Vilnius is the capital and largest city of Lithuania, on the Neris and Vilnia rivers. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town, one of the largest medieval centres in Eastern Europe, mixes Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches with the bohemian Užupis district and a growing craft-beer and restaurant scene.
Vilnius has a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons: cold, snowy winters (average -4°C/25°F in January), mild springs and autumns, and warm summers (average 19°C/66°F in July) with highs sometimes above 30°C. Rain falls year-round, peaking in July and August, and daylight ranges from about 7 hours in December to 17 hours in June.
Best time to visit
Best: Year-round
Avoid: None
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
January
-4°C/25°F
Cold, snowy, and dark; short days with about 7 hours of daylight.
February
-3°C/27°F
Still freezing with frequent snow; the days begin to lengthen.
March
1°C/34°F
Thawing slush and early spring; Kaziuko mugė brings colour to the Old Town.
April
7°C/45°F
Spring arrives with fresh greens and blossoming parks, though cool evenings persist.
May
13°C/55°F
Warm days, green parks, and long evenings; one of the nicest months to visit.
June
17°C/63°F
Long bright days (17 hours of daylight) and warm weather; White Nights glow near the solstice.
July
19°C/66°F
The warmest month, with festivals and open-air events; occasional heat waves and thunderstorms.
August
18°C/64°F
Warm and pleasant, with the busiest tourist period and balloon festival events.
September
13°C/55°F
Golden light and fresh air; the leaves begin to turn and crowds thin.
October
7°C/45°F
Autumn colours in the parks, followed by greyer, wetter days toward the end of the month.
November
2°C/36°F
Grey, cold, and dark, with first snow flurries and little sun.
December
-2°C/28°F
Cold and snowy; the Christmas market and tree in Cathedral Square bring festive cheer.
The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Spring
Months: Mar-May
Thawing snow and cool temperatures (1-13°C average) give way to green parks and blossom by May.
Summer
Months: Jun-Aug
Warm and long-lit (17-24°C average) with occasional thunderstorms; the peak season for festivals and outdoor dining.
Fall
Months: Sep-Nov
September is crisp and golden, October turns damp, and November becomes grey and cold (13°C falling to 2°C).
Winter
Months: Dec-Feb
Cold and snowy (around -4°C average), with short days and a festive Christmas market.
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- High Season
- Jul-Aug, plus the Christmas market period in December
- Shoulder Season
- May-Jun and Sep (ideal weather with fewer visitors)
- Low Season
- Jan-Mar and Nov (cold and quiet, with the lowest hotel prices)
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Kaziuko mugė (St. Casimir's Fair)
Lithuania's largest craft fair fills the Old Town and Gedimino pr. with crafts and food on the weekend nearest 4 March
Kino Pavasaris film festival
Baltic film festival with screenings across Vilnius cinemas
Užupis Independence Day
The artists' district stages a satirical independence celebration
Joninės (Midsummer)
Bonfires and flower crowns celebrate the summer solstice
Vilnius Christmas Market
Cathedral Square tree and market with mulled wine and crafts