Best Time to Visit Latvia

Riga and the rest of Latvia

Riga is the only Latvian city on our site, so that's what these numbers describe. It gets its best weather in June and September. July is the hottest month, at 22°C. That's warm, not scorching. You can walk the Old Town and the Art Nouveau streets around Alberta iela without melting.

The coast is a different story. Jūrmala, the long beach town west of Riga, is lovely in July but the Baltic Sea stays cool. Locals swim, but you may just paddle. Inland, Gauja National Park and the town of Sigulda are best for hiking in early autumn, when the forest turns gold.

Summer, and the days around Midsummer

June and September are the sweet spots. June has very long days, and it's light late into the evening. September is calmer, with fewer visitors and still-pleasant afternoons.

The big event is Jāņi, Latvia's Midsummer festival, around 23 and 24 June. Locals leave the cities for the countryside. They light bonfires, wear flower or oak-leaf wreaths and sing all night. Riga can feel quiet, and some shops and restaurants close. Public holidays also fall on those days, so check opening hours before you go.

August is the wettest month, at 89 mm. It's still a good time for beaches, but pack for a few grey, showery days. Museums like the Latvian National Museum of Art are good backups.

High and low season

High season runs from June to August. Rooms in the Old Town fill up, especially around Jāņi and on weekends. If you hate crowds, aim for September or late May.

Winter is low season. It's cold and dark, but Riga's Christmas market in Old Town Square is cosy, with mulled wine and warm snacks. Travelling on a budget? Cold months are usually cheaper, and you'll have the Central Market, in its old Zeppelin hangars, almost to yourself. Just plan for short daylight hours and icy pavements.