Early winter · Weather & things to do
Riga in December
Riga cools off: highs slip to 32°F (0°C), from 39°F in November, with lows of 26°F (-3°C) and about 2.5 in (63 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 39/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 32°F (0°C)
- Avg low
- 26°F (-3°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.5 in (63 mm)
- Humidity
- 95%
- Cloud cover
- 84%
- Daylight
- ~6 h 28 min
- Comfort score
- 39/100 · Tough
What December feels like
Highs only reach about 32°F (0°C), so plan short stints outside between indoor stops.
Average lows of 26°F (-3°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
About 2.5 in (63 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 84%.
Only about 6 h 28 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May & June and August & September.
- Freezing nights return: average lows drop to 26°F.
- Snow becomes likely from December, so check road and trail conditions.
- Shortest days of the year, about 6 h 28 min of daylight.
- Comfort holds steady from November (38 → 39/100).
- Our Tallinn & Riga route is planned for Late Nov – Dec, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — December is part of it.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 26°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 2.5 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Riga in December
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Riga Central Market
Market in five former Zeppelin hangars by the river, with halls for fish, meat, dairy and smoked foods.
Town Hall Square
Square where an octagonal plaque marks Riga's claim to the first decorated Christmas tree, set up in 1510.
House of the Blackheads
Ornate Dutch Renaissance guild house of the Brotherhood of Blackheads, rebuilt in 1999 after wartime destruction.
Black Magic
Dark wood cafe-bar on Kaļķu iela pouring Riga Black Balsam cocktails, with handmade chocolates.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 32°F.
Riga Christmas Market
Red-and-white striped stalls and a tall tree on Dome Square, beside Riga Cathedral, selling mittens, honey and hot food.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 32°F.
Nearby in December
- Tallinn in December~173 mi · highs 33°F, 2.2 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Helsinki in December~225 mi · highs 34°F, 2.6 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Stockholm in December~275 mi · highs 33°F, 2.1 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Riga in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Riga?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 39/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May & June and August & September. Expect highs of 32°F (0°C) and 2.5 in (63 mm) of rain or snow.
How cold is Riga in December?
Average highs are 32°F (0°C) and average lows 26°F (-3°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Riga in December?
Some: about 2.5 in (63 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 6th-wettest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 30.1 in (764 mm).
What should I pack for Riga in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 26°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 2.5 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Riga
Routes in season in December
- Tallinn & Riga Late Nov – Dec
Planning Riga in December?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.