Things to Do in Latvia in April

April Weather in Latvia

16°C (61°F) High Temp

4°C (39°F) Low Temp

45 mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Spring awakening creates stunning natural scenery - birch forests show fresh green leaves, perfect for photography from April 15-30 when light lasts until 8:30 PM
Tourist infrastructure reopens after winter maintenance - coastal towns like Jūrmala and Sigulda reopen hiking trails and outdoor cafes, typically April 10-15
Accommodation prices drop 30-40% compared to summer peak season, with luxury Riga hotels averaging €80-120 instead of €150-200
Perfect weather for active exploration - cool mornings 4-8°C (39-46°F) ideal for hiking, warmer afternoons 12-16°C (54-61°F) comfortable for walking tours without summer crowds

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings - temperature can fluctuate 15°C (27°F) in one day, making packing challenging and outdoor plans risky
Many seasonal attractions still closed - beach facilities in Jūrmala don't open until May 1, some castle grounds limit access due to muddy conditions from snowmelt
Limited daylight activities - despite longer days, overcast skies occur 60% of April, reducing golden hour photography opportunities

Best Activities in April

Riga Old Town Architecture Walking Tours

April's cool temperatures 8-14°C (46-57°F) make long walks comfortable through cobblestone streets. Spring light enhances Art Nouveau facades on Alberta iela without harsh summer shadows. Fewer crowds mean better photo opportunities at Riga Cathedral and House of Blackheads. Rain occurs mainly in short bursts, rarely disrupting full-day exploration.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through licensed city guides. Tours typically cost €25-45 per person for 2-3 hours. Look for guides certified by Riga Tourism Board. Check current available tours in the booking section below.

Gauja National Park Hiking Adventures

April snowmelt creates dramatic waterfalls and streams throughout the park. Cool mornings prevent overheating on uphill climbs to Turaida Castle. Muddy trails require proper footwear but offer solitude impossible in summer months. Wildlife spotting peaks as animals emerge from winter - deer, foxes, and over 150 bird species active.

Booking Tip: Independent hiking best value - park entrance free, trail maps available at visitor centers. Guided nature walks cost €15-30 per person. Book accommodations in Sigulda 2 weeks ahead as Easter holidays increase demand. See current park tour options in booking section below.

Traditional Latvian Bathhouse Experiences

April's cool weather makes sauna culture essential - locals use pirtis (traditional saunas) to warm up after outdoor activities. Authentic experience includes birch branch beating and ice-cold lake plunges. Many rural guesthouses offer private bathhouse sessions perfect for small groups after day hikes.

Booking Tip: Rural bathhouses cost €20-40 per person for 2-3 hours including sauna, lake access, and birch branches. Urban spa saunas €35-60. Book directly with guesthouses or through wellness centers. Traditional experiences rarely listed on major booking platforms.

Amber Coast Treasure Hunting

April storms wash fresh amber onto beaches near Liepāja and Ventspils. Cool temperatures 6-12°C (43-54°F) make beach walking comfortable for hours. Local knowledge essential - best finds occur 24-48 hours after storms. Combine with visits to amber workshops in coastal towns.

Booking Tip: Free activity requiring only warm clothes and eagle eyes. Amber identification guides available at coastal visitor centers. Guided amber hunting tours cost €40-70 per person including equipment and expert instruction. Book through coastal tourism offices for authentic experiences.

Soviet-Era Underground Exploration

April weather perfect for underground bunker tours - constant temperature avoids summer heat or winter ice formation. Karosta Naval Port and secret Soviet installations offer unique Cold War history. Cool, dry conditions preserve artifacts and make extended underground time comfortable.

Booking Tip: Specialized bunker tours cost €25-45 per person for 1.5-2 hours. Advance booking essential - maximum 12 people per tour. Look for tours including Karosta Prison and naval facilities. Many tours available only weekends in April.

Craft Brewery and Local Food Tours

April marks release of spring seasonal beers using local ingredients. Cool weather perfect for brewery walking tours between Riga's craft beer scene. Traditional Latvian spring foods like smoked fish and early wild vegetables pair perfectly with local brews. Indoor activity ideal for rainy afternoon backup plans.

Booking Tip: Food and beer tours typically €55-85 per person for 3-4 hours including 4-6 tastings. Book 7-10 days ahead through certified culinary guides. Look for tours including traditional markets like Centrāltirgus. Current food tour options available in booking section below.

April Events & Festivals

Mid April

Riga Spring Festival

Classical music festival featuring Latvian National Orchestra and international artists performing in historic venues. Combines indoor concerts with outdoor performances when weather permits. Traditional Latvian folk music workshops and contemporary classical premieres.

Late March to Early April

Easter Markets in Old Town

Traditional craft markets in Riga's Dome Square featuring hand-painted eggs, wooden crafts, and spring foods. Local artisans demonstrate traditional techniques. Combines well with church visits and traditional Easter foods like paska bread and smoked meats.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots - April snowmelt creates muddy trails throughout national parks, ankle support essential for uneven terrain

Layered clothing system - temperature swings from 4°C (39°F) morning to 16°C (61°F) afternoon require adaptable wardrobe

Lightweight waterproof jacket - rain occurs in short, intense bursts lasting 15-30 minutes, umbrella insufficient for outdoor activities

UV protection SPF 30+ - despite cool temperatures, April sun reflects strongly off remaining snow patches and wet surfaces

Warm hat and light gloves - early morning and evening temperatures drop quickly, essential for sunrise/sunset photography

Quick-dry synthetic fabrics - avoid cotton which stays damp in 70% humidity, synthetic materials dry faster indoors

Compact umbrella - useful for city walking but not reliable for hiking due to frequent April wind gusts

Thermal underwear base layer - essential for outdoor activities longer than 2 hours, especially forest hiking and coastal walks

Waterproof daypack cover - protects electronics and documents during unexpected weather changes

Hand warmers - small chemical heat packs invaluable for outdoor photography and extended sightseeing

Insider Knowledge

Local heating season officially ends April 15 - many accommodations feel chilly until mid-month, request extra blankets or choose hotels with individual room heating control

Grocery stores stock seasonal wild foods in April - try pīrāgi (bacon rolls) and fresh rhubarb at local markets, avoid tourist restaurants for authentic spring cuisine

Public transportation increases frequency starting April 1 after winter schedule - Riga city buses run every 8-10 minutes instead of 15-20 minutes, making day trips easier

Many museums extend hours starting mid-April but websites show winter schedules until March - call ahead to confirm opening times, especially for castle museums outside Riga

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for cool weather - April afternoons can reach 18°C (64°F) in sunny conditions, many tourists overdress and become uncomfortable during active sightseeing

Booking accommodations in seaside towns expecting beach weather - coastal areas remain 3-5°C (5-9°F) cooler than Riga, beaches unsuitable for sunbathing until May

Planning outdoor activities without weather backup - April weather changes hourly, always have indoor alternatives like museums or galleries within 30 minutes