Latvia blends medieval charm with Art Nouveau splendor in the heart of the Baltics. From the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Riga to pristine beaches along the Baltic Sea, this compact country offers rich history, vibrant culture, and unspoiled nature.
Latvia has a temperate continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers (June-August) are warm and sunny with very long daylight hours — Riga sees up to 18 hours of daylight at midsummer — while winters are cold and dark with short days. The Baltic Sea moderates temperatures somewhat, preventing the extremes seen further inland. Rainfall is spread fairly evenly year-round, with the wettest months being July-August. Snow covers the ground from December through February in most years.
Best time to visit
Best: June to August
Peak Season: June to August
Shoulder Season: April to May, September
Avoid: October to March
Best Reason:
Avoid Reason:
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
January
-4°C/25°F avg, -8°C min
Coldest month, short days (7h light), snow likely, very quiet tourism
February
-3°C/27°F avg, -7°C min
Still cold, snow, but days lengthening. Riga ice festival possible.
March
2°C/36°F avg
Snow melts, first spring signs, still cold. Tourism very low.
April
8°C/46°F avg
Spring arrives, parks bloom, pleasant walks. Cool but bright days.
May
14°C/57°F avg
Excellent weather, long evenings, forests green. Best shoulder season.
June
18°C/64°F avg
Summer begins, very long days, Jāņi midsummer festival June 23-24. Peak season starts.
July
21°C/70°F avg
Peak summer, warmest month, beach season in full swing. Jurmala and Riga most crowded.
August
20°C/68°F avg
Hot, Riga City Festival mid-August. Baltic Beach Party at Jurmala. Still very busy.
September
14°C/57°F avg
Crowds drop, forest gold begins, mushroom season peaks. Excellent month.
October
9°C/48°F avg
Autumn foliage spectacular, cool and crisp. Rain increases. Good for city visits.
November
4°C/39°F avg
Staro Rīga light festival mid-November. Cold and grey but Christmas markets begin.
December
0°C/32°F avg
Christmas markets are magical, snow possible. Short days but festive atmosphere.
The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Spring
Months: Mar-May
Spring arrives gradually with snow melting in March and forests bursting into leaf in April-May. Wildflowers bloom in the countryside and migratory birds return. Temperatures climb from 3-5°C in March to 15-18°C by late May.
Summer
Months: Jun-Aug
Latvia's best season with warm temperatures 20-26°C, very long days (18 hours of daylight at midsummer), and the country at its most alive. Jāņi midsummer festival (June 23-24) and Riga City Festival (August) are highlights.
Fall
Months: Sep-Nov
Arguably Latvia's most beautiful season as forests turn gold and red in September-October. Temperatures drop from 15°C to near freezing by November. Mushroom and berry season peaks in September. Days shorten rapidly.
Winter
Months: Dec-Feb
Cold and dark with temperatures -5 to +2°C and only 6-7 hours of daylight. Snow usually covers the ground December-February creating a magical atmosphere. Christmas markets in Riga are exceptional. Skiing possible at Sigulda.
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- High Season
- Jun-Aug (summer, beaches, long daylight)
- Shoulder Season
- Apr-May, Sep-Oct (pleasant weather, far fewer visitors)
- Low Season
- Nov-Mar (cold and quiet, Christmas markets in December are exception)
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Riga City Festival
Riga's biggest annual celebration with concerts, performances, markets, and fireworks across the city. Streets filled with entertainment, traditional crafts, and food stalls. Culminates in spectacular fireworks over Daugava River.
Christmas Markets
Traditional Christmas markets in Town Hall Square and Cathedral Square. Wooden stalls selling crafts, decorations, food, and mulled wine. Live music, decorated Christmas tree, and festive atmosphere.
Līgo / Jāņi (Midsummer)
Latvia's most important holiday celebrating summer solstice. Traditional celebrations include bonfires, flower crowns, singing, and feast foods. Many Rigans leave city for countryside celebrations. Some cultural events in city.
Riga Opera Festival
International opera festival showcasing classical and contemporary opera at Latvian National Opera. World-class performances in stunning Art Nouveau building. Various price points available.
Positivus Festival
Baltic's largest music festival in Salacgrīva (100km from Riga). International and local alternative, indie, and electronic acts. Weekend camping festival with beach access. Popular with young travelers.
Staro Rīga (Light Festival)
Light art festival transforming Riga with illuminations, projections, and light installations. Free outdoor event attracting hundreds of thousands. Buildings and spaces reimagined with creative lighting.
Latvian National Independence Day
Celebrating Latvia's 1918 independence declaration. Torch-lit procession, concerts, fireworks, and patriotic events. Impressive display of national pride with thousands participating.
Cēsis Medieval Festival
Medieval reenactment festival in Cēsis with knights tournaments, medieval crafts, food, and entertainment. Costumed participants, period music, and jousting. Family-friendly historical celebration.
Riga Marathon
International marathon with full, half, and 10km distances. Course through historic Riga streets showcasing architecture. Accompanying street festival and entertainment.
Baltic Beach Party
Electronic music festival on Jurmala beach featuring international DJs and electronic acts. Weekend event combining beach atmosphere with quality music programming.
Martini Fair (Mārtiņi)
Traditional autumn festival marking end of harvest season. Markets selling crafts and foods, particularly traditional Mārtiņdiena foods. Cultural performances and activities.
White Night / Museum Night
Annual event when Riga museums and cultural institutions stay open until late or all night with special programs, performances, and exhibitions. Most offer free or reduced admission.