Latvia - When to Visit

When to Visit Latvia

Climate guide & best times to travel

Latvia experiences a temperate continental climate with four distinct seasons, though the Baltic Sea moderates temperatures along the coast. Winters are cold and snowy, lasting from December through February with short daylight hours—you might only get 6-7 hours of light in the depths of winter. Summers are pleasantly mild rather than scorching, with long days that stretch past 10pm in June and July. Spring and autumn tend to be transitional and somewhat unpredictable, with spring arriving late (sometimes not feeling truly spring-like until May) and autumn bringing beautiful foliage but increasing rain and wind. The country typically sees around 600-700mm of rainfall spread fairly evenly throughout the year, though late summer and autumn tend to be slightly wetter. That consistent 70% humidity you'll encounter means the cold feels colder in winter and the warmth feels warmer in summer. Latvia's northern location means dramatic seasonal light variations—those endless summer evenings are magical, but the dark winter afternoons can catch you off guard if you're not prepared for them.

Best Time to Visit

Beach & Relaxation
Late June through August offers the warmest weather for enjoying Latvia's Baltic coastline, though the water stays pretty brisk even in summer—locals are hardier about swimming than most visitors.
Cultural Exploration
May through September gives you comfortable weather for exploring Riga's Art Nouveau architecture and medieval Old Town, plus most festivals and cultural events happen during these months when the weather cooperates.
Adventure & Hiking
June through early September offers the best conditions for exploring Gauja National Park and Latvia's forests, with dry trails, long daylight hours, and comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities.
Budget Travel
November through March (excluding Christmas markets season) tends to bring lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists, though you'll need to embrace the cold and limited daylight to make it worthwhile.

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What to Pack

Year-Round Essentials

Waterproof jacket
Rain can show up any month, and that 70% humidity means drizzle is common even when it's not officially raining.
Comfortable walking shoes
Riga's Old Town cobblestones and forest trails demand proper footwear, not fashion shoes.
Layers (cardigans, light sweaters)
Temperature swings between morning and afternoon, indoors and outdoors, make layering essential year-round.
Small day backpack
You'll be adding and removing layers constantly, plus carrying water and the inevitable rain jacket.
Reusable water bottle
Tap water is safe to drink throughout Latvia, and you'll save money while reducing plastic waste.
Power bank
Cold weather drains phone batteries faster, and you'll want your camera ready for those Art Nouveau buildings.

Spring (Mar-May)

Clothing
Medium-weight jacket, Long-sleeve shirts, Jeans or casual pants, One warmer sweater
Footwear
Waterproof boots or shoes with good traction—spring mud is real
Accessories
Light scarf, Umbrella, Sunglasses for increasingly bright days
Layering Tip
Think onion-style layering since mornings can be near freezing while afternoons reach comfortable temperatures.

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Clothing
T-shirts and light tops, Shorts and summer dresses, Light long pants for evenings, One warm fleece or hoodie
Footwear
Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers; sandals for beach days
Accessories
Sunglasses, Light rain jacket, Sun hat, Swimsuit for beach or sauna
Layering Tip
Evenings cool down more than you'd expect, so always have a sweater or jacket handy even on warm days.

Autumn (Sep-Nov)

Clothing
Warm jacket, Long-sleeve shirts and sweaters, Jeans and heavier pants, Waterproof outer layer
Footwear
Waterproof boots become increasingly important as rain picks up
Accessories
Warm scarf, Gloves by November, Sturdy umbrella, Warm hat for late autumn
Layering Tip
By November you're essentially dressing for winter, with multiple warm layers under a windproof outer shell.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Clothing
Heavy winter coat, Thermal underwear, Wool sweaters, Insulated pants for outdoor activities
Footwear
Insulated, waterproof boots with excellent traction for snow and ice
Accessories
Warm hat that covers ears, Insulated gloves or mittens, Thick scarf, Hand warmers for particularly cold days
Layering Tip
Serious layering is non-negotiable—thermal base layer, warm middle layer, windproof outer shell as a minimum.
Plug Type
Type C and Type F (European two-pin plugs)
Voltage
230V, 50Hz
Adapter Note
Travelers from outside Europe will need an adapter; those from UK need one despite similar voltage

Skip These Items

Hair dryer (hotels provide them, and they're bulky) Beach towels (accommodation provides towels, and beaches have rental options) Excessive toiletries (pharmacies are everywhere and well-stocked) Formal wear unless you have specific plans (Latvia is quite casual) Too many books (pack light and use e-readers or visit Riga's excellent bookshops)

Month-by-Month Guide

January

The heart of winter brings Latvia's coldest temperatures, typically ranging from -6°C to -1°C (21-30°F), though cold snaps can push things lower. Snow cover is usually reliable, making it popular for winter sports enthusiasts. The short days mean darkness by 4pm, but Christmas lights often linger into early January, giving cities a cozy atmosphere.

-1°C (30°F) High
-6°C (21°F) Low
35mm (1.4in) Rainfall
Low Crowds
View Details →

February

Still firmly winter, though you'll start noticing the days getting noticeably longer by month's end. Temperatures hover around -5°C to 0°C (23-32°F), with snow still covering much of the landscape. This is actually one of the drier months precipitation-wise, though what falls is usually snow rather than rain.

0°C (32°F) High
-5°C (23°F) Low
28mm (1.1in) Rainfall
Low Crowds
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March

The transition month that can feel like winter one day and hint at spring the next. Temperatures climb to around 3-5°C (37-41°F) during the day, but nights often stay below freezing. Snow starts melting, creating muddy conditions, and you'll get a mix of rain and occasional snow. The increasing daylight is noticeable and mood-lifting.

4°C (39°F) High
-2°C (28°F) Low
32mm (1.3in) Rainfall
Low Crowds
View Details →

April

Spring finally starts showing up in earnest, with temperatures reaching 10-12°C (50-54°F), though mornings can still be chilly at 2-4°C (36-39°F). Trees begin budding, and you'll see the first real green after months of gray and white. Rain becomes more common than snow, and the weather can be quite changeable—layering is essential.

11°C (52°F) High
2°C (36°F) Low
38mm (1.5in) Rainfall
Low Crowds
View Details →

May

This is when Latvia really comes alive, with temperatures climbing to a pleasant 17-18°C (63-64°F) and everything turning green. Daylight extends dramatically—you'll have light until nearly 10pm by month's end. It's a lovely time to visit, though you might catch some rain showers. Locals start spending time outdoors again after the long winter.

18°C (64°F) High
7°C (45°F) Low
45mm (1.8in) Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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June

The beginning of proper summer, with temperatures typically reaching 20-21°C (68-70°F) and the famous white nights around midsummer when it barely gets dark. Midsummer celebrations (Jāņi) are a huge cultural event. The weather is generally pleasant, though you'll want a light jacket for cooler evenings and the occasional rainy day.

21°C (70°F) High
11°C (52°F) Low
62mm (2.4in) Rainfall
High Crowds
View Details →

July

Latvia's warmest month, with temperatures around 23°C (73°F)—comfortable rather than sweltering. This is peak tourist season for good reason: long days, generally stable weather, and everything from beaches to festivals in full swing. That said, you'll still want to pack a sweater for evenings, and rain showers aren't uncommon.

23°C (73°F) High
13°C (55°F) Low
78mm (3.1in) Rainfall
High Crowds
View Details →

August

Similar to July but slightly cooler, with temperatures around 22°C (72°F). This is actually the wettest month, so you'll likely encounter some rain, though it rarely ruins entire days. The Baltic Sea reaches its warmest (relatively speaking), and beaches remain popular. Days are still long, though you'll notice them shortening as the month progresses.

22°C (72°F) High
12°C (54°F) Low
82mm (3.2in) Rainfall
High Crowds
View Details →

September

Early autumn brings cooler temperatures around 17°C (63°F) and beautiful fall colors, particularly in Latvia's extensive forests. The weather can be quite pleasant, especially early in the month, though rain becomes more frequent and the days shorten noticeably. Crowds thin out after schools resume, making it a nice time for those seeking quieter travel.

17°C (63°F) High
8°C (46°F) Low
65mm (2.6in) Rainfall
Medium Crowds
View Details →

October

Proper autumn settles in with temperatures dropping to around 10°C (50°F), and the landscape transforms into gorgeous golds and oranges. Rain and wind pick up, and you'll definitely need warmer layers. By month's end, you might see the first frost or even snow. Daylight diminishes rapidly, which can feel dramatic if you're not used to it.

10°C (50°F) High
4°C (39°F) Low
58mm (2.3in) Rainfall
Low Crowds
View Details →

November

The gray month—temperatures hover around 3-4°C (37-39°F), and overcast skies dominate. Rain is more common than snow early on, though snow becomes more likely as the month progresses. It's dark by 4:30pm, which can feel quite oppressive. This is genuinely off-season, though Christmas markets start appearing late in the month, adding some cheer.

3°C (37°F) High
0°C (32°F) Low
52mm (2.0in) Rainfall
Low Crowds
View Details →

December

Winter arrives with temperatures typically between -3°C and 1°C (27-34°F). Snow cover becomes more reliable, and Christmas markets transform Riga and other cities into winter wonderlands. The shortest days mean darkness by 3:30pm, but the festive atmosphere and twinkling lights make it feel cozy rather than dreary, at least through the holidays.

1°C (34°F) High
-3°C (27°F) Low
45mm (1.8in) Rainfall
Medium Crowds
View Details →

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