Are you planning to visit Riga this winter? It is that time of year again when we start to see the first snow fluttering to the ground and the metrological winter has officially begining. In these colder months things in Latvia and Riga tend to slow down and it can feel like days are running away from with so little daylight and such early darkness. So what is it like and is Riga cold during winter?
Yes in deep winter around 4pm the sunset takes place, with sun rise arriving around 9am. This is why it is super important to take advantage of the daylight and plan your time in Riga well. Of course one of the free walking tours of Riga we offer would be a good place to start your journey. Local guides are a great way to hear about the current tips and tricks to survice the winter.
Our free walking tours of Riga are running throughout winter except 24/25 December but we do ask people to book and let us know if they are not joining well in advance. Our schedule can be see HERE
Should I visit Riga in the winter?
Absolutely! It is a perfect winter destination! Snow, Christmas markets and plenty of cozy cafes and bars to loose yourself in. Riga is charming all year round but winter has its special moments. There is a huge range of activities put on by the city of Riga and you can see all the Christmas and Winter options here.
But what about the cold in Riga? Is it too cold to visit? Well, it really depends on what your wear! It drops below freezing and snow can be quite heavy, You need to watch out for ice and falling snow / ice from roofs but really you need to plan what clothing to bring with you. Too many visitors come wearing Vans and a light jacket in deep winter, be smart and dress correct.
Let's dive into exploring Riga during the winter season, whether it's a good time to visit, the Christmas market scene, the historical aspect of the first Christmas tree, and what clothing is suitable for the winter weather in Riga. We hope the ideas will give you some food for thought during your winter visit to Riga.
Winter Tips in Riga:
Riga's Magical Winter Charm. Riga transforms into a picturesque wonderland during he winter months. The cityscape covered with snow and twinkling lights creates a magical atmosphere. The Old Town, in particular, with a cozy ambiance, cobblestone streets and medieval architecture blanketed in snow. Parks illuminated with lights and displays as well as many natural features such as lakes, forests and the river Daugava which can even freeze during the winter months. To put it simply, if you can handle the cold, get outside between 9am and 3pm and enjoy what daylight you have!
Winter Activities. Despite the cold, Riga offers various winter activities. Ice skating rinks pop up across the city, providing locals and tourists alike with a chance to glide or stumble on the ice. Additionally, you can enjoy cross-country skiing, sledding, husky dog riding, ice fishing, winter hikes in the forests and parks. Think about visiting Sigulda by train or Mežaparks in Riga by tram.
Cultural Experiences. Riga doesn't hibernate in winter, in fact it is quite the opposite. The city's cultural scene remains vibrant with theaters, museums, and galleries showcasing diverse exhibitions, performances, and events throughout the season. It's an ideal time to explore Latvian culture and history indoors. This is.a great time of year for in house concerts so look out for some local bars with live music. A classic for visitors is Folkklubs Ala but do not neglect spaces like Depo if it is still alive after all these years!
Christmas Markets in Riga. Riga's Christmas markets are a highlight of the season. The city typically hosts several markets scattered across its charming squares, offering traditional crafts, festive foods, mulled wine, and a warm, jovial atmosphere. The central market near the Dome Cathedral is especially renowned for its enchanting setup. Make sure to wrap up warm and get ready for hot drinks and food. Find out more here https://christmas.riga.lv/ Christmas in Riga certainly is magical.
New years eve in Riga. Riga has a reputation for a big party all year round but New years eve in Riga is really one of the big events not to miss. There are events popping up all across the bars and clubs but also the central areas of Old Riga come alive to bring the festivities to locals and visitors alike.
Riga's Christmas Tree History. Riga proudly claims to be the birthplace of the first decorated Christmas tree. Legend has it that in 1510, the Brotherhood of Blackheads (a merchants' association) erected the first-ever Christmas tree in the town square. This historical event adds a unique touch to Riga's wintertime allure. Riga, proud of this fact boosted a massive advertisng campaign but it was later announced that n Tallinn a document from 1441 claimed that the first tree was displayed there in Tallinn aslo by the Brotherhood. Well, no matter who was first make sure to enjoy wherever you are this Christmas.
Dressing for Riga's Winter. Winter in Riga can be quite chilly, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Dressing in layers is key to staying warm and comfortable. A good winter coat, insulated boots, thermal undergarments, gloves, scarves, and hats are essential to combat the cold. Waterproof and windproof outerwear is also recommended due to occasional snowfall and winds. Be aware that it can get very slushy in the winter so boots are best unless you like wet socks!
Spa and Sauna. Riga has a number of Spa and Sauna facilities in the main hotels of Riga and some private ones also. This is the best time of year to warm up after a day in the cold and take full advantage of the affordable facilities such as ESPA that you can find in Riga. Sitting in a sauna with friends is a really great experience and although most traditional Latvian saunas will be found out in countryhouses, Riga offers more of an international standard sauna. Not much chance of a naked stranger sitting next to you here.
Winter Trams and Buses in Riga. Riga boasts an extensive public transport network that covers the whole city, ensuring connectivity to even the remotest areas. Trams, buses, trolleybuses, and trains operate throughout the year providing comprehensive coverage, this makes it perfect for visitors to navigate the city, regardless of the weather. Riga's public transport is designed to withstand harsh winter conditions. Trams, buses, and trolleybuses are running efficiently despite heavy snowfall or icy roads. Only in very rare cases will the network come to a hault. This is great news for you visitors as you can get single, daily or multi day passes and explore freely. This being said you can also use Taxi but you miss out on all the grumpy faces of the transport network :)
Riga's beautiful buildings in the snow. With so much amazing architecture on offer, Riga boasts one of the top locations in Europe for photograpy and film alike. The layer cake of influences left by each passing Empire and Kingdom has made an indent in the cultural mind is visible through this unique blend of Northern architure. Something German, Polish, Swedish, Russian. It is hard to pin point exactly what it is but Riga for sure has it. And those wintery days you are here for frame these magnificent areas with their snowy goodness. Checlk out the Old town of Riga and Quiet Center to really get blown away by the architcture.
Riga Central Market or Agenskalns Market. Both of these locations are perfect for exploring in windter, indoors, warm and full of local seasonal goodies for you to sample you will not be dissapointed. After all where do Latvians buy their special winter treats from? Make sure to carry some cash as the older ladies who sell the socks and mittens are not yet in the 21st Century when it comes to card payments.
Wood heating in Riga. Although maybe not the most environmentaly friendly option for heating these days, many visitors will be suprised to find out that plenty of houses in Riga are still heated by burning firewood. Even in the historic old town the smell of the burning 'malka' whisps thourgh the narrow streets, bringing to life the smells of the heart of Riga. Watching the wood delivery men lift cut fuel into the stores of houses is also quite a sight, lost to the decades of modernistaion that Western European nations have gone through. In Rural Latvia firewood is common place and widespread with wood being a major national resource of Latvia.
Riga in winter offers a different yet captivating experience compared to the rest of the year. With many cultural events and the enchanting Christmas markets there is plenty to do. With all the historical significance of being the alleged home of the first Christmas tree, the city's winter charm is truly something to behold. Proper clothing and an adventurous spirit will ensure a memorable and enjoyable visit to Riga during the snowy months. And end it all well and nice in a Sauna to warm up.
We recently took advantage of the colder days and spent one inside of the Riga Central market. Check out our video below.
What ever you do this winter in Riga, just make sure to wrap up warm and drink plenty of tea. Wishing you all a pleasant Christmas and New Years Eve.
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