Riga Weather in December

December weather in Riga

December feels cold, damp and dim in Riga. Daytime highs reach 0°C, while nights can fall to -3°C. Rain comes often, and it may leave Old Town's cobbles slick rather than giving you a pretty snowfall. There's only about six and a half hours of daylight, so outdoor sightseeing feels brief.

The weather can make long walks along the Daugava uncomfortable. Instead, duck into the Art Nouveau Museum or explore the indoor stalls at Riga Central Market. Save a walk through the Old Town for daylight, and watch your footing on wet streets.

Christmas in the Old Town

Riga's Christmas market usually fills Dome Square with wooden stalls, food and seasonal decorations. You can warm up with a hot drink, browse local crafts and see the square's medieval buildings after dark. Dates and opening hours can vary, so check the market's details before you go.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are important family holidays in Latvia. Some places may close or shorten their hours, so don't count on every restaurant or attraction being open. For families, the market's lights and treats make a pleasant stop, even when the weather cuts a walk short.

Crowds and practical tips

December is generally quieter than Riga's popular summer months, especially outside the Christmas market. The market draws more visitors on weekends, while the holiday period can bring local closures. Accommodation and flights may cost more around Christmas and New Year than during quieter winter dates, but December isn't usually peak season overall.

For a practical warm-up, take a break at Central Market and try grey peas with bacon, a traditional Latvian dish. The market sits in former Zeppelin hangars near the Old Town, so it's easy to pair with nearby sights without spending much time outside.