Things to Do in Latvia in September
September weather, activities, events & insider tips
September Weather in Latvia
Is September Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak mushroom foraging season - September is when locals harvest boletes, chanterelles, and birch boletes in Latvia's forests, with guided foraging tours running daily
- Stunning autumn foliage begins mid-month - birch and aspen trees turn brilliant yellow while temperatures remain comfortable for hiking at 15-18°C (59-64°F)
- Harvest season festivals throughout the country - Michaelmas celebrations, apple picking events, and traditional Latvian harvest markets operate weekends with local honey, preserves, and craft beer
- Ideal temperature for Old Riga walking tours - cool enough at 15°C (59°F) for 3-4 hour walks without summer heat, but warm enough to enjoy outdoor café terraces until evening
Considerations
- Unpredictable rain showers 10 days per month - you'll need waterproof gear and indoor backup plans as Baltic weather systems move through quickly
- Shorter daylight hours shrinking from 14 to 12 hours - outdoor activities must be planned earlier in the day, with sunset moving from 8:30 PM to 7:00 PM during the month
- Baltic Sea too cold for swimming at 14°C (57°F) - coastal activities limited to beach walks and photography rather than water sports
Best Activities in September
Kemeri National Park Bog Boardwalk Hiking
September is perfect for exploring Latvia's unique raised bogs as cranberries ripen and autumn colors emerge. The 3.4 km (2.1 mile) boardwalk trail stays dry despite frequent rain, and cooler temperatures at 15-18°C (59-64°F) make the 2-hour hike comfortable. Wildlife is active preparing for winter, and you'll avoid summer mosquitoes entirely.
Riga Old Town Architecture Walking Tours
Cool September weather at 15-18°C (59-64°F) is ideal for extensive walking through Riga's UNESCO World Heritage medieval center and Art Nouveau district. Rain showers are brief (15-20 minutes) and the cobblestones dry quickly. September's soft light enhances photography of the ornate building facades, and outdoor café stops remain comfortable.
Gauja National Park Castle Ruins Exploration
September offers perfect hiking weather for exploring Turaida and Sigulda castles with temperatures around 16°C (61°F) and stunning early autumn foliage. The Gauja River valley looks spectacular as leaves begin changing, and cooler weather makes the 4-6 km (2.5-3.7 mile) hiking trails between castle ruins comfortable for all fitness levels.
Traditional Latvian Sauna and Wellness Experiences
September's cool, damp weather makes authentic Latvian banja (sauna) experiences particularly appealing. Traditional saunas with birch branch treatments warm you after outdoor activities, and many rural guesthouses offer sauna packages with local meals. The contrast between 90°C (194°F) sauna heat and cool September air at 15°C (59°F) is invigorating.
Jurmala Beach and Pine Forest Walks
While too cool for swimming, September offers perfect weather for Jurmala's 33 km (20.5 mile) white sand beach walks at comfortable 16-18°C (61-64°F). The pine forests behind the beach turn golden, and the Baltic Sea creates dramatic storm watching opportunities. Fewer tourists mean peaceful sunrise walks and unobstructed photography.
Latvian Craft Beer and Seasonal Food Tours
September harvest season brings special apple ales, pumpkin beers, and seasonal brewery releases. Cool weather makes brewery hopping comfortable, and harvest festivals offer traditional Latvian foods like grey peas with bacon, rye bread, and fresh honey. Indoor brewery tours provide perfect rainy day alternatives.
September Events & Festivals
Michaelmas Day Celebrations
Traditional Latvian harvest festival on September 29th featuring folk dancing, traditional crafts, and seasonal foods at ethnographic museums and cultural centers. Local communities prepare special dishes with apples, honey, and root vegetables, while artisans demonstrate traditional weaving and woodworking.
Apple Harvest Festivals
Rural farms and orchards throughout Latvia host weekend apple picking events and cider tastings during September. Traditional apple varieties unique to Latvia are celebrated with cooking demonstrations, folk music, and opportunities to learn about historical Latvian agriculture.
Mushroom Foraging Guided Expeditions
Peak mushroom season brings organized foraging tours led by local mycologists. These educational experiences teach identification of edible species while exploring Latvia's pristine forests. Tours often conclude with traditional mushroom soup preparation using the day's finds.