Discover Estonia : Climate

Unsurprisingly, the climate in the Baltic States is temperate, despite harsh winters - softened in part by the presence of the Baltic Sea. The further inland, the more continental the climate becomes, with temperatures sometimes much colder than those on the coast in midwinter, but also at least two degrees warmer in summer. Because of the country's northerly location, summer days are particularly long - especially in June, the most pleasant month, while precipitation is frequent in July and August. As you can see, temperatures can be very different whether you're in Nida or in northern Estonia, in the open country. Add to this global warming, which is causing more and more heatwaves in summer, as in 2019, 2021 and 2022, when it was particularly hot in Estonia and Latvia... and increasingly mild winters.

Summer and Autumn

From southern Lithuania to northern Estonia, the region lies between the ^55th and ^60th parallels, i.e. at Canada's northern latitude.

The best time to visit is between May and September. Summer temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C, with cool evenings on most days (don't forget the classic sweater!). Be careful, though: during heatwaves, it can get very hot! In June 2019, temperatures reached 31.6°C in Estonia, 35.7°C in Lithuania and 32°C in Latvia. These were temperatures never before reached in June in these countries. This heat wave was repeated in 2021, and again in August 2022.

As well as being a sign of global warming, these temperatures are also putting crops at risk: drought, increased heat storms and hail.

And don't forget your mosquito repellent! Between coasts, lakes and rivers, the countries are ideal for the arrival of these little creatures as soon as the fine weather arrives.

In the Baltic region, autumn takes on an Indian summer feel as the forests light up in bright, shimmering colors.

The arrival of winter

Winter is particularly long, leaving little time for spring. Snow can be found as early as April. The Estonian winter, further north, is the harshest, with temperatures sometimes reaching record lows of -30°C. In recent years, however, temperatures have become more bearable (around -5°C on average). In any case, it goes without saying that a good outfit (gloves, hat, warm underwear, waterproof footwear...) is a must in the middle of January.

It should be noted that winter traffic conditions are difficult (blocked roads, salting problems) due to the abundance of snow and ice. Finally, the lack of light, accentuated by the grey filter of the sky (from November to March), makes this period even more difficult. However, in January and February, the two coldest months, it is possible (provided you have the right equipment to cope with average temperatures of -15°C, below which clouds rarely form) to indulge in exotic pleasures: skiing on the beach, walking on the frozen sea, skating on huge lakes under sunny blue skies.

Did you know? Thanks to its low salinity, gentle currents and shallow depth, the Baltic Sea freezes in winter! At certain times of year, the islands can be reached by car via the frozen lake. Another unusual experience is walking or ice skating on the sea.