Things to Do in Latvia in September
September weather, activities, events & insider tips
September Weather in Latvia
Is September Right for You?
Advantages
- Golden autumn foliage transforms Latvia's forests and parks into spectacular displays of amber, red, and gold - peak color typically hits mid-to-late September, making this arguably the most photogenic month of the year
- Summer crowds have completely disappeared but weather remains pleasant enough for outdoor exploration - you'll have Riga's cobblestone streets and Gauja National Park trails largely to yourself
- Harvest season brings mushroom foraging fever (Latvians are obsessed), apple festivals, and seasonal menus featuring chanterelles, porcini, and fresh produce - restaurants shift to hearty autumn dishes that showcase local ingredients at their peak
- Accommodation prices drop 30-40% compared to July-August while attractions maintain full operating hours through late September - you get shoulder-season pricing with nearly summer-level accessibility
Considerations
- Daylight shrinks noticeably throughout the month - you start September with about 13.5 hours of daylight but end with only 11.5 hours, meaning outdoor activities need earlier planning by month's end
- Weather becomes genuinely unpredictable - you might get a stunning 20°C (68°F) sunny day followed by a grey 10°C (50°F) drizzle, making day-to-day planning tricky and layered clothing essential
- Baltic Sea temperatures drop to 14-16°C (57-61°F), effectively ending the beach season except for the truly hardy - coastal towns like Jūrmala shift into quiet off-season mode after mid-September
Best Activities in September
Gauja National Park hiking and autumn foliage trails
September transforms Latvia's largest national park into an autumn masterpiece. The beech, oak, and birch forests explode with color, particularly along the Līgatne Nature Trails and around Turaida Castle. Temperatures in the 12-16°C (54-61°F) range make hiking genuinely comfortable without summer's heat, and the occasional morning mist creates atmospheric conditions perfect for photography. The Gutmanis Cave area and clifftop trails offer spectacular views without the summer tour groups. Late September is peak foliage time, though early September still shows plenty of green mixed with early color.
Mushroom foraging experiences in Latvian forests
September is peak mushroom season, and Latvians take foraging seriously - it's practically a national obsession. Chanterelles, porcini, and various boletes flourish after September rains, and you'll see locals heading into forests with baskets every weekend. Guided foraging tours teach you to identify edible species safely (critical - some mushrooms here are deadly), share traditional preservation techniques, and usually end with a meal featuring your harvest. The cool, damp conditions of September create ideal mushroom-growing weather, and forests within 30-50 km (19-31 miles) of Riga offer excellent foraging. This is genuinely insider Latvia - you're doing what locals do, not a tourist simulation.
Riga Old Town walking tours and Art Nouveau architecture exploration
September offers ideal conditions for exploring Riga's UNESCO-listed Old Town and Art Nouveau district - comfortable walking temperatures without summer's heat or winter's bitter cold. The 12-16°C (54-61°F) range means you can wander for hours without overheating, and the softer autumn light beautifully illuminates the ornate building facades along Alberta iela and Elizabetes iela. Fewer tourists mean you can actually photograph the House of Blackheads and Three Brothers buildings without crowds. The occasional rain shower sends you naturally into cozy cafes and museums. Early September sees more stable weather, while late September brings more atmospheric grey days that somehow suit Riga's medieval architecture perfectly.
Traditional Latvian sauna experiences and spa treatments
As temperatures cool and daylight shortens, Latvia's deep sauna culture becomes especially appealing. September evenings averaging 8-10°C (46-50°F) make the transition from hot sauna to cool air (or cold plunge) invigorating rather than shocking. Traditional Latvian saunas differ from Finnish versions - they use lower temperatures (60-70°C versus 80-90°C) and incorporate ritualistic birch branch whisking and herbal infusions. Many rural guesthouses and modern Riga spas offer authentic experiences, often combined with honey scrubs and herbal teas. This is genuine self-care as Latvians practice it, particularly relevant as autumn darkness begins. Some experiences include lakeside or riverside settings where the autumn scenery enhances the relaxation.
Cēsis medieval castle and small town exploration
The medieval town of Cēsis, about 90 km (56 miles) northeast of Riga, becomes particularly atmospheric in September. The 13th-century castle ruins take on a moody character under autumn skies, and the surrounding town feels authentically lived-in rather than touristy. September's cooler weather makes the castle tower climb (worth it for views over the Gauja Valley) more comfortable than in summer heat. The town hosts a harvest market in early September showcasing local crafts and foods. Nearby Āraišu lake fortress (reconstructed ancient Latvian settlement) and several manor houses make for excellent day-trip combinations. The forests surrounding Cēsis show spectacular autumn color by late September.
Jūrmala beach walks and pine forest trails
While swimming season ends in September, Jūrmala transforms into a peaceful retreat perfect for long beach walks and forest wandering. The resort town, just 25 km (15.5 miles) west of Riga, empties of summer crowds but retains its charming wooden architecture and extensive sandy beaches. September's temperatures make walking the 33 km (20.5 miles) of coastline genuinely pleasant, and the pine forests behind the beach offer sheltered trails when wind picks up. The Art Nouveau and traditional wooden dachas photograph beautifully against autumn skies. Early September might offer occasional warm enough days for brave swimming (14-16°C/57-61°F water), while late September is purely about contemplative walks and fresh Baltic air.
September Events & Festivals
Riga City Festival
Typically held in mid-August through early September, this multi-day celebration occasionally extends into the first weekend of September with concerts, street performances, and outdoor activities across Riga. Check specific 2026 dates as scheduling varies yearly, but if it overlaps with your visit, you'll find free outdoor concerts, food markets, and cultural programming throughout the Old Town and parks. The festival marks the end of summer with a celebratory atmosphere before autumn fully settles in.
Harvest festivals and apple celebrations
Various towns and rural areas host harvest-themed festivals throughout September, celebrating apple harvests, grain crops, and traditional autumn foods. These aren't single large events but rather scattered local celebrations - Tērvete Nature Park, various manor houses, and agricultural museums host weekend events featuring traditional crafts, folk music, seasonal foods, and apple pressing demonstrations. The exact dates vary by location and year, but weekends throughout September offer opportunities to experience authentic rural Latvian culture.