Weather in Kuressaare

Planning your day or heading out for a stroll? Discover the latest weather updates for the city of Kuressaare, including detailed forecasts and charts provided below.

The climate of Kuressaare can be characterised as temperate maritime, largely defined by its location on an island. Thanks to the influence of the Baltic Sea, the weather here is milder compared to mainland Estonia: winters are usually not too severe, and summer delights with pleasant warmth without exhausting heat. This makes the city a comfortable destination for travel at any time of year for those who appreciate fresh air and an absence of extreme temperatures.

The seasons transition smoothly. The summer season, from June to August, is the most attractive for tourists: the average temperature stays in the range of +16°C to +20°C, which is ideal for long walks and exploring the sights. Winter here is usually mild, with averages around zero or slightly below, however, high humidity and wind can create a sensation of greater chill.

A characteristic feature of the local weather is a rather large number of days with precipitation, especially in the autumn-winter period, when rain or wet snow can fall almost every other day. The driest and sunniest period, according to statistics, is spring and early summer. Travellers are recommended to always carry windproof clothing and an umbrella, as the maritime climate can be changeable.

The climate in Kuressaare is distinguished by its mildness and lack of extreme fluctuations, which is typical for the city's island location. The annual temperature regime varies from light frosts in winter to moderate warmth in summer. The coldest month is traditionally February, when averages drop just below zero (to -0.5°C), while the warmest months are considered July and August, delighting with a stable average temperature of around 17.9°C.

Summer in this region of Estonia can be called ideally comfortable for those who do not tolerate strong heat. At the height of the season, daytime temperatures usually reach a pleasant 20.5°C, creating excellent conditions for open-air walks without the risk of overheating. At the same time, nights remain warm: even after dark, the air rarely cools below 15°C, indicating a slight amplitude in daily fluctuations.

Winters in Kuressaare are, as a rule, mild and not too frosty. The average temperature in the winter months fluctuates around the 0°C mark, sometimes dropping to small negative values (minimums around -2.2°C). Thanks to the influence of the sea, the difference between day and night temperatures here is minimal at any time of year, making the weather quite predictable and stable.

The climate of Kuressaare is largely determined by the proximity of the Baltic Sea, making the weather changeable and quite humid. Precipitation falls here regularly throughout the year, however, its character changes depending on the season. In winter, when the temperature hovers around zero (from -2.2°C to +1.3°C), it often snows or sleets. December and January are some of the "dampest" months, when the number of days with precipitation reaches 15–16.

If you prefer drier weather, it is better to plan your trip for spring or early summer. May is considered the driest month of the year: it rains on average only 7 days, and the air temperature becomes comfortable for walking. April and June are also distinguished by a relatively low amount of precipitation (about 8 rainy days), making this time ideal for exploring the island's attractions.

In the second half of summer and autumn, the frequency of rain noticeably increases. Already in August, the number of rainy days rises to 14, and October, on a par with the winter months, becomes the peak of the precipitation season (up to 16 days). In autumn, rains can be prolonged, so when heading to Kuressaare at this time, be sure to take a reliable umbrella and waterproof shoes with you.

A trip to Kuressaare requires a thoughtful approach to packing your suitcase, as Estonia's island climate is noted for its variability and the influence of the Baltic Sea. The main principle to stick to at any time of year is layering. Even if the forecast promises sun, a cool breeze may blow from the sea, so always have a windbreaker or thick jumper at hand. Comfortable waterproof flat shoes will become your best companion for long walks along the ancient streets and the grounds of the Episcopal Castle.

If you are planning a trip in the autumn-winter period, be sure to stock up on warm clothes: thermal underwear, woollen sweaters, a hat, and gloves are simply necessary, as high humidity intensifies the sensation of cold even at temperatures around zero. Summer here is usually mild and not hot, with an average temperature of about +18°C, so along with T-shirts, it is worth taking a jumper for cool evenings. Also, considering the high probability of precipitation in any season (especially late autumn), a compact umbrella or a high-quality raincoat should be in your luggage by default.

Despite the fact that Estonia is a northern country, the sun can be quite active in summer, so sunglasses and sunscreen will not be superfluous. Furthermore, Kuressaare is famous for its spa hotels, so swimwear will come in handy regardless of the weather outside the window. Such a set of items will allow you to feel comfortable and enjoy your holiday without being distracted by the whims of nature.