Yes, it often snows in Riga in December, with a good chance of snow cover for a festive, winter atmosphere, but it's not guaranteed, as it can also be wet with rain, sleet, or thaws, so packing warm, waterproof layers is essential. While heavy snow isn't always consistent, expect cold temperatures and potential for snow, especially towards mid-to-late December, perfect for the Christmas markets.
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. Christmas markets and New Year celebrations are less busy than elsewhere in Europe.
During the Christmas season, Riga turns into a magical place to explore. The heart of the city, Riga Old Town, lights up with dazzling decorations and festive markets. You can't miss the stunning architecture, like the tall spires of St. Peter's Church and the grand Dome Cathedral.
What tempts everyone - young and old - in winter? Snow, of course. Although it is never really possible to predict in which months of the year Latvia will be covered with a blanket of white snow, no winter in Latvia has been without it.
All year round I have noticed that the median temperature is probably very similar to the UK, but given that it fluctuates more dramatically from season to season, we get both a harsher winter and a more delightful summer than those unfortunate enough to be heavily dictated by the Gulf Stream.
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.
The three biggest Christmas markets in Riga are centred on the Old Town. There are also two lesser-known markets to the west of the Daugava River in the modern city.
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.
Temperatures often dip between 14°F and 28°F (-10°C to -2°C), bringing crisp, cold air that calls for warm, layered clothing. Expect occasional snowfall and icy winds, so packing insulated coats, thermal wear, sturdy boots, and accessories like gloves and scarves is essential to stay comfortable.
No, 3 days in Riga is not too much; it's considered the perfect amount of time for a first visit to see the main sights like the Old Town and Art Nouveau district, enjoy the food, and potentially take a day trip, while 4-5 days allows for a more relaxed pace or deeper exploration, especially with trips to Jūrmala or Sigulda. For many, 3 days is a solid long weekend to experience Riga's history, architecture, markets, and vibrant atmosphere without feeling rushed.
Risk Factors: There are several risk factors involved in Latvian fatalities. Among the leading risk factors are dietary risks, alcohol and tobacco use, high blood pressure and a high body-mass-index. In addition, there are environmental risk factors in Latvia.
There should be at least nine different dishes on the table, usually consisting of pork (traditionally, a whole roasted pig's head!) fish, poultry, bacon rolls (speķa pīrāgi), sauerkraut with caraway seeds, carrots, peas, beetroot and gingerbread cookies.
If you are only going to Riga, I recommend to stay at least 4 days. Ideally you can spend 2 days visiting the city and 2 additional days exploring some other places in Latvia. The country has so much to offer, so you should take the opportunity to visit something else.
Yes, English is widely spoken in Latvia, especially by younger people and in tourist areas like Riga, where many in the service industry, IT, and educated professionals speak it well; you can generally get by with English, but learning basic Latvian phrases like "Paldies" (thank you) is appreciated. While Russian is also common, especially among older generations, English proficiency is high and growing, though it becomes less common in rural areas.
The coldest month in Latvia is typically January, though February is a very close second, with temperatures often dropping well below freezing and heavy snow possible, especially in Riga where daytime highs average around -2°C to 0°C and nights can reach -5°C or lower, sometimes experiencing severe cold snaps.
What to wear? When visiting Latvia in wintertime appropriate clothing is a must. If you plan to spend time actively, long thermal underwear will be your go to. January and February are particularly cold so the best advice would be to pack a warm layer, including gloves, scarf, hat, and a coat.
In mid-June 1941, on the eve of Hitler's attack on the Soviet Union, 14,000 citizens of Latvia, including several thousand Jews, were deported by the Soviet authorities to Siberia and other parts of Soviet Asia as politically undesirable elements.
Can I drink the tap water in Latvia? Yes. The tap water in Latvia is safe to drink - why not bring a reusable water bottle with you on your trip? This will save you money on bottled water and reduce your plastic footprint, helping to protect the environment in Latvia and beyond.
