In summer Riga barely gets dark. Around midsummer the sun is up for about 18 hours, the terraces are full and the river becomes part of the weekend.
Riga in summer at a glance
~18 h
of daylight around midsummer
~24 °C
average July daytime high
~30 min
by train from Riga to Jūrmala beach
23–24 Jun
Midsummer (Jāņi) public holidays
500+
outdoor terraces in the city
What to do on a summer stag do
🛶 Kayak the city canal
Tours start near the Old Town and follow the city canal and the Daugava – at sunset if you time it right.
🏄 Wakeboarding and flyboarding
Water sports a short ride from the centre, ideal for the afternoon before the night out.
🛥️ On the water
A floating terrace or a party yacht turns the river into the venue.
🏖️ Jūrmala beach
Latvia’s 24 km resort beach is about 30 minutes from Riga by train.
🍺 Terrace season
Riga has more than 500 outdoor terraces – in summer the Old Town drinks outside.
A summer weekend that works
Friday
Arrive and go out
Transfer, dinner on a terrace and a pub crawl that starts in daylight.
Saturday
On the water
Kayaking or wakeboarding by day, a floating terrace or party yacht at sunset, then the clubs.
Sunday
Beach or recovery
Train to Jūrmala for a swim, or a sauna in town, then the airport transfer.
Good to know in summer
🌞 Late sunsets
Around midsummer the sun sets after 22:00, so the evenings feel endless.
🔥 Jāņi weekend
On 23–24 June many locals leave Riga to celebrate Midsummer in the countryside with bonfires, beer and cheese. Check your dates.
🚆 Getting to Jūrmala
Trains leave from Riga Central Station. Buy tickets in the ViVi app or at the station.
🛒 Alcohol shop hours
Shops sell alcohol only until 20:00 (Sundays 18:00). Bars are not affected.
📅 Book early
Summer weekends are the busiest of the year, and boats and water activities fill up first.
Summer activities in Riga
FAQ
When is the best time for a summer stag do in Riga?
June to August has the warmest weather and the longest evenings. May and September are quieter and usually mild enough for the river.
What is Jāņi?
Latvia’s Midsummer festival on 23–24 June. Both days are public holidays. Many locals leave Riga for the countryside, while the city hosts concerts and events.
Can we go to the beach?
Yes. Jūrmala’s beach is about 30 minutes from Riga Central Station by train.
Are water activities a good idea after drinking?
No – do water sports before the drinking starts. Latvian police also warn against swimming drunk.
