Things to Do in Latvia in July

July Weather in Latvia

23°C (73°F) High Temp

14°C (57°F) Low Temp

85 mm (3.3 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Peak summer warmth - warmest month of the year with 19+ hours of daylight until 10pm, perfect for maximizing sightseeing time
White Nights season - magical twilight lighting from 9-11pm creates stunning photography conditions at Riga's medieval Old Town
Outdoor festival season - Riga hosts major music festivals and the famous Song and Dance Festival occurs every 5 years (next in 2028)
Beach weather finally arrives - Jurmala beach temperatures reach 20°C (68°F) making Baltic Sea swimming actually comfortable for tourists

Considerations

Peak tourist season means 40-60% higher accommodation prices and crowds at major attractions like Riga Castle and Gauja National Park
Frequent afternoon rain showers (12 rainy days) can disrupt outdoor market visits and walking tours - always carry waterproof gear
Mosquitoes are most active in forests and lakeside areas, particularly problematic during evening hours in Gauja and Kemeri National Parks

Best Activities in July

Riga Old Town Walking Tours

July's extended daylight hours (19+ hours) and warm weather make this the ideal time to explore Riga's UNESCO World Heritage medieval quarter. The long summer evenings provide magical lighting for photography between 8-10pm when most tour groups have left. Cobblestone streets are dry and comfortable for walking, though afternoon showers are common.

Booking Tip: Book walking tours for early morning (9-11am) or late afternoon (4-6pm) to avoid peak heat and crowds. Free walking tours are available, but private guided tours (typically €25-45 per person) offer deeper historical insights. Check current availability in the booking section below.

Jurmala Beach Resort Activities

July is the only month when the Baltic Sea reaches comfortable swimming temperatures of 18-20°C (64-68°F). Jurmala, just 25 km (15.5 miles) from Riga, offers 33 km (20.5 miles) of white sand beaches. The resort town's wooden architecture and spa culture are best enjoyed during the peak summer season when all facilities operate at full capacity.

Booking Tip: Day trips to Jurmala cost €15-25 including train transport from Riga. Beach equipment rental ranges €10-20 per day. Spa treatments should be booked 3-5 days ahead during July peak season. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Gauja National Park Hiking and Canoeing

Latvia's forests are lush and accessible in July, with trails dry enough for comfortable hiking. Gauja National Park offers medieval castle ruins at Turaida and Sigulda, plus canoeing on the Gauja River when water levels are optimal. The 18-hour daylight allows for full-day outdoor adventures ending with late sunset photography.

Booking Tip: Canoe rentals typically cost €20-35 per day. Multi-activity packages including hiking, canoeing, and castle visits range €45-75 per person. Book guided nature tours 7-10 days ahead for July weekends. Current outdoor activity options available in booking section below.

Latvian Countryside Castle Tours

July's warm weather and long days make castle-hopping ideal, with major sites like Rundale Palace surrounded by baroque gardens in full bloom. The countryside is green and photogenic, with good road conditions for day trips. Rundale Palace is 78 km (48.5 miles) from Riga, easily manageable as a day trip in summer conditions.

Booking Tip: Castle entry fees range €8-15 per site. Day tours including transport and multiple castles typically cost €55-85 per person. Gardens are at peak beauty in July, worth the extra €3-5 garden ticket. Book through licensed tour operators listed in the widget below.

Traditional Latvian Cooking Experiences

July brings seasonal ingredients like fresh dill, new potatoes, and berries that are central to authentic Latvian cuisine. Cooking classes focus on summer specialties like cold beet soup (aukstā biešu) and berry desserts. Market tours include Riga Central Market, housed in converted Zeppelin hangars and UNESCO-listed.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes with market tours cost €45-75 per person and last 3-4 hours. Book 5-7 days ahead as summer classes fill quickly. Look for experiences that include seasonal foraging elements. Current culinary experiences available in booking section below.

Baltic Sea Coastal Driving Routes

July offers the best weather for exploring Latvia's 500 km (311 miles) of coastline, including fishing villages like Liepaja and the remote Kolka Peninsula where the Baltic meets the Gulf of Riga. Roads are in excellent condition, and coastal weather is most stable during summer months.

Booking Tip: Car rentals range €25-45 per day in July peak season. Coastal route day tours cost €65-95 per person including stops at fishing villages and lighthouses. Book vehicles 14+ days ahead for July travel. Check current coastal tour availability in booking section below.

July Events & Festivals

Early to Mid July

Riga Summer Festival

Classical music performances held in historic venues throughout Riga's Old Town, featuring international orchestras and soloists. Outdoor concerts take advantage of the white nights atmosphere with performances extending past 10pm in natural twilight.

Mid July

Positivus Festival

Latvia's largest music festival held in Salacgriva, 100 km (62 miles) from Riga, featuring international and Baltic artists. The beachside location and July timing create ideal festival conditions with minimal rain risk and comfortable camping weather.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof rain jacket with hood - July averages 12 rainy days with sudden afternoon showers lasting 15-30 minutes

Comfortable waterproof walking shoes - cobblestones in Old Town become slippery when wet, plus forest trails can be muddy

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes are most active in July, especially problematic during evening hours in national parks

Lightweight long pants - essential for forest hiking to prevent tick bites and mosquito protection during evening activities

Sun hat and SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 6 and with 19+ daylight hours, sun exposure accumulates quickly

Light sweater for evenings - temperatures drop to 14°C (57°F) after sunset, particularly noticeable during late outdoor dining

Quick-dry clothing - high humidity at 75% means cotton takes longer to dry after rain showers

Small day pack with waterproof cover - essential for day trips to beaches and national parks where weather changes quickly

Portable umbrella - compact enough for walking tours but sturdy enough for sudden Baltic weather changes

Cash in small denominations - many rural attractions and markets still prefer cash, especially for parking fees €2-5

Insider Knowledge

Locals avoid Riga's tourist restaurants during July lunch hours (12-2pm) - eat at neighborhood spots in Miera iela or Dzirnavu street for authentic meals at half the price

Take the train to Jurmala instead of driving - parking costs €15-25 per day and traffic is heavy, while trains run every 30 minutes for just €2-3 each way

Visit major attractions before 10am or after 4pm in July - tour bus crowds peak between 10am-4pm, particularly at Riga Castle and Turaida Castle

Book accommodations with air conditioning - many older buildings in Riga's center lack AC and July humidity makes rooms uncomfortable, especially above the 3rd floor

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating rain frequency - tourists pack for summer weather but get caught unprepared in frequent July showers, ruining walking tours and outdoor market visits

Overpacking warm clothes - many visitors bring winter layers expecting cool Baltic weather, but July temperatures regularly reach 23°C (73°F) with high humidity

Not booking accommodations early enough - July is peak season and quality hotels in Riga's Old Town book up 6-8 weeks in advance, leaving only expensive last-minute options