Things to Do in Latvia in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Latvia
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak autumn foliage throughout Gauja National Park and Sigulda - birch, maple, and oak trees create spectacular golden landscapes from October 5-25
- Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs drop 30-40% compared to summer, with luxury hotels in Riga Old Town averaging €80-120 instead of €150-200
- Comfortable hiking weather with cool temperatures ideal for exploring Latvia's 2,256 km (1,401 miles) of marked trails without summer heat and mosquitoes
- Harvest season brings fresh cranberries, mushrooms, and sea buckthorn to local markets, plus new wine releases from Sabile vineyards
Considerations
- Daylight shrinks rapidly from 11.5 hours to 9.5 hours during October - sunset moves from 7:15 PM to 6:20 PM, limiting outdoor photography time
- Unpredictable weather with rain on 14+ days means outdoor plans need flexible backup options and waterproof gear
- Many coastal attractions and beach facilities close for winter maintenance after October 15, including some Jūrmala resort amenities
Best Activities in October
Gauja National Park Autumn Hiking
October is absolutely perfect for exploring Latvia's largest national park as autumn colors peak mid-month and temperatures stay comfortable at 8-12°C (46-54°F) for all-day hiking. The Gauja River valley offers 15+ marked trails from 2-15 km (1.2-9.3 miles) with minimal crowds and spectacular photography opportunities. Cool weather means no mosquitoes and crystal-clear forest air.
Riga Old Town Architecture and Museum Tours
October's cooler weather makes walking Riga's cobblestone streets comfortable for hours of exploration. Art Nouveau district tours are particularly rewarding as you won't overheat climbing stairs to rooftop viewpoints. Museums extend hours during shoulder season and offer special autumn exhibitions. Rain provides atmospheric backdrop for Gothic church interiors.
Latvian Countryside Harvest Experiences
October is harvest time for cranberries, mushrooms, and sea buckthorn across Latvia's rural regions. Temperature around 6-10°C (43-50°F) is perfect for foraging tours and farm visits without summer heat. Local families welcome visitors to traditional harvest activities, and you'll taste the freshest seasonal produce at its peak flavor.
Baltic Coast Storm Watching
October brings dramatic weather systems across the Baltic Sea, creating spectacular storm watching opportunities along Latvia's 500 km (310 miles) of coastline. Waves can reach 3-4 meters (10-13 feet) at Liepāja and Ventspils. Cool 8-12°C (46-54°F) temperatures make beach walks invigorating rather than uncomfortable, and dramatic lighting creates incredible photography conditions.
Traditional Latvian Bathhouse Experiences
October's chilly, damp weather makes authentic pirts (Latvian sauna) experiences absolutely perfect. Temperature contrasts between 4°C (39°F) outdoor air and 80°C (176°F) sauna rooms are ideal for traditional birch branch treatments and cold lake plunges. Many rural properties offer seasonal packages with harvest feast meals.
October Events & Festivals
Mārtiņi (Martinmas) Celebrations
Traditional harvest festival marking the end of farming season with masquerade processions, traditional foods like roasted goose and Mārtiņbulkas (sweet pastries), and door-to-door singing traditions. Celebrated throughout rural Latvia with authentic folk customs rarely seen by tourists.
Riga International Film Festival
Baltic region's most prestigious film festival showcasing Nordic and Eastern European cinema in historic venues throughout Riga. Perfect indoor cultural activity for October's rainy days, with English subtitles available for international visitors.