Does it snow in Riga at Christmas?

Yes, snow is pretty likely during December.

Does Riga get snow in December?

Winter days are cold and short, with just under seven hours of daylight in December. Snow is common and temperatures around the -15C mark aren't a rarity.

Is Riga worth visiting at Christmas?

Free from the heaving crowds often found at other European cities, Riga's market felt far more relaxed, traditional and, ultimately, enjoyable. In fact, we would say Riga is the best Christmas market in Europe- especially if you are looking to avoid the crowds and want to enjoy a compact city break.

What is the weather like in Latvia at Christmas?

Winter weather. Winter in Latvia usually spans from December to February. The temperature in winter warries from 0° Centigrade (32°F) to -10° Centigrade (14°F). Sometimes temperatures can fall to -20° Centigrade and even to -30° Centigrade (-4°F to-22°F), particularly at night.

Where to avoid in Riga?

If you're in these areas, carry ID with you at all times and follow the advice of local authorities. Petty crime may occur, particularly in Riga. This includes bag snatching, pickpocketing and muggings. Hotspots include Old Town, the central train and bus stations, the Central Market, parks, and routes to major hotels.

Winter in Latvia - does it snow in Riga?

Is Riga safe for Brits?

Latvia is an extremely safe destination for solo females, especially within the confines of the Old Town in Riga. Men are generally very respectful, meaning women rarely encounter any catcalling or pestering in the streets.

Is Riga expensive or cheap?

Answer: On average, daily expenses in Riga can range between €50 to €100 per person, depending on your lifestyle and travel preferences. Budget travelers can spend significantly less by opting for economical lodging and utilizing public transportation, while mid-range and luxury options are also widely available.

Does Riga have a Christmas Market?

Whether you're shopping for unique gifts or simply soaking in the atmosphere, Riga's central Christmas market offers a truly memorable winter experience.

What is the coldest month in Riga?

The climate of Riga is humid continental (Köppen Dfb). The coldest months are January and February, when the average temperature is −2.1 °C (28 °F) but temperatures as low as −20 to −25 °C (−4 to −13 °F) can be observed almost every year on the coldest days.

What is the currency in Latvia?

The currency in Latvia is the euro. Each euro is divided into 100 cents. When you're buying currency for Latvia, look out for the currency code EUR.

Is Riga a walkable city?

Rīga is an ideal city for those who favor walking around on foot – it is flat and walkable and offers beautiful architectural details that make any walk a memorable sightseeing activity.

What do Latvians do for Christmas?

Latvians take part in a variety of season-specific activities. On December 24th people make a festive wreath to remember Laima, the goddess of fate and destiny. Then on Christmas Eve families gather around the table and feast on seven treats, each intended to bring luck or joy for the coming year.

Is 4 days in Riga enough?

If you're including Riga as part of a Baltic tour alongside Tallinn, Vilnius, and/or other cities, planning your time strategically will help you get the most out of each city. A good rule of thumb is to spend 2 to 3 days in each capital, giving you enough time to explore the main attractions without feeling rushed.

Should I visit Riga in December?

A city that seems to come alive with the darker nights – all twinkling lights and snow topped buildings – we couldn't recommend visiting this wintery capital enough. We visited Riga in December 2024, largely for the Christmas markets, but quickly fell in love with the city more generally.

Is there snowfall in Latvia?

Winter – Latvia, as a northern country, experiences fairly long, dark winters from November to February. The average temperature is around -10°C, but it can drop to -20°C. While it is not extremely cold or snowy, there are a few days each year with significant snowfall.

Is Riga cash only?

Riga is generally a very card- friendly city, especially in tourist areas like the Old Town, and in larger establishments like supermarkets, hotels, and most restaurants and shops. Latvia as a whole is moving towards being quite cashless, with a significant majority of payments (about 80%) being made by card.

How much is a pint of beer in Riga?

The price of beer in Riga's bars vs.

The typical price of a pint in Riga at a bar hovers around €3.50-6.00€. Local staples like Aldaris, Cēsu, and Lāćplēsis are most commonly served.

Is Riga or Krakow cheaper?

Your essential city cost snapshot

The cheapest city this year is Riga in Latvia. In fact, seven of the top 10 cheapest cities are in Eastern Europe: Vilnius (2nd), Warsaw (3rd), Podgorica (4th), Gdansk (7th), Krakow (8th) and Zagreb (10th).

Where should I avoid in Riga?

Are Latvians friendly to foreigners?

In general, Latvia is a very welcoming country that invites foreign nationals to live, explore, and thrive.

Do UK citizens need a visa for Latvia?

Visa requirements

You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Latvia, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel: as a tourist. to visit family or friends.

How many Muslims are in Latvia?

The Latvian Orthodox Church is then-semi-autonomous and has 400,000 members. Orthodoxy predominates among the Latvian Russian population. As of 2022, the population of Jews in Latvia was 4,000, although some estimates are double this; there are 1,000 Muslims in Latvia.

Is English spoken in Latvia?

English language

The younger generations of ethnic Latvians usually speak English far better than Russian (and would switch to English when communicating with foreigners). English is also very common in tourist materials.