The climate of Valga
Located in
Estonia,
Valga is categorized under the Dfb climate zone according to the Köppen climate classification. This zone is defined as a humid continental climate with no dry season but has warm summers. Its positioning, nestled in the northern region of the continent, sets a stage for weather conditions that hold both moderate warmth and intense cold.
A closer examination of Valga's climatological parameters reveals a significant fluctuation in temperatures throughout the year. The transition from chillier to warmer months presents a range from -7.7°C (18.1°F) in the cold depths of
January to a peak of 23.3°C (73.9°F) in the warm embrace of
July. Moreover, cold extends its grip with the lowest temperature often plunging to -7.7°C (18.1°F) in January and
February, while July brings comfort with the highest average at a pleasant 23.3°C (73.9°F).
The variation in rainfall is also noteworthy, spanning from a lower limit of 28mm (1.1") in
April to an elevated level of 56mm (2.2") in July. On a similar front, Valga exhibits considerable diversity in daylight hours, shining bright for up to 18 hours in
June and dimming down to a mere 6.6 hours in
December. Added to these weather permutations is a distinct characteristic concerning Valga's snowfall. The city typically experiences significant snowfall from 176mm (6.93") in January to 199mm (7.83") in February, only to see it gradually dissipate to a vanishing point from
May to
September.
The best time to visit Valga
When factoring key climatological conditions such as temperature, rainfall, and daylight hours, the best time to visit
Valga would be in the summer months. During this period, from
June to
August, temperatures average around 20.5°C (68.9°F) to 23.3°C (73.9°F), providing a warm yet comfortable setting for outdoor activities. These are also times when the city basks in extended daylight, lasting up to 18 hours in June, offering plenty of opportunities to explore the city's sights and sounds. Moreover, despite the increased rainfall during this period, the weather remains warm enough to not hinder any proposed activities.
The worst time to visit Valga
The period between
December and
February is arguably the less favorable time to visit
Valga. During these winter months, the city is often engulfed in a freezing embrace, with temperatures plummeting between -7.7°C (18.1°F) to -2°C (28.4°F). The daylight hours are also at their shortest, curtailing to 6.6 hours of sunlight in December. The icy conditions are exacerbated by heavy snowfall, contributing to 176mm (6.93") in
January alone. While this evokes a picturesque winter wonderland, it may pose challenges for tourists unfamiliar with extreme winter conditions.
Spring weather in Valga
Spring in
Valga brings with it a gradual yet tangible shift from its icy winter conditions. The period from
March to
May sees temperatures slowly rise from -4.1°C (24.6°F) to a more comfortable 17.3°C (63.1°F), offering a stark contrast against the harsh winter backdrop. Despite the increased rainfall during this period, this climatic transition is quite clear in absolute numbers, with precipitation gradually increasing from 32mm (1.26") in March to 42mm (1.65") in May. The receding snow levels and increased daylight hours, stretching from 11.9 to 16.7 hours, make this season an appealing time to experience the city's rejuvenation.
Summer weather in Valga
Featuring the warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours of the year, summer showcases
Valga's more amiable side. From
June to
August, temperature averages hover around 20.5°C (68.9°F) to 23.3°C (73.9°F), making it an ideal time for outdoor exploration and activities. Rainfall does escalate during these months, peaking at 56mm (2.2") in
July, but the overall warm conditions ensure any damp spells are momentary. Coupled with extensive daylight hours extending to 18 hours in June, summer in Valga offers a generous window of pleasant weather conditions.
Autumn weather in Valga
Autumn, spanning from
September to
November in
Valga, makes a noticeable transition from the warmth of summer to the frigid thresholds of winter. Temperatures begin a downward trend from 16.5°C (61.7°F) in September to 3.5°C (38.3°F) by November. Rainfall follows a similar pattern, reaching a high of 48mm (1.89") in
October and then receding to 42mm (1.65") in November. Daylight hours also steadily decrease from 12.8 hours in September to 8 hours in November, signaling the onset of the colder months.
Winter weather in Valga
Winter in
Valga, from
December to
February, is marked by frigid temperatures, heavy snowfall, limited daylight, and high humidity. Temperatures frequently descend to lows between -7.7°C (18.1°F) to -2°C (28.4°F), providing a testament to its classification under the Dfb climate zone. Snowfall significantly increases with accumulation reaching as high as 199mm (7.83") in February. The scarcity of sunlight through these months, bottoming out at 6.6 hours in December, coupled with the frosty conditions, gives Valga a quintessential winter landscape.
Weather in January
The chilling breath of winter weather continues its grip on
Valga in
January. The city generally experiences the most significant snowfall of 176mm (6.93") across the winter season. January, with the year's lowest daylight span of 7.4 hours, reflects minimal glimpses of the sun, enhancing the overall cold surroundings.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Although winter remains strong in
February, there is a slight rise in temperature on the horizon for
Valga. This month still experiences heavy snowfall, with 199mm (7.83") being recorded. The days become noticeably longer, with a relative increase in sunshine and daylight hours.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The onset of
March marks an appreciable increase in lukewarm temperatures, providing relief from the harsh cold. As longer days signal the arrival of spring, snowfall decreases noticeably to 122mm (4.8"), and temperatures range from -4.1°C (24.6°F) to 2°C (35.6°F).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April ushers in electric spring weather, characterized by rising temperatures and longer days in
Valga. Snowfall finally peters down to 38mm (1.5"), making way for a noticeable increase in rainfall at 28mm (1.1"). Patches of green begin to appear, and flowers boldly bloom, signaling the arrival of spring in all its glory.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May offers a delightfully warm welcome, with temperatures soaring to an exciting high of 17.3°C (63.1°F). There's an incredible shift from
April's weather pattern as snowfall gives way to increased rainfall, measured at 42mm (1.65").
Weather in May » Weather in June
June accentuates the summer warmth in
Valga, as the highest temperature of the year peaks at around 20.5°C (68.9°F). There's a marked increase in rainfall to 53mm (2.09"), signifying the start of the wet season. The lush green surroundings are accentuated by the extended daylight hours, reaching up to 18 hours per day.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July sees a continued rise in temperatures, soaring to a scorching 23.3°C (73.9°F) in
Valga. Coinciding with this heat, a considerable 56mm (2.2") of rainfall is witnessed, marking the peak of the wet season. Despite the discrepancy, longer daylight hours give ample opportunity for sunbathing and outdoor activities.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August faces a slight cooling trend, with temperatures dropping slightly compared to
July, hovering around 22°C (71.6°F) in
Valga. This month witnesses a marked decrease in rainfall down to 50mm (1.97"), thereby reducing the overall city's wet atmosphere.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September brings in the gradual transition from summer to autumn, leading to a significant dip in temperatures, falling to around 16.5°C (61.7°F) in
Valga. Accompanied by a slight decrease in rainfall down to 38mm (1.5"), the humidity also dissipates.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October accentuates the winter approach, with
Valga's weather turning significantly colder as temperatures drop to 8.5°C (47.3°F). Along with the chilling temperatures, rainfall picks up once more, measuring around 48mm (1.89"), signaling a wetter autumn.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November offers a prelude to winter with a further drop in temperatures, reaching a low of approximately 3.5°C (38.3°F) in
Valga. As snowflakes make their first appearance, the city sees an increase in snowfall accumulation to 54mm (2.13").
Weather in November » Weather in December
December seals the arrival of winter as temperatures plummet to their lowest, with the average low dipping to around -0.4°C (31.3°F) in
Valga. This period sees 153mm (6.02") of snowfall, bringing about a dramatic white overcoat enveloping the city.
Weather in December »