Riga in December
In December, Riga averages 2°C (35°F) during the day and -2°C (29°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 20 days of the month see precipitation (52 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
December is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Riga. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How December compares to the rest of the year in Riga
December is one of the coolest months in Riga (11th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 10°C below the annual average (11°C). December runs 3°C cooler than November (5°C) and cools 2°C in January (0°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Riga
Times shown for Riga local time (Europe/Riga), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Riga — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Riga's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Riga in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Off-peak) and Riga's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Riga
This is off-peak for Riga — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.
Why this tier: challenging tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Riga
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
🥶 Bitter cold — Riga in December
Gear: Snow rare but air is freezing. Insulated coat, hat, and gloves still required — wind chill is the real enemy.
Riga in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0°C / 31°F | -4°C / 24°F | 55 mm | 21 | — |
| February | 2°C / 35°F | -3°C / 26°F | 41 mm | 17 | — |
| March | 6°C / 42°F | -1°C / 30°F | 47 mm | 18 | — |
| April | 11°C / 52°F | 3°C / 37°F | 39 mm | 16 | — |
| May | 17°C / 62°F | 7°C / 45°F | 56 mm | 16 | — |
| June | 22°C / 71°F | 13°C / 55°F | 72 mm | 18 | — |
| July | 23°C / 73°F | 15°C / 58°F | 81 mm | 23 | — |
| August | 22°C / 72°F | 14°C / 57°F | 92 mm | 20 | — |
| September | 17°C / 63°F | 10°C / 51°F | 60 mm | 17 | — |
| October | 11°C / 51°F | 5°C / 41°F | 81 mm | 20 | — |
| November | 5°C / 41°F | 1°C / 34°F | 56 mm | 19 | — |
| December | 2°C / 35°F | -2°C / 29°F | 52 mm | 20 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Riga in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Riga in December?
In December, Riga averages a high of 2°C (35°F) and a low of -2°C (29°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Riga in December?
December is quite rainy in Riga, with about 20 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Riga?
December is cold but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Riga in December?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Riga for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.