When to Visit Riga

January feels wintery. With highs around 0°C (32°F) and a persistent dampness, the days are short and gray. Snow is common, covering the Old Town in a quiet blanket, and tourist crowds are low.

February continues much like January, with cold temperatures holding steady around 0°C (32°F) for highs. It's one of the drier months statistically. But that usually means more crisp snow flurries than rain. Crowds remain low.

March brings the first hints of change. Temperatures begin a slow climb to around 4°C (40°F), and the snow starts to retreat, though you can still get a surprise flurry. It's a quiet month for visitors in Riga.

April sees a more noticeable shift as spring tentatively arrives. Days with highs near 11°C (53°F) start to feel pleasant, when the sun is out. But evenings are still chilly. Crowd levels are medium as the city begins to wake up.

May is often lovely, with comfortable highs around 17°C (64°F) and nature fully coming to life. The parks in Riga are green, and the daylight stretches long into the evening. Tourist numbers move into the medium range.

June marks the start of reliable summer warmth, with highs of 21°C (70°F). It's sunnier and a great time for exploring the city on foot, though rainfall increases. Crowds are building toward high as the season kicks off.

July is typically the warmest month in Riga, with highs around 23°C (74°F). This is peak season, with the highest crowds, and it's also the wettest month, so an afternoon thunderstorm isn't uncommon.

August feels very similar to July, with warmth lingering around 22°C (72°F) and comparable rainfall. The sea might be warm enough for a quick dip at the nearby beaches. Crowds remain high through the month.

September brings the gentle onset of autumn. Temperatures cool back to around 17°C (64°F), and the light takes on a golden quality. It's still fairly wet. But the crowds in Riga drop back to a medium level.

October is noticeably cooler and damp, with highs around 10°C (50°F). The trees in the city's many parks turn color, and you'll want a proper coat. Tourist traffic becomes low.

November feels like the way into winter, with highs dropping to 4°C (40°F) and a lot of gloom. Rain mixes with sleet, and daylight is scarce. It's a low season for visitors to Riga.

December is cold, around 1°C (34°F) for a high, and often snowy, leading to the Christmas markets. The festive lights make the short days charming, and crowd levels rise to medium for the holidays.