When to Latvia
Climate guide & best times to travel
Best Time to Visit
Month-by-Month Guide
January
January is the heart of Latvia's winter, with freezing temperatures, snow-covered landscapes, and short daylight hours averaging just 6-7 hours per day. The cold, crisp weather creates a magical atmosphere in travel to Riga's Bratislava, though outdoor activities require proper winter gear. This is an excellent time for winter sports enthusiasts and those seeking authentic Baltic winter experiences.
February
February continues the cold winter conditions with persistent snow cover and icy temperatures, though days gradually begin to lengthen. The month offers excellent opportunities for winter photography and experiencing traditional Latvian winter culture. Temperatures remain well below freezing, making it one of the coldest months of the year.
March
March marks the transition from winter to spring, with temperatures slowly rising above freezing during the day, though snow can still fall. The landscape begins to thaw, creating muddy conditions, and daylight hours increase noticeably. This shoulder month sees few tourists and offers a glimpse of Latvia awakening from winter.
April
April brings genuine spring weather with temperatures climbing into comfortable ranges and nature bursting into bloom across the countryside. Days become significantly longer, and outdoor cafés in travel to Riga begin to open. While occasional cold snaps can occur, the month generally offers pleasant conditions for sightseeing with minimal crowds.
May
May is one of Latvia's most beautiful months, with warm temperatures, blooming flowers, and lush green forests. The weather is ideal for exploring both cities and nature, with long daylight hours extending past 9 PM. This is an excellent shoulder season month with pleasant conditions and moderate tourist numbers.
June
June welcomes summer with the longest days of the year, including the celebration of Midsummer (Jāņi), Latvia's most important cultural festival. Warm temperatures make beach visits to Jūrmala enjoyable, and the countryside is at its most vibrant. Tourist season begins in earnest, particularly during the Midsummer period around June 23-24.
July
July is Latvia's warmest month and peak tourist season, with long sunny days perfect for beach activities, outdoor festivals, and exploring the countryside. Temperatures are comfortably warm without being oppressive, and the Baltic Sea reaches its warmest (though still refreshing) temperatures. Expect the highest accommodation prices and largest crowds, especially in travel to Riga and coastal areas.
August
August maintains summer warmth with conditions similar to July, though days begin to shorten noticeably. This remains an excellent month for all outdoor activities, from hiking in Gauja National Park to enjoying Baltic beaches. Tourist numbers remain high through mid-August, then begin to decrease as schools resume across Europe.
September
September brings beautiful autumn colors and mild temperatures, making it an underrated time to visit Latvia. The weather remains pleasant for sightseeing, though evenings become cooler and occasional rain is more common. Tourist crowds diminish significantly after early September, offering better value and a more authentic local experience.
October
October showcases Latvia's stunning autumn foliage with golden and amber forests, though temperatures drop considerably and rain becomes more frequent. Days shorten rapidly, and the weather can be quite changeable. This is a quiet month for tourism, ideal for those seeking solitude and dramatic seasonal landscapes.
November
November is Latvia's transition into winter, characterized by gray skies, cold temperatures, and the first snowfalls. Daylight becomes limited to about 7-8 hours, and the damp cold can feel particularly penetrating. Tourism is at its lowest outside of the Christmas season, making it the most budget-friendly time to visit if you don't mind the gloomy weather.
December
December transforms Latvia into a winter wonderland, with Christmas markets, festive decorations, and snow-covered streets creating magical atmosphere in travel to Riga and other cities. Temperatures are consistently below freezing, and daylight is limited to just 6 hours per day. Tourist numbers increase around the Christmas period, particularly for the famous travel to Riga Christmas Market.