The climate of Estonia
Estonia is a country situated in the northern part of the temperate climate zone, uniquely located in the transition zone between maritime and continental climates. This position allows the country to enjoy a mild climate, influenced largely by the thermal attributes of the northern Atlantic Ocean and the Baltic Sea. Although Estonia lies at a northern latitude, the moderating influence of these surrounding bodies of water tempers its weather conditions. Throughout the year, Estonia experiences four seasons of near-equal length. The Baltic islands have average temperatures ranging from 17.8°C (64°F) in
July, which marks the height of summer, to -1.4°C (29.5°F) in
February, typically the coldest month of the year. Inland, these figures fluctuate slightly more, with a warm peak of 18.4°C (65.1°F) in July and a cold trough of -5.3°C (22.5°F) in February. The climate tends to differ between coastal and inland regions, largely due to the Baltic Sea's influence.
The Best Time to Visit Estonia
The best time to visit
Estonia largely depends on individual preferences for activities and weather conditions. However, generally speaking, the months from
June to
August provide the most conducive weather for outdoor activities and sightseeing. During these summer months, the temperatures typically range from 15.2°C (59.4°F) to 18.4°C (65.1°F), with the country being awash with greenery and enjoying long daylight hours due to its northerly latitude. This period also aligns with the country's festive season, allowing visitors to experience local culture through numerous events and festivals. It is also an excellent time for bird watching, with many species migrating to the region.
The Worst Time to Visit Estonia
From a weather perspective, the challenging months to visit
Estonia might be from
November to
March. During these months, the country experiences its coldest weather, with temperatures dropping to an average low of -5.3°C (22.5°F) in
February. Winter also brings fewer daylight hours, with some areas in the northern parts of the country receiving as little as six hours of daylight. However, this period also hosts some unique winter experiences such as ice fishing and cross-country skiing, thus still providing attraction to those with an inclination for winter sports or adventure tourism.
Spring Weather in Estonia
Spring in
Estonia, spanning from
March to
May, presents a transition from the chilling cold of winter to a more temperate climate. During this time, the average temperatures range from 0.5°C (32.9°F) to 13°C (55.4°F). The season is characterized by melting snow, budding flowers, and increasingly longer daylight hours. It is also a period of rainfall, with
April being the wettest month, receiving an average precipitation of 30mm (1.18") to 40mm (1.57"). Despite the rainfall, the season presents a unique opportunity to witness the country's natural beauty in bloom.
Summer Weather in Estonia
Summer in
Estonia, from
June to
August, is characterized by warm and generally pleasant weather, with average temperatures ranging from 15.2°C (59.4°F) to 18.4°C (65.1°F). The days are long, with up to 19 hours of daylight during the summer solstice in June, commonly referred to as "white nights". Rainfall is relatively moderate during this period, with an average precipitation between 50mm (1.97") and 70mm (2.76") per month. The country's numerous beaches, forests, and national parks become popular destinations during this season.
Autumn Weather in Estonia
Autumn in
Estonia runs from
September to
November and sees a gradual decrease in temperatures, from an average high of 15°C (59°F) in September to a low of -1°C (30.2°F) in November. During this season, the country becomes a mosaic of red, orange, and yellow hues as the leaves change color, offering breathtaking scenery. This period is also characterized by an increase in precipitation, which can reach up to 60mm (2.36") in
October, making it one of the wetter months of the year.
Winter Weather in Estonia
Winter in
Estonia, from
December to
February, is marked by cold temperatures, snow-covered landscapes, and shorter daylight hours. Average temperatures during this time range from -1°C (30.2°F) to -5.3°C (22.5°F), but they can drop even lower during cold spells. Despite the frigid conditions, the country offers several winter activities, including skiing, ice fishing, and visiting traditional Christmas markets. Snowfall varies across the country, with an average of 20cm to 40cm of snow expected, although this can increase during particularly snowy winters.
Weather in January
January is deep within
Estonia's winter season and is notably the coldest month of the year. During this month, average temperatures can drop from -1°C (30.2°F) on the Baltic islands to as low as -5.3°C (22.5°F) in the inland regions.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February continues the winter season in
Estonia, although it is usually slightly less cold than the extreme conditions often experienced in
January. The average temperatures in February range from -1.4°C (29.5°F) on the Baltic islands to -5.3°C (22.5°F) inland.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March signals the advent of spring in
Estonia, although winter conditions often persist for the early part of the month. Average temperatures during this time can range from 0.5°C (32.9°F) on the Baltic islands to -2°C (28.4°F) in the inland areas.
Weather in March » Weather in April
April in
Estonia marks a definite shift into spring. The average temperatures continue to climb, ranging from 6°C (42.8°F) on the Baltic islands to 7.5°C (45.5°F) inland. This noticeable rise from
March's chillier conditions sets the tone for the milder months ahead, culminating in the warmth of the summer season. In the capital city of Tallinn, situated on the coast of the Baltic Sea, the average temperatures for April range from 6.5°C (43.7°F) to 3.5°C (38.3°F).
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Estonia brings about the full bloom of spring and hints at the onset of summer. Average temperatures typically range from 10°C (50°F) on the Baltic islands to 12°C (53.6°F) inland, a significant increase from the temperatures observed in
April, and indicative of the warming trend that is set to continue into the peak summer months. In Tallinn, Estonia's capital, average temperatures for May vary from 11°C (51.8°F) to 6°C (42.8°F), providing a comfortable climate for outdoor activities.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Estonia marks the arrival of the summer season and is characterized by some of the longest days of the year due to the summer solstice. Average temperatures typically range from 15°C (59°F) on the Baltic islands to 17.5°C (63.5°F) inland, showcasing a significant jump from the milder conditions of
May and marking June as the beginning of Estonia's warmest quarter. In Tallinn, Estonia's coastal capital, average temperatures for June fluctuate between 15.5°C (59.9°F) and 9°C (48.2°F).
Weather in June » Weather in July
July is typically the warmest month of the year in
Estonia, marking the peak of the summer season. The average temperatures can vary from 17.8°C (64°F) on the Baltic islands to 18.4°C (65.1°F) inland. These figures are a slight increase from
June's temperatures, emphasizing July as the zenith of the Estonian summer. In Tallinn, the capital situated on the coast, the average temperatures in July fluctuate between 19°C (66.2°F) and 13°C (55.4°F).
Weather in July » Weather in August
August represents the tail end of the summer season in
Estonia. Average temperatures typically range from 17°C (62.6°F) on the Baltic islands to 17.8°C (64°F) inland. These temperatures signify a slight decrease from the peak warmth experienced in
July, hinting at the onset of the cooler autumn months to come. In Tallinn, the capital city located along the coast, the average temperatures for August fluctuate between 18°C (64.4°F) and 12°C (53.6°F).
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Estonia marks the beginning of autumn, with a noticeable shift in temperatures and weather conditions. Average temperatures drop from the summer warmth to a range of 12°C (53.6°F) on the Baltic islands and 13°C (55.4°F) inland.
Weather in September » Weather in October
October in
Estonia is well into the autumn season, characterized by falling temperatures and the changing colors of the natural landscape. Average temperatures continue their downward trend, ranging from 6°C (42.8°F) on the Baltic islands to 7°C (44.6°F) inland, indicating a significant decrease from the milder conditions experienced in
September. In the coastal capital of Tallinn, the average temperatures for October vary between 7.5°C (45.5°F) and 3.5°C (38.3°F).
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Estonia ushers in the transition from autumn to winter, marked by a significant drop in temperatures. Average temperatures typically range from 1°C (33.8°F) on the Baltic islands to 2°C (35.6°F) inland. This substantial decrease from
October's temperatures signals the end of the mild autumn weather and the onset of the colder winter months. In the coastal city of Tallinn, the average temperatures for November vary between 2.5°C (36.5°F) and -1.5°C (29.3°F).
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Estonia signals the beginning of the winter season, characterized by cold temperatures and the potential for snowfall. Average temperatures typically range from -1.2°C (29.8°F) on the Baltic islands to -3°C (26.6°F) inland.
Weather in December »