Riga in May

In May, Riga averages 17°C (62°F) during the day and 7°C (45°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 16 days of the month see precipitation (56 mm total).

Shoulder

Conditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

May is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Riga. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.

17°C
Avg high
7°C
Avg low
16
Rain days
56 mm
Rainfall

How May compares to the rest of the year in Riga

5th
warmest month of the 12
12th
wettest month of the 12
8%
of yearly rainfall falls in May
16 h 28 min
daylight on the 15th

May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Riga (5th of 12) and one of the driest months (12th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 6°C above the annual average (11°C). May runs 6°C warmer than April (11°C) and warms a further 5°C into June (22°C).

May sunrise & sunset in Riga

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
5:06 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
9:33 PM
Day length
16 h 28 min

Times shown for Riga local time (Europe/Riga), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Riga — May

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Riga's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
4:06 AM – 4:46 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
4:46 AM – 5:46 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
8:53 PM – 9:53 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
9:53 PM – 10:33 PM

📅 When to book — Riga in May

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 May's tier (Shoulder) and Riga's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.

Crowds & pricing — May in Riga

Shoulder

Riga is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.

Sun & mosquito risk — May in Riga

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
9.6
Very high
Limit sun exposure between 11 AM and 3 PM; SPF 30-50, reapply every 90 minutes outdoors.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●○○
Moderate
Active mosquito season. DEET 25-30% repellent recommended, especially at dawn/dusk.

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.

Riga in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow 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 May weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Riga in May →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Riga in May?

In May, Riga averages a high of 17°C (62°F) and a low of 7°C (45°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Riga in May?

May is quite rainy in Riga, with about 16 rainy days on average.

Is May a good time to visit Riga?

May is mild and pleasant but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Riga in May?

Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Riga for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Riga on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.