The climate of Vilnius
Vilnius, the capital and largest city of
Lithuania, situated in the southeastern part of the country, is a city with a Humid Continental climate. This classification, also known as Dfb according to the Köppen climatic categorization, implies that the city experiences no dry season, warm summers and cold, snowy winters.
Throughout the year, the city witnesses substantial variations in weather conditions.
January precipitates the lowest temperatures with averages sinking to -8.7°C (16.3°F), while the warmth of summer in
July brings the mercury level to an average high of 22.1°C (71.8°F). Humidity levels fluctuate from a relative low of 65.5% in
April to reaching a peak of 90% during
November. Rainfall distribution is relatively well distributed across the year with the least precipitation recorded in
February with 34mm (1.34"), escalating to a high of 79mm (3.11") in July.
A remarkable weather pattern in Vilnius is the fluctuation of daylight hours. The shortest day is in
December with just 7.4 hours of daylight. This sharply contrasts the extensive daylight experienced in
June, boasting a generous 17.2 hours in a day. Solar radiation is well proportioned throughout the year, with the highest recorded UV index of 6 during June and July, corresponding with the peak tourist season.
The best time to visit Vilnius
The most favorable time to visit
Vilnius is during the late spring and summer between
May and
August. Temperatures during this period range from 10.7°C (51.3°F) to 21.6°C (70.9°F), offering comfortable conditions for exploring the city. The daylight duration extends up to 16.1 hours in May and even further to 17.2 hours in
June, providing ample opportunity for sightseeing. A UV index of 5 in May gradually increases to 6 in June and
July, ensuring a pleasant warmth in the city.
However, one should be prepared for sporadic showers, particularly in June and July when rainfall peaks at 73mm (2.87") and 79mm (3.11") respectively. Despite the occasional precipitations, these are also the months when Vilnius has the maximum sunshine exposure from 7.7 to 7.8 hours per day, offering a delicate balance between sun and rain.
The worst time to visit Vilnius
Winter months from
November to
February in
Vilnius are dominated by low temperatures, snowfall, and reduced sunlight. During this period, temperatures can plummet from 3.5°C (38.3°F) in November to a bone-chilling -8.7°C (16.3°F) in
January. The number of sunshine hours dwindles, reaching its nadir of a mere 0.8 hours in
December. These conditions, in combination with a substantial increase in relative humidity, reaching 90% in November, make winter months the least inviting for tourist activity in Vilnius.
Spring weather in Vilnius
Spring in
Vilnius falls between
March and
May. The city begins to thaw in March, with temperatures slowly escalating from -1.7°C (28.9°F) to 18.2°C (64.8°F) in May. Rainfall starts increasing from 37mm (1.46") in March to 52mm (2.05") in May, indicating the onset of the rainy season. Daylight hours rise to 14.1 hours in
April and up to 16.1 hours in May. With the UV index increasing from 2 in March to 5 in May, Spring paints a vibrant panorama and offers amiable weather for tourist activities.
Summer weather in Vilnius
Vilnius experiences warm summers characterized by temperatures fluctuating from 21.1°C (70°F) in
June to 21.6°C (70.9°F) in
August.
July is the warmest month with an average high of 22.1°C (71.8°F). The city receives a significant amount of rainfall in summer, peaking at 79mm (3.11") in July. Nonetheless, sunshine spans from 7.7 hours in June to 7 hours in August, along with an extended daylight duration of 17.2 hours in June, providing a warm and splendid ambiance for outdoor activities.
Autumn weather in Vilnius
During autumn, from
September to
November, temperatures begin to drop. September witnesses average highs of 16.4°C (61.5°F) which further reduce to 3.5°C (38.3°F) by November. An increase in rainfall is observed with precipitation ranging from 65mm (2.56") in September to 52mm (2.05") in November. The relative humidity also gradually escalates, reaching 90% by November. Despite the drop in temperatures, the city receives up to 4.7 hours of sunshine in September, which steadily declines to 1.1 hours in November.
Winter weather in Vilnius
Winters in
Vilnius can be quite severe, with low temperatures and heavy snowfall. From
December to
February, the average high temperatures dwindle from -0.5°C (31.1°F) to -3.5°C (25.7°F), while the lows dive from -5.2°C (22.6°F) to -8.7°C (16.3°F). December receives 49mm (1.93") of rainfall, which can be largely attributed to snow during this period. Daylight hours sharply drop to 7.4 hours in December, with limited sunshine of just 0.8 hours. The relative humidity also sees a significant increase, making it quite challenging for outdoor activities.
Weather in January
Witnessing chilly conditions,
Vilnius,
Lithuania, finds itself entrenched in the heart of winter in
January. Snow often blankets the cities and towns, creating a white paradise that enchants visitors. The sun reveals itself sparingly; cloaked by heavy clouds, it casts a serene winter glow.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As
February takes its course in
Vilnius, winter retains its firm grip but shows early signs of loosening its hold. An improvement in daylight hours subtly hints at the prospect of incoming spring. Patterns of sunshine double compared to
January, yet the persistent chill in the weather cannot be denied.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The freezing envelope of winter begins to thaw in
March. A perceptible upswing in both temperature and sunshine hours creates an optimistic mood in the air. Residents of
Vilnius can sense the arrival of spring, a season marked by renewal and rebirth.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Come
April,
Vilnius witnesses a vibrant shift from frosty to moderate temperatures, making it a springtime beauty. Scarlet tulips and daffodils pushing through the thawed ground paint a colourful canvas, signifying the unabashed arrival of spring.
Weather in April »Weather in May
The city of
Vilnius, in
May, undergoes a dramatic transformation. The abundant burst of flora and fauna complements the increase in sunshine and temperature, illustrating a charming contrast. The expansive blue skies aid the sun in creating dramatic silhouettes, fostering an environment of poetic magnetism.
Weather in May »Weather in June
In
June,
Vilnius gears up for summer, marked by longer daylight hours and soaring temperatures. Outdoor cafes spill over with patrons basking in the sun's warmth and cool breezes. Rivers glisten under the abundant sun, and lush green parks add to the season's allure.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Peaking in terms of warmth,
July stands as the hottest month in
Vilnius. Sun-drenched afternoons provide the perfect backdrop for social events and cultural festivals to occur. While locals and tourists alike take advantage of the ample daylight, they relish the thermal reprieve that evening brings.
Weather in July »Weather in August
A pleasantly warm month in
Vilnius,
August, carries the summer's glow. With sunshine abundant, it remains an ideal period for outdoor activities, particularly in the city's heart. Fresh morning breezes accompany individuals while the sun sets with a poetic flair, enchanting the residents.
Weather in August »Weather in September
The beautiful season of autumn starts to make its presence known in
September.
Vilnius transfers from the scorching sun of summer to the mild warmth and eventual chill of fall. With leaves turning crimson and a gold, from parks to pathways, the city dresses itself in a captivating ensemble.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Autumn comes into full bloom in
Vilnius during the month of
October. The landscape turns into a spectacle of burnt orange and hues of red, making it a visual treat for the onlookers. With winter just around the corner, the locals seize every moment of the gentle autumn sunlight.
Weather in October »Weather in November
The month of
November rings the winter bells in
Vilnius. Warm jackets and scarves become the staple as temperatures steadfastly descend. Cloud cover thickens and sunlight reduces, providing the perfect backdrop for winter to make its grand entrance.
Weather in November »Weather in December
The celebratory month of
December in
Vilnius brings along frozen landscapes and shimmering lights. As the city glistens under the winter sun, a festive spirit engulfs the residents. The transition from fall to winter is complete with temperatures hovering between -5.2°C (22.6°F) and -0.5°C (31.1°F).
Weather in December »