Things to Do in Latvia in May

May Weather in Latvia

19°C (66°F) High Temp

8°C (46°F) Low Temp

47mm (1.9 inches) Rainfall

68% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Peak spring bloom season - lilacs, apple blossoms, and wild lupines create spectacular displays in Gauja National Park and countryside from May 10-25
Optimal hiking weather with 15+ hours of daylight and comfortable temperatures (8-19°C/46-66°F) perfect for forest trails without summer heat or winter gear
White Nights season begins - near-midnight sunsets create magical photography conditions and extended outdoor dining hours until 11pm
Pre-summer pricing on accommodations (20-30% lower than June-August) while weather is already warm enough for all outdoor activities

Considerations

Unpredictable spring weather requires layering - temperatures can swing 10°C (18°F) between morning and afternoon with sudden rain showers
Many coastal activities and beach towns don't fully open until June 1st, limiting seaside accommodation and restaurant options
Mud season on unpaved trails in forests and national parks - some remote hiking paths become temporarily inaccessible after rain

Best Activities in May

Gauja National Park Spring Forest Hiking

May is the single best month for Latvia's national parks. Spring wildflowers carpet forest floors, birch and oak leaves create perfect green canopies, and 15+ daylight hours mean you can hike until 8pm. Temperatures stay comfortable (10-18°C/50-64°F) without summer heat. The ancient Turaida Castle and Gutmanis Cave are surrounded by blooming meadows.

Booking Tip: Book guided nature walks 5-7 days ahead through national park visitor centers. Self-guided hiking is free, but guided botanical tours cost €15-25 per person. Trails are well-marked and no advance booking needed for independent hiking.

Riga Old Town Architecture Walking Tours

Perfect weather for exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites without winter cold or summer crowds. May temperatures (12-17°C/54-63°F) are ideal for 3-4 hour walking tours through cobblestone streets. Spring light creates excellent conditions for photographing Art Nouveau facades and medieval buildings. Outdoor café terraces reopen for the season.

Booking Tip: Book small-group walking tours (8-12 people) 3-5 days ahead for €18-28 per person. Free walking tours operate daily but tip €5-10 expected. Tours run rain or shine with covered market halls and churches as shelter options.

Rundāle Palace Gardens Spring Visit

The baroque palace gardens reach peak spring beauty in May. French-style formal gardens burst with tulips, daffodils, and early roses. Pleasant walking weather (10-16°C/50-61°F) for exploring 85 hectares (210 acres) of landscaped grounds. Interior palace tours combine perfectly with garden strolls during comfortable temperatures.

Booking Tip: Palace entry €8-12, gardens additional €3-5. No advance booking needed for individual visits. Combined palace-garden tickets save €2-3. Gardens close at sunset (around 9pm in May) so plan afternoon visits for best light and warmth.

Kemeri National Park Bog Boardwalk Exploration

Spring awakening in Latvia's mystical bog landscapes. May brings migrating birds, budding cranberry plants, and clearest bog pool reflections. Comfortable temperatures (8-15°C/46-59°F) for 2-3 hour boardwalk hikes without summer mosquitos (they emerge in June). The 3.4km (2.1 mile) Great Kemeri Bog trail offers stunning sunrise photography.

Booking Tip: Free access, no booking required. Guided bog ecology tours available through park centers for €12-18 per person, book 2-3 days ahead. Wear waterproof shoes and bring layers - bog areas stay 3-5°C cooler than surrounding areas.

Jurmala Beach Resort Early Season Visits

Beach resort town awakens from winter closure. Many spas, restaurants, and hotels reopen May 1st with shoulder-season rates. Pleasant for beach walks (though Baltic Sea remains cold at 8-10°C/46-50°F). The 33km (20.5 mile) white sand beach offers peaceful strolls without summer crowds. Perfect for spa treatments and seaside dining.

Booking Tip: Accommodation rates 30-40% lower than summer peak. Book seaside hotels 10-14 days ahead as many properties have limited May availability. Day spa treatments €45-85. Some beachfront restaurants remain closed until June, verify operating hours.

Sigulda Adventure Valley Activities

Adventure sports capital comes alive as cable cars, bobsled tracks, and zip lines reopen for the season. May weather (10-18°C/50-64°F) is perfect for outdoor thrills without winter gear restrictions. The 1.2km (0.7 mile) cable car over Gauja River valley offers spectacular spring forest views. Bungee jumping and aerial obstacle courses operate with ideal conditions.

Booking Tip: Cable car tickets €8-12, adventure packages €25-45. Book adrenaline activities 5-7 days ahead through adventure centers. Weather-dependent activities may cancel during rain - indoor alternatives include medieval castle tours and spa treatments.

May Events & Festivals

Mid May

Riga Spring Festival

Annual celebration featuring outdoor concerts, street performances, and craft markets throughout Old Town. Local artisans display traditional woodwork, amber jewelry, and textile arts. Food stalls offer seasonal specialties like early asparagus and spring herbs. Free events combined with ticketed concerts create city-wide celebration atmosphere.

Third Saturday in May

Museums Night

Over 100 museums across Latvia offer free or reduced entry (€2-5) with special evening programming until midnight. Unique opportunity to explore collections with extended hours, special exhibitions, and cultural performances. Transportation between museums provided by special shuttle buses in major cities.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots - forest trails can be muddy after spring rains, and bog boardwalks get slippery

Layered clothing system - temperatures swing from 8°C (46°F) morning to 19°C (66°F) afternoon within same day

Light rain jacket with hood - spring showers last 15-30 minutes and occur on 8 days during May

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 6 and spring sun reflects strongly off wet surfaces and water

Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones - Riga Old Town has uneven medieval streets requiring good grip

Light wool or fleece layer - evenings cool to 8-10°C (46-50°F) even after warm days

Small daypack for hiking - ideal for carrying layers as you warm up during forest walks

Waterproof phone case - protect devices during bog walks and coastal areas with high humidity

Insect repellent for bog areas - early season midges appear in wetland areas before main mosquito season

Power bank and charging cables - extended daylight hours (15+) encourage all-day photography

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by April 15th - many properties close for renovations between seasons and May availability can be surprisingly limited despite lower demand

Shop at Riga Central Market early morning (7-9am) for seasonal specialties like first asparagus, wild garlic, and greenhouse strawberries before tourist crowds arrive

Use the 'Forest Bathing' trails in Gauja National Park - locals practice this Japanese-inspired wellness activity in designated quiet zones perfect for May's mild weather

Take advantage of spa hotel packages in Jurmala - many offer 'shoulder season' deals with full spa access, meals, and accommodation for 40% less than summer rates

Avoid These Mistakes

Underpacking warm clothes assuming spring means warm weather - May mornings regularly drop to 8°C (46°F) even after 19°C (66°F) afternoons

Expecting full beach season operations - many coastal restaurants, beach bars, and water sports don't open until June 1st

Booking bog hiking tours for early morning - these wetland areas stay cold and foggy until afternoon, best visited 2-6pm for warmth and visibility