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Weather Guide

Latvia Weather & Climate Guide 2025

Plan your trip with detailed weather information and seasonal tips for Latvia.

Latvia blends medieval charm with Art Nouveau splendor in the heart of the Baltics. From the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Riga to pristine beaches along the Baltic Sea, this compact country offers rich history, vibrant culture, and unspoiled nature.

Best Time to Visit

Months to Avoid

October to March

Climate Overview

Latvia has a temperate continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers (June-August) are warm and sunny with very long daylight hours — Riga sees up to 18 hours of daylight at midsummer — while winters are cold and dark with short days. The Baltic Sea moderates temperatures somewhat, preventing the extremes seen further inland. Rainfall is spread fairly evenly year-round, with the wettest months being July-August. Snow covers the ground from December through February in most years.

Month-by-Month Guide

What to expect each month of the year.

Jan

-4°C/25°F avg, -8°C min
Coldest month, short days (7h light), snow likely, very quiet tourism

Feb

-3°C/27°F avg, -7°C min
Still cold, snow, but days lengthening. Riga ice festival possible.

Mar

2°C/36°F avg
Snow melts, first spring signs, still cold. Tourism very low.

Apr

8°C/46°F avg
Spring arrives, parks bloom, pleasant walks. Cool but bright days.

May

14°C/57°F avg
Excellent weather, long evenings, forests green. Best shoulder season.

Jun

18°C/64°F avg
Summer begins, very long days, Jāņi midsummer festival June 23-24. Peak season starts.

Jul

21°C/70°F avg
Peak summer, warmest month, beach season in full swing. Jurmala and Riga most crowded.

Aug

20°C/68°F avg
Hot, Riga City Festival mid-August. Baltic Beach Party at Jurmala. Still very busy.

Sep

14°C/57°F avg
Crowds drop, forest gold begins, mushroom season peaks. Excellent month.

Oct

9°C/48°F avg
Autumn foliage spectacular, cool and crisp. Rain increases. Good for city visits.

Nov

4°C/39°F avg
Staro Rīga light festival mid-November. Cold and grey but Christmas markets begin.

Dec

0°C/32°F avg
Christmas markets are magical, snow possible. Short days but festive atmosphere.
🌤️

Seasonal Planning Guide

Complete weather data, packing lists by season, and event calendars.

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Seasonal Breakdown

Detailed information for each season.

🌸 Spring

Mar-May

Spring arrives gradually with snow melting in March and forests bursting into leaf in April-May. Wildflowers bloom in the countryside and migratory birds return. Temperatures climb from 3-5°C in March to 15-18°C by late May.

Tips: Pack layers and waterproofs. May is beautiful with long evenings and fewer tourists. Great for hiking and photography.

☀️ Summer

Jun-Aug

Latvia's best season with warm temperatures 20-26°C, very long days (18 hours of daylight at midsummer), and the country at its most alive. Jāņi midsummer festival (June 23-24) and Riga City Festival (August) are highlights.

Tips: Book accommodation well in advance. Stay hydrated — brief heat waves can push temperatures to 30°C+. Mosquito repellent essential near bogs and forests.

🍂 Fall

Sep-Nov

Arguably Latvia's most beautiful season as forests turn gold and red in September-October. Temperatures drop from 15°C to near freezing by November. Mushroom and berry season peaks in September. Days shorten rapidly.

Tips: Excellent for photography and hiking. Bring layers — weather changes fast. Mushroom foraging is a national pastime in September.

❄️ Winter

Dec-Feb

Cold and dark with temperatures -5 to +2°C and only 6-7 hours of daylight. Snow usually covers the ground December-February creating a magical atmosphere. Christmas markets in Riga are exceptional. Skiing possible at Sigulda.

Tips: Dress in warm layers. Riga's Christmas markets (November-January) are beautiful. Ice skating on the moat around Riga Old Town available in cold winters.

What to Pack

Seasonal packing recommendations.

Year-Round Essentials

  • Modest clothing (cover shoulders and knees)
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
  • Light scarf or shawl (for religious sites)
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Power adapter
  • Basic first aid kit

Hot Weather Additions

  • Lightweight, breathable fabrics
  • Extra sun protection
  • Cooling towel
  • Light colors to reflect heat
  • Sandals with back straps

Cool Weather Additions

  • Warm layers (fleece, sweater)
  • Light jacket or coat
  • Rain gear (umbrella, waterproof jacket)
  • Closed-toe shoes
  • Warm accessories (if winter)

Events & Crowd Levels

Plan around busy periods and special events.

🔴 High Season

Jun-Aug (summer, beaches, long daylight)

Higher prices, advance booking essential, crowded attractions.

🟡 Shoulder Season

Apr-May, Sep-Oct (pleasant weather, far fewer visitors)

Good balance of weather and crowds. Reasonable prices.

🟢 Low Season

Nov-Mar (cold and quiet, Christmas markets in December are exception)

Best deals, fewer tourists. Some services may be limited.

Major Events & Holidays

Mid-August (usually 3rd weekend)
Riga City Festival

Riga's biggest annual celebration with concerts, performances, markets, and fireworks across the city. Streets filled with entertainment, traditional crafts, and food stalls. Culminates in spectacular fireworks over Daugava River.

Late November - Early January
Christmas Markets

Traditional Christmas markets in Town Hall Square and Cathedral Square. Wooden stalls selling crafts, decorations, food, and mulled wine. Live music, decorated Christmas tree, and festive atmosphere.

June 23-24
Līgo / Jāņi (Midsummer)

Latvia's most important holiday celebrating summer solstice. Traditional celebrations include bonfires, flower crowns, singing, and feast foods. Many Rigans leave city for countryside celebrations. Some cultural events in city.

June
Riga Opera Festival

International opera festival showcasing classical and contemporary opera at Latvian National Opera. World-class performances in stunning Art Nouveau building. Various price points available.

Mid-July
Positivus Festival

Baltic's largest music festival in Salacgrīva (100km from Riga). International and local alternative, indie, and electronic acts. Weekend camping festival with beach access. Popular with young travelers.

Mid-November (long weekend)
Staro Rīga (Light Festival)

Light art festival transforming Riga with illuminations, projections, and light installations. Free outdoor event attracting hundreds of thousands. Buildings and spaces reimagined with creative lighting.

November 18
Latvian National Independence Day

Celebrating Latvia's 1918 independence declaration. Torch-lit procession, concerts, fireworks, and patriotic events. Impressive display of national pride with thousands participating.

Late July
Cēsis Medieval Festival

Medieval reenactment festival in Cēsis with knights tournaments, medieval crafts, food, and entertainment. Costumed participants, period music, and jousting. Family-friendly historical celebration.

Mid-May
Riga Marathon

International marathon with full, half, and 10km distances. Course through historic Riga streets showcasing architecture. Accompanying street festival and entertainment.

Early July
Baltic Beach Party

Electronic music festival on Jurmala beach featuring international DJs and electronic acts. Weekend event combining beach atmosphere with quality music programming.

November 10-11
Martini Fair (Mārtiņi)

Traditional autumn festival marking end of harvest season. Markets selling crafts and foods, particularly traditional Mārtiņdiena foods. Cultural performances and activities.

Mid-May (one night)
White Night / Museum Night

Annual event when Riga museums and cultural institutions stay open until late or all night with special programs, performances, and exhibitions. Most offer free or reduced admission.

Plan Your Perfect Latvia Trip

Get our complete seasonal guide with detailed packing lists, event calendars, and month-by-month planning tips.

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