Things to Do in Latvia in June

June weather, activities, events & insider tips

June Weather in Latvia

22°C (72°F) High Temp
13°C (55°F) Low Temp
75 mm (3.0 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is June Right for You?

Advantages

  • White Nights season means 19+ hours of daylight - perfect for sightseeing with sunset around 10:20 PM and sunrise at 4:40 AM
  • Līgo (Midsummer) celebration on June 23-24 - Latvia's most important cultural festival with bonfires, traditional foods, and folk singing nationwide
  • Warmest swimming weather at Baltic beaches with water temperatures reaching 18-20°C (64-68°F) - the only comfortable beach season
  • Peak wildflower blooming in national parks with lupines, poppies, and meadow flowers creating spectacular landscapes for photography

Considerations

  • Accommodation prices increase 40-60% during Līgo weekend (June 21-24) with many guesthouses fully booked months ahead
  • Frequent light rain showers occur 60% of days, lasting 15-30 minutes each - you'll need flexible outdoor plans and rain gear
  • Tourist crowds peak at Riga's Old Town and Sigulda, with walking tours often fully booked and restaurant wait times doubling

Best Activities in June

Baltic Sea Beach Activities at Jūrmala

June is the only month when Baltic waters are warm enough for comfortable swimming at 18-20°C (64-68°F). Jūrmala's 33 km (20.5 miles) of white sand beaches come alive with beach volleyball, windsurfing, and traditional wooden architecture tours. The famous resort town's Art Nouveau buildings and traditional fish smoking houses are perfect when occasional rain drives you from the beach.

Booking Tip: Beach house rentals and spa treatments book up 3-4 weeks ahead for June weekends. Day passes to beach clubs typically cost €15-25. Book spa packages in advance through resort properties for best rates.

Gauja National Park Adventure Tours

Perfect hiking weather with 22°C (72°F) highs and lush green forests at peak beauty. The Gauja River is ideal for canoeing with stable water levels, while medieval castle ruins at Sigulda and Cēsis offer dramatic photography opportunities. June's long daylight hours mean you can explore trails until 9 PM with excellent visibility.

Booking Tip: Canoe rentals and guided hiking tours typically cost €35-55 per person. Book 7-10 days ahead as June weekends fill up. Multi-day packages including castle visits range €120-180 per person. See current tour options in booking section below.

Riga Old Town Cultural Walking Tours

Ideal weather for exploring UNESCO World Heritage cobblestone streets without winter ice or autumn mud. June brings outdoor café culture to full swing, with Art Nouveau district tours showcasing the world's largest collection of such architecture. Evening concerts in Dome Square take advantage of the white nights atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Free walking tours run 3-4 times daily but tip €10-15 expected. Private guides cost €80-120 for 3-hour tours. Book restaurant reservations 5-7 days ahead as June dining demand peaks. Cultural event tickets often sell out 2 weeks prior.

Traditional Līgo Midsummer Celebrations

Latvia's most authentic cultural experience happens June 23-24 with bonfires, cheese with caraway seeds, beer drinking, and Jāņu nakts (John's Night) traditions. Rural guesthouses and farms offer authentic celebrations with folk singing, flower crown making, and traditional foods. This is when Latvians are most welcoming to visitors joining their customs.

Booking Tip: Rural celebration experiences cost €45-75 including traditional foods and activities. Book by May 15th as authentic farm experiences sell out early. Day trips from Riga typically €35-50. Many events are free in public parks but arrive early for best spots.

Rundāle Palace and Gardens Tours

The 'Versailles of the Baltics' reaches peak beauty in June when baroque gardens bloom fully. French-style landscaping with geometric patterns, rose gardens, and ornamental lakes create perfect photography conditions. Cool morning temperatures of 13°C (55°F) make early visits comfortable before afternoon crowds arrive.

Booking Tip: Palace entry costs €12-16 with garden access. Guided tours add €8-12 per person. Visit before 11 AM or after 4 PM to avoid bus tour crowds. Combined tickets with transport from Riga typically €45-65. Book 5-7 days ahead for weekend visits.

Amber Coast Discovery Tours

June storms wash fresh amber onto western beaches, making this the best month for amber hunting along Kurzeme coast. Professional guides teach identification techniques while exploring dramatic cliffs at Cape Kolka where Baltic Sea meets Gulf of Riga. Traditional fishing villages offer smoked fish tastings and maritime history.

Booking Tip: Full-day coastal tours typically cost €55-85 including transportation and guide. Amber hunting equipment rental adds €8-15. Book 10-14 days ahead for June weekends. Multi-day packages with coastal accommodation range €180-280 per person.

June Events & Festivals

June 23-24

Līgo (Midsummer Night) Festival

Latvia's most important cultural celebration featuring bonfires, traditional folk singing, flower crown making, and jumping over fires for good luck. Every town and village celebrates with local foods including Jāņu cheese with caraway seeds and traditional beer. This is when Latvian culture is most accessible to visitors.

Early to Mid June

Riga Opera Festival

International opera and classical music performances in the renovated National Opera House and outdoor venues throughout Riga. Features both international stars and Baltic productions with special white nights concerts taking advantage of the extended daylight.

Mid to Late June

Positivus Music Festival

Baltic region's largest music festival held in Salacgrīva featuring international and local artists across multiple stages. Beach location with camping options creates unique festival atmosphere combining music with coastal setting.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket - June brings 10 rainy days with sudden 15-30 minute showers that can soak you completely
Layers for 9°C (16°F) temperature swings - mornings start at 13°C (55°F) but reach 22°C (72°F) by afternoon
Comfortable waterproof walking shoes - Old Town cobblestones become slippery when wet and you'll walk 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) daily sightseeing
SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and white nights mean extended sun exposure until 10 PM
Light cotton or linen clothing - 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable during active sightseeing
Warm sweater or fleece - evenings drop to 13°C (55°F) and coastal areas feel 3-4°C (5-7°F) cooler with sea breezes
Small daypack with plastic bag lining - protect electronics and documents from sudden rain while exploring
Insect repellent - mosquitoes are active in forests and near water bodies, especially during evening hours
Portable phone charger - extended daylight hours mean longer sightseeing days that drain batteries faster
Casual dress clothes - many restaurants and cultural events maintain smart-casual standards even in summer

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations before May 1st for Līgo weekend (June 21-24) - prices triple and availability disappears as this is Latvia's biggest holiday when locals travel extensively
Visit beaches and outdoor attractions before 11 AM or after 4 PM when tour buses arrive - locals know to avoid the 11 AM-4 PM tourist rush
Learn basic Latvian greetings during Līgo celebrations - locals become exceptionally welcoming when visitors show cultural interest and will invite you to join traditional activities
Download offline maps for rural areas - cell coverage disappears in national parks and coastal regions where some of June's best amber hunting and hiking happens

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how quickly weather changes - tourists get caught in sudden downpours without rain gear and end up spending €40-50 on overpriced tourist shop umbrellas
Trying to pack too many activities into Līgo weekend - everything closes June 23-24 except cultural celebrations, so plan 2-3 relaxed days around this holiday
Wearing inappropriate footwear for cobblestones - smooth-soled shoes become dangerous on wet medieval streets, causing slips and falls that ruin sightseeing days

Explore Activities in Latvia