Riga
Capital of Latvia
Riga is the capital of Latvia, with a population of about 589,000 in 2026. Visitors come to explore its historic sights, including the UNESCO-listed Vecrīga, the House of the Blackheads, and the Freedom Monument.
What to see
The city features the historic area of Vecrīga, designated as a UNESCO site. Architectural landmarks include the House of the Blackheads, Riga Castle, the Cat House, and the Latvian Academy of Sciences. Religious and civic structures comprise Riga Cathedral, St. Peter's Church, and the Freedom Monument.
When to go
Summer months from June to August bring daily highs between 19 °C and 22 °C, with lows from 12 °C to 15 °C, alongside monthly rain ranging from 72 mm to 86 mm. Winter brings freezing conditions from December to February, with daily highs at 0 °C to -1 °C and lows dropping to -6 °C.
Getting there
The nearest airport is Riga International Airport, located 9 km away from the city.
Top sights in Riga
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
- Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ, Riga
- House of the Livonian Noble Corporation
- Large Guild, Riga
- Latvian National Museum of Art
- Museum of the Occupation of Latvia
- St Gertrude Old Church, Riga
- St. James's Cathedral, Riga
- St. John's Church, Riga
- Swedish Gate, Riga
- Three Brothers, Riga