Climate Insights for Riga
Climate Overview
The climate in Riga is cool. The average annual temperature is 8°C and approximately 791 mm of precipitation falls per year. Riga receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Riga is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: July, August, June. The coldest months are January, February, March, when temperatures can drop to -3°C. Snowfall occurs from January to December, with around 104cm accumulating over the season.The climate in Riga is cool. The average annual temperature is 47°F and approximately 31.1 in of precipitation falls per year. Riga receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Riga is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: July, August, June. The coldest months are January, February, March, when temperatures can drop to 27°F. Snowfall occurs from January to December, with around 41in accumulating over the season.
Temperature
Temperatures in Riga vary considerably across the year, with a 25°C difference between the coldest and warmest months. July is the warmest month, though highs remain moderate at 22°C with a mean of 19°C. The coldest month is January, when overnight lows fall to -3°C and the daily average is -1°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 5°C between highs and lows. The sharpest temperature change occurs between September and October, with a 6°C shift in average temperatures.Temperatures in Riga vary considerably across the year, with a 44°F difference between the coldest and warmest months. July is the warmest month, though highs remain moderate at 71°F with a mean of 66°F. The coldest month is January, when overnight lows fall to 27°F and the daily average is 30°F. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 9°F between highs and lows. The sharpest temperature change occurs between September and October, with a 10°F shift in average temperatures.
Precipitation
Riga is a relatively dry area, receiving approximately 791 mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 66 mm per month. The wettest month is July, averaging 100 mm of rainfall. August and October also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is March, with just 40 mm. That's 60 mm less than July, the wettest month. Precipitation varies noticeably between seasons, with the second half (July to December) of the year generally seeing more rainfall. Snowfall is a regular feature from January to December, with around 104cm accumulating over the season. January typically sees the most snow at around 32cm.Riga is a relatively dry area, receiving approximately 31.1 in of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 2.6 in per month. The wettest month is July, averaging 3.9 in of rainfall. August and October also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is March, with just 1.6 in. That's 2.4 in less than July, the wettest month. Precipitation varies noticeably between seasons, with the second half (July to December) of the year generally seeing more rainfall. Snowfall is a regular feature from January to December, with around 41in accumulating over the season. January typically sees the most snow at around 13in.
Wind
Riga is mildly breezy, with an average annual wind speed of 17km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is December, averaging 19km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in June, with average winds dropping to 14km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind conditions are fairly consistent throughout the year, varying by only 5km/h between the calmest and windiest months. Wind tends to be stronger during winter months, driven by seasonal pressure systems. The seasonal averages break down to 19km/h in winter, 16km/h in spring, 14km/h in summer, 18km/h in autumn.Riga is moderately windy, with an average annual wind speed of 10mph. For context, sustained winds below 7mph are generally light, while anything above 16mph is considered strong. The windiest month is December, averaging 12mph, which can feel quite blustery and may affect outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in June, with average winds dropping to 9mph, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind conditions are fairly consistent throughout the year, varying by only 3mph between the calmest and windiest months. Wind tends to be stronger during winter months, driven by seasonal pressure systems. The seasonal averages break down to 12mph in winter, 10mph in spring, 9mph in summer, 11mph in autumn.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Riga is during June, July and August, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 18°C with modest rainfall averaging 90 mm per month. By contrast, January can be quite cold with temperatures dropping to -3°C. Despite being the best months overall, some rain is still likely. Pack a waterproof layer and plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities.The best time to visit Riga is during June, July and August, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 65°F with modest rainfall averaging 3.5 in per month. By contrast, January can be quite cold with temperatures dropping to 27°F. Despite being the best months overall, some rain is still likely. Pack a waterproof layer and plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Riga based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Snow is measured in centimetres (cm) and reflects average monthly snowfall accumulation. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.The table below shows monthly climate averages for Riga based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Fahrenheit (°F). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Snow is measured in inches (in) and reflects average monthly snowfall accumulation. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in miles per hour (mph). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.