is thick and completely safe, guaranteeing excellent ice fishing conditions. There’s something wonderfully meditative about drilling through metre-thick ice, dropping your line, and waiting in crystal-clear Arctic air. March also delivers fantastic conditions for tobogganing (pure joy at any age), traditional cross-country skiing, fatbiking, and multi-day backcountry treks. The combination of reliable snow, sunshine and peaceful trails creates the perfect Arctic rhythm.
8. When Winter Shows Its Best Side
March captures winter at its absolute peak: plenty of snow, comfortable temperatures, long glowing days, and all the magic without the extremes. It’s not the beginning with its uncertainty, nor the end with its slush, it’s the sweet spot where everything aligns.
Timing note: March is prime for this experience. The first week of April still offers wonderful conditions, but after that, spring transition begins. If you want quintessential Arctic winter at its best, March is your window.
Your March Arctic Escape Awaits
Lapland in March isn’t a compromise, it’s arguably the best place for a holiday if you want snow adventures, peaceful landscapes and authentic Arctic experiences. Whether you’re chasing Northern Lights, perfecting your skiing, ice fishing on frozen lakes, or simply enjoying quiet moments by the
fire, this is your time.
Enjoy better prices, flexible dates, and calm Arctic beauty – your March holiday awaits. See you in the sunshine!