Visiting Riga in December 2026
“A quiet, cold month. Beautiful for those who prefer it that way.”
Roughly 14 rainy days across the month, on average.
December in Riga runs dark, damp, and cinematic. Daytime highs hover at 2C/36F, nights drop to -1.7C/29F, and precipitation totals 50mm across 14.2 wet days split between wet snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Sunshine bottoms out at 1.7 hours per day, the year's minimum, and the winter solstice on December 21 delivers just under 6.5 hours of watery daylight before amber street lamps take over.
On the ground, the Ziemassvetku tirdzins Christmas market at Doma laukums runs full tilt with black balsam glogg, grey pea sausages, and honey candles, and a rival market at Livu laukums adds an ice rink and Ferris wheel. Latvian tradition claims the world's first decorated Christmas tree in 1510 at the Blackheads House, and the December 24 Ziemassvetku vakars celebrations fill Doma laukums with the Latvian Radio Choir. Restaurants offer nine-dish Christmas dinners featuring roast pork, sauerkraut, and grey peas with bacon.
Ten-year December data show Riga warming 1.8C, with 2024 registering the mildest December since 1930s records began. The Latvian Environmental Agency logged 2025 as having the least snow cover on record for the month. Baltic Sea ice extent has retreated significantly, and 2026 forecasts point to another mild-but-precipitation-heavy December with limited genuine snow but frequent freezing-rain events.
Travelers arriving in December 2026 catch peak Christmas market atmosphere, New Year's Eve fireworks over the Daugava at 11. novembra krastmala, and long amber-lit evenings that photograph beautifully. Bring waterproof footwear rated for slush and ice, book Christmas Eve dinner reservations weeks ahead, and treat December 2026 as Riga at its most theatrically Baltic.
Skip Old Town restaurants after 7pm and head to Miera iela in the Central District for craft beer at Alkohol Bar and Georgian food at Rukola. Latvians expect strangers to nod hello in bakeries but never small-talk on trams. The 24-bus night route to Mežaparks reveals Soviet-era wooden districts most tourists never see.
What to pack for Riga in December
December wardrobe demands warmth, waterproofing, and slush-ready traction:
- Down or synthetic-fill parka rated to -10C
- Waterproof winter boots with aggressive tread
- Merino base layers top and bottom
- Wool hat that covers ears plus a warm scarf
- Waterproof insulated gloves for market glogg
What to pack for Riga in December
- →Merino wool base layerAmazon · shop this
- →Insulated puffer jacketAmazon · shop this
- →Thermal glovesAmazon · shop this
- →Compact travel umbrellaAmazon · shop this
- →Universal travel adapterAmazon · shop this
- →Compression packing cubesAmazon · shop this
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Sample black balsam glogg at the Ziemassvetku tirdzins Christmas market on Doma laukums, skate on the outdoor rink at Livu laukums, catch a Latvian Radio Choir performance on Christmas Eve, and watch New Year's Eve fireworks over the Daugava from 11. novembra krastmala.
December vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in Riga. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit Riga
While December has its own character in Riga, the data-backed best months to visit Riga are May, June, July, August. These months combine the most favourable temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine across a ten-year climate record.
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for RigaOther places with a similar climate right now
Riga in December — FAQ
Q01Should I visit Riga in December?
Should I visit Riga in December?
It is a challenging month — you may want to consider another time of year. In December, Riga averages a high of 2°C (36°F) and a low of -2°C (29°F), with 50mm of rainfall across roughly 14 rainy days. Late May to early June brings peak Vecrīga cobblestone weather before the Baltic Song and Dance Festival draws crowds and Līgo bonfires light the Daugava.
Q02What temperatures should I expect in Riga during December?
What temperatures should I expect in Riga during December?
The average high temperature in Riga during December is 2°C (36°F), with an average low of -2°C (29°F). These figures are averaged from ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive). January darkness stretches to 6pm; the Ziemassvētku tirdziņš Christmas market at Doma laukums runs late November through early January with black balsam gløgg.
Q03Is December a rainy month in Riga?
Is December a rainy month in Riga?
Riga averages approximately 14 rainy days in December, with a total monthly rainfall of about 50mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04How should I dress for Riga in December?
How should I dress for Riga in December?
For Riga in December, pack a warm winter coat, a merino base layer for evenings, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on the ten-year weather averages for this specific month. A merino base layer for the ferry to Stockholm — Baltic crossings drop 5°C at night even in July.
Q05Is December a busy travel month for Riga?
Is December a busy travel month for Riga?
Tourist crowds in Riga during December are typically low — winter is off-season, meaning quiet streets and better hotel deals. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely. Skip Old Town restaurants after 7pm and head to Miera iela in the Central District for craft beer at Alkohol Bar and Georgian food at Rukola. Latvians expect strangers to nod hello in bakeries but never small-talk on trams. The 24-bus night route to Mežaparks reveals Soviet-era wooden districts most tourists never see.