Things to Do in Latvia in February

February Weather in Latvia

-1°C (30°F) High Temp

-7°C (19°F) Low Temp

25 mm (1 inch) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Winter wonderland scenery - Riga's medieval Old Town covered in snow creates postcard-perfect views, especially around Dome Cathedral and Town Hall Square
Authentic sauna culture season - February is prime time for traditional Latvian bathhouse experiences, with locals using saunas 2-3 times weekly during deep winter
Lowest accommodation prices - Hotel rates drop 40-60% compared to summer, with luxury options in Riga's Old Town available for €60-80 per night
Maslenitsa celebration - The week before Orthodox Lent (late February 2025) brings traditional pancake festivals, sledding events, and winter folk performances across Latvia

Considerations

Extremely limited daylight - Sun rises at 8:00 AM and sets by 5:30 PM, giving only 9.5 hours of natural light for sightseeing
Harsh weather conditions - Temperatures can drop to -20°C (-4°F) during cold snaps, with icy sidewalks making walking treacherous without proper footwear
Many outdoor attractions closed - Rundale Palace gardens, coastal beaches, and hiking trails in Gauja National Park are largely inaccessible or unenjoyable

Best Activities in February

Riga Old Town Winter Walking Tours

February transforms Riga's UNESCO World Heritage center into a magical snow-dusted medieval landscape. The crisp air makes the 2-hour walks comfortable when properly dressed, and you'll have iconic spots like St. Peter's Church and the House of Blackheads practically to yourself. Morning tours (10 AM start) capture the best light during Latvia's short winter days.

Booking Tip: Book guided tours 3-5 days ahead through licensed operators. Tours typically cost €15-25 per person and include indoor warm-up stops. Look for guides certified by Latvia Tourism Development Agency. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Traditional Latvian Sauna Experiences

February is peak sauna season when locals embrace this essential winter tradition. Authentic Latvian saunas include birch branch beating (veniki), cold plunges, and traditional herbal teas. The contrast between -5°C outdoor air and 90°C sauna heat provides an unforgettable cultural immersion that's impossible to replicate in warmer months.

Booking Tip: Reserve authentic bathhouse sessions 1-2 days ahead. Traditional experiences cost €25-40 for 2-3 hours including sauna master guidance. Avoid tourist-focused spas - seek out local recommendations for genuine experiences.

Art Nouveau Architecture Museum Tours

Riga boasts the world's largest collection of Art Nouveau buildings, and February's clear, cold air provides perfect visibility for appreciating intricate facade details. Indoor museum portions offer warm respites between outdoor viewing stops. The Riga Art Nouveau Museum on Alberta Street provides essential context before exploring the neighborhood's 300+ decorated buildings.

Booking Tip: Self-guided audio tours cost €8-12, while private guided tours range €35-50 per person for 2.5 hours. Book museum entry tickets online to avoid weekend waits. Indoor portions provide essential warmth breaks during winter exploration.

Jurmala Winter Resort Visits

Latvia's famous beach resort takes on ethereal beauty in February with frozen Baltic shores and snow-covered wooden villas. The 25 km (15.5 mile) train ride from Riga offers scenic winter landscapes. While beaches aren't swimmable, the dramatic ice formations and 19th-century resort architecture create unique photo opportunities unavailable in summer.

Booking Tip: Take public trains (€2-4 each way) rather than tour buses for flexibility. Combine with visits to winter spas offering heated indoor pools. Allow 4-5 hours for full day trip including travel time.

Soviet History Bunker Explorations

February's cold weather makes underground bunker tours particularly atmospheric. The KGB Building and former Soviet installations maintain year-round temperatures of 8-12°C (46-54°F), providing both historical insight and temporary warmth. These indoor experiences work perfectly for February's weather limitations while offering unique Cold War perspectives.

Booking Tip: Book specialized history tours 5-7 days ahead, typically costing €20-35 per person for 2-hour experiences. Some locations require advance security clearance for foreign visitors. Indoor nature makes these ideal for harsh weather days.

Gauja National Park Winter Activities

When accessible, Gauja transforms into cross-country skiing and winter hiking paradise. The Gutmanis Cave stays at constant 6°C (43°F) year-round, while Turaida Castle offers dramatic snow-covered valley views. However, check conditions carefully - many trails close during harsh weather periods.

Booking Tip: Verify trail conditions before booking any outdoor activities. Winter equipment rentals available for €15-25 per day. Consider guided winter hiking tours (€30-45) that include safety equipment and local weather expertise.

February Events & Festivals

Late February

Maslenitsa (Butter Week) Festival

The week before Orthodox Lent brings traditional Slavic celebrations with pancake festivals, winter games, and folk performances. Local parks host sledding competitions, traditional music, and massive pancake feasts. Riga's Esplanade Park typically hosts the largest celebration with ice sculptures and winter carnival atmosphere.

Mid February

Riga Fashion Week Winter Edition

Latvia's premier fashion event showcases Nordic and Baltic designers in heated venues across central Riga. While primarily industry-focused, some shows offer public tickets and the associated pop-up shops provide unique shopping opportunities during the typically quiet February period.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated waterproof boots rated to -20°C (-4°F) with aggressive treads - Riga's cobblestones become ice rinks in February

Merino wool base layers (top and bottom) - essential for 9+ hours outdoors in sub-freezing temperatures

Down parka rated for -15°C (5°F) or lower - wind chill off the Baltic makes temperatures feel 10 degrees colder

Warm hat covering ears completely - you'll lose 40% of body heat through your head in these conditions

Insulated waterproof gloves - touchscreen compatible versions let you take photos without exposing fingers

Wool socks (bring 3+ pairs) - feet stay warmer when you can change into dry socks midday

Sunglasses - snow glare off white surfaces can cause eye strain even during Latvia's limited daylight

Lip balm with SPF protection - cold air and heating indoors create severe chapping conditions

Portable phone battery pack - cold weather drains batteries 50% faster than normal

Small daypack for layering - you'll constantly add/remove clothing when moving between heated indoor spaces and outdoor exploration

Insider Knowledge

Latvians embrace winter darkness with cozy 'hygge' culture - many cafes and restaurants offer special winter menus with hearty soups and mulled wine that aren't available other seasons

Public transport runs on time even in heavy snow, but buy tickets inside stations rather than from outdoor machines which frequently freeze and malfunction in February

Many museums extend hours during February to accommodate the limited daylight - Latvian National Museum of Art and Occupation Museum both stay open until 8 PM on weekends

Pharmacy chains (Apotheka, Benu) sell emergency hand/foot warmers for €2-3 per pack - locals keep these handy for outdoor market visits and longer walking tours

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how slippery Riga's medieval cobblestones become when icy - tourists without proper footwear frequently slip and injure themselves

Planning too many outdoor activities per day - with only 9.5 hours of daylight, you need indoor warm-up breaks every 90-120 minutes to avoid hypothermia

Assuming restaurants and attractions keep summer hours - many reduce operating hours or close entirely on weekdays during February's low season