Sleeping inside an igloo in Lapland: why isn’t it cold?!

Sleeping in an igloo may seem like a chilly prospect at first, but in reality these ice structures offer an environment that is surprisingly warm and cozy compared with the extreme outdoor conditions of the Arctic. The main reason why you do not feel cold inside an igloo comes down to several key factors related to its construction and the insulating properties of ice. We explain it all in this article!
 

Why isn’t it cold inside an igloo?

First of all, because the ice itself acts as an insulator. Although it is made of frozen water, ice has the ability to retain heat inside the structure, preventing the outside cold from getting in. This is due to the low thermal conductivity of ice, which significantly slows down heat transfer.

The dome shape of the igloo also helps maintain warmth inside. Its rounded form allows heat to be distributed evenly throughout the space, with warm air tending to rise and circulate within the dome, thus keeping the environment relatively warm.

In addition, the snow used to build the igloo, because it contains a large amount of air trapped between the ice crystals, acts as an extraordinary insulator. This layer of snow traps body heat inside the igloo, preventing it from dispersing into the cold air outside.

How do you stay warm inside an igloo?

The inside of an igloo is warmed by the body heat of its occupants. Even a small amount of heat generated by the human body can significantly raise the temperature inside an igloo, especially if it is well built and if its occupants use sleeping bags and suitable clothing to retain even more warmth.

Finally, small ventilation openings help regulate the internal temperature and prevent moisture buildup, maintaining a comfortable environment. These openings allow air to circulate without letting too much heat escape, balancing the need for fresh oxygen with the preservation of warmth inside.

For these reasons, even though the outside environment may reach extremely low temperatures, the inside of an igloo remains relatively warm and livable, allowing you to sleep without feeling cold.

CONCLUSION

In this article, we tried to answer the question, “Is it cold to sleep in an igloo?!”. To really find out, now it’s your turn! You can try the experience of sleeping inside an igloo in Lapland with us by joining our group trip to Lapland. Take a look at the itinerary!