Weather in Riga

Find out the current weather in Riga! This section presents fresh data, forecasts, and useful charts to help you plan your day in the capital of Latvia.

The climate in Riga, the capital of Latvia, can be described as temperate-continental with maritime influence, which is expressed in four clearly defined seasons. The weather here is quite changeable, so when planning a trip, it is worth considering the features of each time of year. In general, Riga is characterized by cool, sometimes frosty winters and moderately warm summers.

Winter (December-February) in Riga is usually cold, with the average air temperature fluctuating around 0°C, often dropping lower, especially in January (averaging -1.5°C). Spring (March-May) arrives gradually, bringing warmth: while the average temperature is still close to zero in March, it reaches +12°C by May. Summer (June-August) is the warmest period, with an average temperature of about +18°C, and maximum values can reach +22°C. Autumn (September-November) is characterized by gradual cooling, returning the city to winter temperatures.

Precipitation in Riga is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, although the total amount is small – on average 1-3 mm per month. However, pay attention to the number of days with precipitation: it is quite significant and varies from 9 to 16 days per month. This means that light rain or drizzle can be a frequent occurrence, so having an umbrella or raincoat will be useful at almost any time of the year.

The temperature regime in Riga demonstrates a distinct change of seasons, characteristic of a temperate climate. The annual temperature variation is quite significant: the coldest months are January, with an average temperature of about -1.5°C (minimum values can drop to -3.3°C, and maximums rarely exceed 0.4°C), and February, where the average temperature is -1.0°C (from -3.1°C at night to +1.1°C during the day). Conversely, the warmest months are July and August. In July, the average temperature reaches +18.6°C, with daily highs around +22.0°C and nightly lows around +15.2°C. August is not far behind, with an average temperature of +18.4°C and similar maximum values.

Summer months in Riga (June, July, August) usually offer pleasant warmth rather than stifling heat. Average daytime temperatures in June hover around +17.5°C, rising to +21.5°C, while July and August delight with maximum temperatures around +22.0°C. Nighttime temperatures in summer are also comfortable, dropping on average to +13.5°C in June and to +14.8°C - +15.2°C in July-August. It is worth noting that the difference between day and night temperatures in summer can be noticeable, reaching 7-8°C, which provides pleasant coolness in the evenings after warm days.

Winter in the capital of Latvia (December, January, February) is a period of real cold. Average temperatures consistently stay below or around freezing: in December about -0.1°C (from -1.6°C to +1.5°C), and in January and February, as already mentioned, even lower. Daily highs rarely rise significantly above zero, and night frosts are a common occurrence. Daily temperature fluctuations in winter are less pronounced than in summer, amounting to approximately 3-4°C. Spring comes gradually: it is still cool in March (averaging +1.8°C), but already in May the average temperature reaches +12.0°C, and daily highs can rise to +16.1°C. Autumn is also characterized by a smooth decrease in temperature, from September averages of +14.4°C to November's +4.0°C, preparing the city for winter cold.

Precipitation in Riga is a fairly uniform phenomenon throughout the year, so there is no distinct rainy season or dry period here. Although the total amount of rainfall in millimeters each month is small, varying from 1 to 3 mm, days with precipitation happen often. Be prepared for the sky to surprise you with light rain or drizzle on average from 9 to 16 days monthly.

The character of precipitation in Riga changes depending on the season. In winter, from December to February, when the air temperature often drops below zero, precipitation usually falls in the form of snow. For example, in January there are about 16 days with precipitation. With the arrival of spring, the nature of precipitation changes: mixed precipitation is still possible in March, but gradually it turns into rain. Notably, March and April are the months with the least amount of precipitation (only 1 mm), although even during these periods there are 10-12 days with it, which indicates predominantly light drizzle. May, despite 2 mm of precipitation, boasts the fewest number of days with precipitation – about 9. In summer, from June to August, it rains, with July and August (along with October) receiving the greatest amount of moisture – 3 mm each, with it raining for approximately 15 days in July.

In autumn, rains also prevail in Riga. October stands out as one of the wettest months of the year, both in terms of precipitation amount (3 mm) and the number of days with it (about 16). Approaching winter, in November, when the temperature drops significantly, rain may be replaced by wet snow or the first snowfalls. Thus, the "wettest" months by precipitation volume can be considered July, August, and October, and the "driest" by this indicator – March and April. The lowest probability of encountering precipitation falls in May.

When planning a trip to Riga, it is important to choose the right wardrobe to feel comfortable in any weather. Given the changeable climate of Latvia and frequent precipitation throughout the year (from 9 to 16 days with precipitation monthly), a waterproof jacket or raincoat, as well as a reliable umbrella, should become your faithful companions. Since you will surely be walking a lot through the charming streets of the Old Town, comfortable shoes, preferably waterproof, are simply essential. The principle of layering in clothing is your best friend in Riga, as the weather can change during the day, and evenings are often cooler, even in summer.

In winter (December-February), it is quite cold in Riga, with average temperatures hovering around zero and below. Be sure to take a warm winter jacket or coat, hat, scarf, and gloves. Warm sweaters, fleece jumpers, and thermal underwear will not be superfluous, especially if you are sensitive to the cold. In spring (March-May), the weather gradually improves but can still be cool and windy. You will need a mid-season jacket, sweaters, and possibly a light hat. In summer (June-August), Riga is usually moderately warm, with average temperatures around +18°C. Bring light clothes, t-shirts, shorts, or skirts, but don't forget a light jacket or cardigan for evening walks or in case of rain. Sunscreen and sunglasses will also come in handy on clear days. In autumn (September-November), the temperature gradually decreases, so pack warmer things: sweaters, jeans, an autumn jacket, and by November you may already need warmer options, including a hat and gloves, as the weather becomes windier and damper.