Things to Do in Latvia in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in Latvia
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak white night season with sunsets after 9:30 PM - Riga's Old Town stays lively until nearly midnight with extended restaurant terraces and street performances
- Sea temperature reaches warmest point at 18-20°C (64-68°F) making Baltic beaches actually swimmable, especially Jurmala's Majori and Dzintari stretches
- Latvia's berry season peaks with wild blueberries, lingonberries, and cloudberries available at every market - locals forage in Kemeri National Park weekends
- Fewer Russian tourists due to ongoing restrictions means 30-40% less crowding at major attractions compared to pre-2022 August levels
Considerations
- Unpredictable weather with rain showers 10 days per month - outdoor plans need constant backup options and waterproof gear
- Peak season pricing with accommodation rates 40-60% higher than shoulder months, especially in Riga's Old Town and Jurmala beach resorts
- Midges and mosquitoes are most active in forests and wetlands - Gauja National Park hiking requires serious insect protection
Best Activities in August
Jurmala Beach Resort Day Trips
August is the only month when Baltic Sea swimming is genuinely comfortable at 18-20°C (64-68°F). Jurmala's 33 km (20.5 miles) of white sand beaches reach peak season with beach bars, spa treatments, and the famous wooden Art Nouveau architecture fully accessible. The 25-minute train from Riga runs every 30 minutes and beach weather is most reliable 11 AM-4 PM before afternoon showers.
Gauja National Park Forest Adventures
Latvia's ancient forests are at their most accessible in August with 16+ hours of daylight and dry hiking trails. The Gauja River valley offers 920 sq km (355 sq miles) of primeval woodland, medieval castle ruins, and the famous Gutmanis Cave. August's warm temperatures make camping comfortable and berry foraging is at its peak - locals collect wild blueberries and chanterelles throughout the month.
Riga Old Town Evening Walking Experiences
August's white nights mean Riga's UNESCO Old Town stays magical until 10 PM with natural light. Cobblestone streets are warmest and driest, perfect for extended walking. The Art Nouveau district reveals architectural details invisible in winter's limited light. Local restaurants extend outdoor seating until 11 PM, and street musicians perform nightly in Cathedral Square.
Kemeri National Park Bog Walking
August offers the most comfortable bog walking conditions with raised wooden boardwalks completely dry and bog vegetation at full bloom. The 3.4 km (2.1 mile) Kemeri bog trail showcases Latvia's unique wetland ecosystem, and August's extended daylight means safe hiking until 8 PM. Wild cranberries and cloudberries are visible throughout the elevated walkways.
Rundāle Palace and Gardens Tours
Latvia's Versailles reaches peak beauty in August when the formal French and English gardens are in full bloom. Built by Francesco Rastrelli, the palace's 138 rooms showcase Baroque and Rococo interiors, while the 85-hectare (210-acre) gardens display geometric patterns best viewed from upper palace windows. August's warm weather makes the 1.5-hour journey from Riga comfortable.
Traditional Latvian Sauna and Wellness
August's warm evenings make traditional pirts (Latvian sauna) experiences most enjoyable when combined with cool outdoor air. Unlike Finnish saunas, Latvian pirts use oak and birch branches for cleansing rituals. Many rural guesthouses offer authentic experiences with Baltic Sea or lake cooling options, capitalizing on August's warmest water temperatures.
August Events & Festivals
Riga City Festival
Latvia's largest urban festival transforms Riga's Old Town into an outdoor concert venue with over 200 performances across multiple stages. Traditional folk music, contemporary Latvian bands, and Baltic cuisine vendors line the cobblestone streets. The festival showcases Latvian culture through craft demonstrations, traditional clothing displays, and interactive cultural workshops.
Assumption of Mary Festival
Traditional Catholic celebration particularly strong in Latgale region with church services, folk music, and regional food festivals. Many rural communities hold outdoor masses followed by community feasts featuring traditional Latvian dishes like rupjmaize and grey peas with bacon. Craft markets sell traditional textiles and wooden items.