Weather in Tartu

Planning your visit to Tartu? Here you will find the latest weather information: current data, detailed forecasts, and clear charts to help you plan your time in the city.

The climate in Tartu can be characterised as temperate continental, with four distinct seasons. The city experiences significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year, allowing you to enjoy all the charms of each season, from snowy winters to warm summers.

Winters in Tartu are generally cold, with average temperatures below freezing from December to March, and are often snowy. Spring arrives gradually, with noticeable warming in April and May as nature awakens. Summer, covering June, July, and August, is usually warm and pleasant, with average temperatures around 16-18°C, ideal for walking and exploring the city. Autumn brings coolness and colourful landscapes, especially in September and October, before temperatures drop back towards winter levels in November.

As for precipitation, it is distributed quite evenly throughout the year, with a monthly average of about 2 mm. The number of rainy days varies from 10 to 15 per month, meaning light precipitation is possible at any time of year, so a small umbrella or raincoat may come in handy.

The annual temperature trend in Tartu demonstrates distinct seasonality, characteristic of a temperate continental climate. The coldest months are traditionally January and February. During this period, the average air temperature is around -3.3°C to -3.5°C, while minimum night-time temperatures can drop to -5.5°C and even -5.7°C. Conversely, the peak heat occurs in July, when the average temperature reaches +17.8°C, and daytime highs rise to +21.8°C. August is also pleasantly warm with an average temperature of +17.2°C. Thus, the annual amplitude of average monthly temperatures in Tartu is quite significant.

The summer months in Tartu, from June to August, generally offer pleasantly warm weather, ideal for exploring the city and its surroundings. Average daytime highs during this period range from +21.2°C to +21.8°C. Nights bring refreshing coolness: air temperatures drop on average to +11.8°C in June and to +13.7°C in July. Such daily temperature fluctuations of approximately 8-10 degrees are a characteristic feature of the summer season in Tartu, so a light cardigan or jacket may be useful for evening walks.

Winter in Tartu, spanning December, January, and February, is characterised by consistently frosty weather. Average temperatures in these months stay confidently below zero. In January and February, even average maximum daytime temperatures rarely exceed -0.8°C to -1.4°C, while average minimum night-time temperatures range from -3.6°C to -5.7°C. Daily temperature fluctuations in winter are less significant than in summer, usually within 3-5 degrees, but constant freezing values create a feeling of true winter. The transition to spring warmth begins in March, when the average temperature approaches zero, and becomes more tangible in April with the arrival of positive daily average temperatures.

In Tartu, you will not encounter a distinct rainy season or prolonged drought. Precipitation occurs here throughout the year, however, its intensity is usually low, and the monthly amount fluctuates mainly between 1-3 mm. This means that heavy downpours or prolonged rains are not typical for the city; rather, one can expect frequent but not very heavy precipitation.

In winter, especially from December to February, when average temperatures drop below freezing, precipitation falls predominantly as snow. For example, in January, one of the coldest months, about 15 days with precipitation are recorded, which is highly likely to be snow. March, with an average temperature of about -0.1°C, can bring snow, rain, or sleet; while it is the driest month in terms of total precipitation (only 1 mm), it still counts 12 days with precipitation.

In the warmer months, primarily from April to October, precipitation falls as rain. The highest number of days with precipitation is observed in July (15 days), which is comparable to January in frequency, although the total volume of rainfall remains small (2 mm). August stands out as the month with the highest average rainfall (3 mm) and 14 rainy days. The fewest days with precipitation fall in April and May (10 days each), making these spring months relatively less rainy in terms of frequency. In November, when the temperature approaches zero (average +2.4°C), precipitation is also likely (12 days) and may be in the form of rain or the first snow.

Thus, when preparing for a trip to Tartu, it is worth considering that light precipitation is possible at any time of the year. In winter, this will be predominantly snow, in the off-season – mixed precipitation, and in the warm season – rain. Although precipitation volumes are small, their frequency, especially in mid-winter (January) and summer (July), is quite high.

When packing your suitcase for a trip to Tartu, it is important to consider the changeable weather and distinct change of seasons. Regardless of the time of year, comfortable walking shoes are your main ally, as the city invites long walks. Given that precipitation in the form of rain or snow is possible practically all year round (from 10 to 15 days with precipitation per month), a light folding umbrella or waterproof jacket will be very useful. The principle of layering clothing is the key to comfort in Tartu, allowing you to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day.

If your visit falls during the winter months (December-February), when the average temperature drops to -3.5°C and the minimum can reach -5.7°C, be sure to bring warm, windproof, and waterproof outerwear, a hat, a scarf, gloves, and insulated shoes. Sweaters, fleece jackets, and thermal underwear will help keep you warm. In summer (June-August), the weather is significantly milder, with average temperatures around +16°C to +18°C and daytime highs up to +22°C. You will need light items: t-shirts, shorts, dresses. However, even in summer, evenings can be cool, and a light jacket or sweater will not go amiss. Do not forget sunscreen and a hat for sunny days.

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) in Tartu are transitional seasons with quite variable weather. In March, it can still be cool (average temperature around 0°C), whereas in May, summer warmth is already felt (average +11°C). In autumn, the temperature gradually decreases from a comfortable +13°C in September to +2.4°C in November. For these periods, layered clothing is ideal: t-shirts, long-sleeved tops, sweaters, a mid-season jacket (preferably waterproof), as well as comfortable boots or trainers. A light scarf and gloves may be useful in early spring and late autumn.