Riga weather month by month: temperatures, rain, and what to wear

Understanding Riga’s Baltic climate

Riga’s climate is classified as humid continental (Köppen Dfb), modified by the proximity of the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga. The sea’s influence moderates temperature extremes somewhat — making summers cooler than Moscow at the same latitude, and winters less extreme than further inland. But “moderate” in Baltic terms still means genuine cold winters and pleasantly warm summers.

The dramatic factor most visitors underestimate is daylight variation. At 56°57’N, Riga has about 6.5 hours of daylight in late December and nearly 18.5 hours in late June. This is not an abstract statistic — it fundamentally shapes how the city feels and what you can do in each season.

Month-by-month detailed weather guide

January

Average high: -1°C. Average low: -7°C. Daylight: 7–8 hours. Rain/snow days: 10–12. Snow cover: common, persistent.

January is Riga’s coldest month. Grey skies dominate. The compensation: snow transforms the city beautifully, empty museums mean no queues at any attraction, and hotel prices hit their annual floor. The Daugava can partially freeze — an atmospheric sight from the Old Town bridges.

Packing: maximum winter layers. A -15°C rated coat is not excessive. Waterproof boots with anti-slip soles — Old Town cobblestones with ice are genuinely treacherous.

What to do: lean into indoor Riga (museums, the Latvian National Opera, sauna culture, Folkklubs Ala for folk music and warm food). The traditional pirts sauna experience is at its most atmospheric in deep winter.

February

Average high: 0°C. Average low: -7°C. Daylight: 9–10 hours. Rain/snow days: 9–11. Snow cover: likely.

Nearly identical to January but with noticeably lengthening days by month’s end. February sometimes has the best crisp, sunny winter days — cold but bright and beautiful. The Art Nouveau buildings are particularly striking against a blue February sky with snow on cornices and balconies.

March

Average high: 4°C. Average low: -3°C. Daylight: 12 hours. Rain/snow days: 9–10. Snow: melting.

The thaw month. Snow turns to slush. Streets can be messy. Temperatures swing unpredictably — a warm 10°C day can be followed by fresh snow. By late March the days are genuinely longer and parks show first hints of green.

Packing: transitional layers. A waterproof outer layer over a mid-layer is more useful than a single very thick coat. Ankle-height waterproof boots remain practical.

April

Average high: 11°C. Average low: 2°C. Daylight: 14–15 hours. Rain days: 8–10. No snow expected except early April cold snap.

Riga’s spring emerges properly in April. Parks bloom, canal boats resume, and the Old Town comes to life again after winter. Still unpredictable — a jacket is always needed. But the long evenings (sun setting around 8:30pm by month’s end) feel genuinely welcoming.

Day trips become viable: the Gauja trail mud has mostly dried by mid-April. Jūrmala is walkable but cold for sitting on the beach.

May

Average high: 17°C. Average low: 8°C. Daylight: 16–17 hours. Rain days: 8–9. Warm, pleasant.

One of the two prime months (with September). Comfortable for walking all day, evenings warm enough for outdoor dining by mid-May, parks in full bloom, and pre-peak-season prices. Cherry and apple trees blossom in Mežaparks and Bastejkalns. Tourism has not yet reached July intensity.

Packing: light trousers and shirts, a sweater for evenings, a compact rain jacket.

What to do: everything. The Old Town walking tours (classic Old Town walk), Art Nouveau district, Sigulda and Gauja day trips, Centrāltirgus market, outdoor cafés on Līvu laukums square.

June

Average high: 21°C. Average low: 12°C. Daylight: 18–19 hours (maximum around June 21). Rain days: 9–10. Warm and luminous.

The light is the story. At the solstice, astronomical darkness barely occurs — there is a persistent glow on the northern horizon all night. Sunset at 10:30pm feels extraordinary. The city is busy, especially around the Jāņi midsummer holiday (June 23–24). See our public holidays guide for what to expect during that weekend.

Packing: summer wardrobe, light jacket for evenings. A compact umbrella.

July

Average high: 22°C. Average low: 14°C. Daylight: 17–18 hours. Rain days: 10–11. Peak summer.

Warmest month. July has slightly more rain days than June but generally good stretches of sunshine. Jūrmala beach is in full operation — Baltic Sea temperature reaches 18–20°C. Old Town is at its most crowded: book restaurants, tours, and activities in advance.

Occasional hot spells can push temperatures to 28–30°C, which is genuinely hot for a Baltic city without air conditioning in older buildings (including some hotels and restaurants). If you run warm, check whether your accommodation has AC.

August

Average high: 21°C. Average low: 13°C. Daylight: 15–16 hours (decreasing noticeably). Rain days: 10–11. Still summer but beginning to turn.

August is summer on the wane — still warm and pleasant, but the days are visibly shortening and the first hints of autumn appear in early foliage colour by month’s end. The Riga City Festival (mid-August) is the highlight of the year for free outdoor events.

Slightly less crowded than July. Prices begin their gentle descent toward shoulder-season rates.

September

Average high: 16°C. Average low: 9°C. Daylight: 13–14 hours. Rain days: 10–12. Golden autumn begins.

The second prime month. The balance of conditions is excellent: warm enough for outdoor sightseeing without the heat pressure of July, long enough days to cover substantial ground, and the first autumn colours appearing in Gauja by mid-September. Tourist numbers drop noticeably from August. Prices 15–20% below peak.

Gauja National Park day trips in late September are genuinely spectacular — see our Sigulda by train guide.

October

Average high: 10°C. Average low: 4°C. Daylight: 11 hours (decreasing to 9). Rain days: 12–14. Full autumn.

October is the best month for autumn photography and the Gauja valley specifically. The hardwood forests around Sigulda, Cēsis, and Līgatne peak in colour during mid-October — reds, oranges, and yellows against medieval castle ruins. This is a genuinely unique landscape and underrated by most travel guides.

Temperatures require proper layering — the cold is starting to bite. Rain is more frequent but rarely unrelenting.

November

Average high: 4°C. Average low: 0°C. Daylight: 7–9 hours (decreasing). Rain/sleet days: 12–15. Grey.

The hardest month to enjoy. Short daylight, persistent overcast, cold, and no compensating snow-beauty. November is when even Rigans develop low-grade seasonal depression. That said, prices are very low, crowds are minimal, and the city’s indoor cultural offerings (opera, concerts, museums) are at their autumn programming peak.

The Christmas market opens in late November, which rescues the final week considerably.

December

Average high: 1°C. Average low: -4°C. Daylight: 6–7 hours. Snow/rain days: 12–14. Festive atmosphere.

The Christmas market around Dome Square (Doma laukums) transforms Old Town into a genuinely magical space. Warm lights, local crafts, seasonal foods, and the extraordinary spectacle of a mediaeval city dressed for winter. Days are very short — plan your sightseeing before 3:30pm darkness.

New Year’s Eve fireworks over the Daugava are large and free to watch from the riverbanks.

Temperature summary table

Packing guide by season

Spring (March–May): waterproof outer layer, mid-layer fleece or sweater, light base layers, ankle waterproof boots or smart trainers. Umbrella. Don’t forget a scarf for March cold spells.

Summer (June–August): T-shirts, light trousers, a lightweight jumper or cardigan for evenings. Walking shoes or trainers. Compact rain jacket. Sunscreen. Cap or hat for extended outdoor time.

Autumn (September–October): medium-weight jacket, light sweater layers, versatile trousers (not shorts after mid-September). Walking shoes or light boots. Rain jacket or umbrella.

Winter (November–February): serious warm coat rated to -15°C or below. Thermal base layers. Waterproof insulated boots with grip. Gloves, hat, scarf — all essential. Multiple mid-layers for flexibility as temperatures inside buildings are kept very warm.

Frequently asked questions about Riga weather

Does Riga get fog?

Yes, particularly in autumn (October–November) when warm inland air meets cold Daugava River water. Morning fog over the river and in Gauja valley in autumn is atmospheric for photography. City fog on November afternoons is less scenic.

Is the sea cold in Jūrmala?

The Baltic Sea at Jūrmala peaks at 16–20°C in late July and early August. By most standards this is cool for swimming, but for Scandinavians and Northern Europeans it is perfectly acceptable. The water is shallow and warms faster than the open Baltic.

What weather apps are reliable for Riga?

Yr.no (Norwegian Met) is considered highly accurate for Scandinavian and Baltic climate patterns. LVĢMC (Latvia’s State Meteorological Service, meteo.lv) is the official Latvian forecast. Both are more reliable for local Baltic conditions than international apps that use global models.

Does Riga ever get very hot?

Occasionally. Heat waves can push temperatures to 28–32°C in July–August, which feels quite hot for a city that has limited air conditioning in older buildings. These events are relatively rare — perhaps 5–8 very hot days per summer — and not something to plan around.

Is the weather good enough for a Daugava river cruise in autumn?

September: yes, excellent — crisp air, autumn reflections in the water, no summer crowd. October: sometimes, depending on the day — bring a warm layer. November: cold and possibly rainy, but the boats run and some visitors love the grey-river atmosphere.