Riga works all year, but it feels like two different cities: long, light summer evenings on the river, and cold, dark winter days with bobsleigh and saunas. Here is what each part of the year is like.
Riga through the year
~24 °C
average July daytime high
≈0 °C
average January daytime high
~18 h
of daylight around midsummer
~7 h
of daylight in December
Jul–Aug
peak tourist season
Season by season
Dec–Feb
Winter
Around 0 °C by day and dark by about 4 pm. Bobsleigh on ice, ice drifting, saunas and the Christmas market.
Mar–May
Spring
From about 5 °C in March to 18 °C in May. Quieter weekends, and the evenings get long by May.
Jun–Aug
Summer
Highs of 21–24 °C, around 18 hours of daylight in June, river activities, Jūrmala beach and the busiest weekends.
Sep–Nov
Autumn
About 17 °C in September falling to 5 °C in November. Quieter streets and cosy bars.
Dates to know
🔥 Jāņi, 23–24 June
Midsummer public holidays – many locals leave Riga for the countryside.
🎂 Riga’s birthday, August
A city festival with concerts on the riverside; the dates change every year.
🇱🇻 18 November
Proclamation Day – a public holiday with concerts and parades.
🎄 Christmas market
On Dome Square, usually from late November to early January.
🍺 Latviabeerfest
Traditionally in late May – check the dates before you book.
Activities by season
FAQ
When is the best time for a stag do in Riga?
June to August for long evenings and river activities; December to February for winter activities. May and September balance good weather and quieter weekends.
When is Riga quietest?
Outside July and August and away from the Christmas period.
Does it snow in Riga?
Often from December to February, but snow is not guaranteed.
Is Riga good in winter?
Yes. Bars, clubs and saunas run all year, and winter adds the bobsleigh and ice drifting.
