Latvia
Country · Europe, Northern Europe
Latvia is a country in Northern Europe with a population of about 1.8 million and an area of 64,594 square kilometers. Its capital is Riga. The territory offers a variety of architectural and historical sights for travellers.
Highlights
The site covers 10 top sights. In the city of Riga, visitors can see the House of the Blackheads, Freedom Monument, Riga Cathedral, St. Peter's Church, Latvian Academy of Sciences, Cat House, and Riga Castle, along with the historic area of Vecrīga. Outside the capital, the notable sights include Rundāle Palace and Turaida Castle.
Food and drink
Traditional dishes and items in Latvia include Jāņi cheese, Sklandrausis, Alexandertorte, Rupjmaize, Allasch, and Layered rye bread.
When to go
This climate data applies to the capital, Riga. Months from May to September feature daily high temperatures between 16 °C and 22 °C and lows between 8 °C and 15 °C. January and February are the coldest months with daily highs of -1 °C and lows down to -6 °C. July is the wettest month with 86 mm of rain, while April is drier with 34 mm.
Practical notes
The currency is the euro. The official language is Latvian. Driving is on the right side of the road. Plugs of type C and F are used, operating at 230 V. The time zone is UTC+02:00.
Cities
Food and drink to try in Latvia
- Jāņi cheese
- Sklandrausis
- Alexandertorte
- Rupjmaize
- Allasch
- Layered rye bread
Top sights in Latvia
Weather by month
The warmest month is July, with an average high of 22 °C. Rain is spread fairly evenly through the year.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | -1 | -1 | 3 | 10 | 16 | 19 | 22 | 21 | 16 | 10 | 4 | 0 |
| Average low, °C | -5 | -6 | -3 | 2 | 8 | 12 | 15 | 14 | 10 | 6 | 1 | -3 |
| Rainfall, mm | 48 | 37 | 40 | 34 | 50 | 72 | 86 | 81 | 74 | 79 | 65 | 58 |
| Rainy days | 15 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 16 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Riga (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.
Also worth a look
- Basilica of the Assumption, Aglona
- Cape Kolka
- Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ, Riga
- Corner House
- Gutman's Cave
- House of the Livonian Noble Corporation
- Krimulda Castle
- Large Guild, Riga
- Latvian National Museum of Art
- Museum of the Occupation of Latvia
- Salaspils camp
- Sigulda Castle
- Sigulda Medieval Castle
- St Gertrude Old Church, Riga
- St. James's Cathedral, Riga
- St. John's Church, Riga
- Swedish Gate, Riga
- Three Brothers, Riga
- Venta Rapid
- Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre
- Ķemeri National Park