Best Time to Visit Latvia
Last updated: November 9, 2025
Latvia is a hidden Baltic gem — where medieval towns meet vast pine forests and pristine beaches stretch along the Baltic Sea. From the Art Nouveau architecture of Riga and the tranquillity of Gauja National Park to the summer charm of Jūrmala’s beaches, Latvia is a destination full of history, nature, and calm beauty. The best time to visit depends on whether you prefer sunshine, cultural festivals, or peaceful winter escapes.
🌸 Spring (April – May): Fresh Air and Blossoming Landscapes
Spring is a wonderful time to visit Latvia as the snow melts and nature awakens. Flowers bloom across the countryside, the parks turn green, and the cities come back to life after winter. It’s perfect for sightseeing, photography, and exploring before the busy summer months.
Highlights:
- Mild temperatures (10–18 °C)
- Great for walking tours in Riga and Cēsis
- Fewer tourists and good value accommodation
- Beautiful spring colours in Gauja National Park
☀️ Summer (June – August): Sunshine, Festivals, and Seaside Escapes
Summer is the best time to visit Latvia. The days are long, warm, and filled with energy. Locals head to the coast, open-air festivals fill the calendar, and the countryside glows with greenery. It’s the ideal season for outdoor adventures and cultural experiences.
Highlights:
- Warm temperatures (20–27 °C)
- Long daylight hours — up to 18 hours in June
- Jūrmala’s beach season and open-air concerts
- Riga City Festival and Midsummer’s Eve (Jāņi) celebrations
🍂 Autumn (September – November): Golden Forests and Peaceful Travel
Autumn transforms Latvia into a landscape of gold and crimson. The air is crisp, the crowds have gone, and it’s a peaceful time for hiking, cycling, or simply enjoying the cosy atmosphere of cafés and small towns.
Highlights:
- Cool temperatures (8–16 °C)
- Stunning autumn foliage in national parks
- Quieter attractions and lower hotel prices
- Harvest festivals and seasonal foods
❄️ Winter (December – March): Snowy Scenery and Festive Spirit
Winter in Latvia is cold but magical. Snow blankets the streets and forests, Christmas markets light up the cities, and it’s an excellent time for cultural sightseeing or winter sports. Riga’s Old Town is especially enchanting under a dusting of snow.
Highlights:
- Cold temperatures (−5 to 2 °C)
- Christmas markets and festive lights in Riga
- Ice skating, sledging, and skiing in Sigulda
- Cosy cafés and traditional Latvian comfort food
🇱🇻 In Summary
- Best for festivals and beaches: June – August
- Best for sightseeing and mild weather: May – June and September
- Best for autumn colours: September – October
- Best for winter charm and Christmas markets: December – February
From the cobbled streets of Riga and the beaches of Jūrmala to the medieval castles of Sigulda and the forests of Gauja, Latvia is a country of quiet charm and natural beauty. Whether you visit for sunshine, history, or tranquillity, every season reveals a new side to this Baltic treasure.
Top Travel Tips for Latvia
✅ GOOD NEWS: Schengen Area & The Euro
Latvia is part of the Schengen Area. Citizens of the EU, US, UK, Canada, and Australia can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism. The official currency is the Euro (€), making travel from other Eurozone countries seamless.
ℹ️ Tipping: Appreciated, Not Mandatory
Tipping is not obligatory in Latvia, but it is always appreciated as a gesture of good service. In restaurants, leaving a 10% tip is common if you were happy with the service. For taxis, simply rounding up the fare is sufficient.
✅ Tap Water: Safe to Drink
The tap water in Riga and other major Latvian cities is of high quality and is safe to drink. You can comfortably refill your reusable water bottle from the tap, saving money and reducing plastic waste.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Power Plugs (Type F)
Latvia uses the Type F (Schuko) power plug, which has two round pins. This is the same plug used in Germany, Austria, and most of continental Europe. The standard voltage is 230V with a frequency of 50Hz. Visitors from the UK, US, Canada, and Australia will need a travel adapter.
Things to do in Latvia
Discover the stunning Art Nouveau district in Riga, explore the medieval Turaida Castle in Gauja National Park, or relax on the white-sand beaches of Jūrmala. Book your tours and activities easily via our trusted partners: