Latvia Riga Weather in December — Climate Guide
December in Riga is high
December is high for Riga.
December is Riga's most-magical season. The Riga Christmas market on Doma laukums has documented roots to 1510, making it possibly the world's oldest continuously-recorded Christmas market — and the city leans hard into the heritage with wooden stalls selling glühwein, honey-spice pepparkakor, hand-knit mittens, and amber jewelry. The Christmas tree on Doma laukums was also reportedly first publicly displayed in Riga in 1510 — the city claims to have invented the public Christmas tree tradition. Latvian Christmas Eve (December 24) is the cultural-spirit moment — fasting then celebratory dinner with 9 traditional dishes (including grey peas, pork, sauerkraut). December also brings Riga's deepest darkness — only 6.5 hours of daylight, sunset at 15:45.
Travel score
World's oldest Christmas market (since 1510) + Latvian Christmas + 6.5h daylight
December Weather at a Glance
December averages 34°F / 1°C highs and 27°F / -3°C lows with 50mm precipitation (often mixed rain/sleet/snow) over 12 wet days. Humidity 89%. Sunshine 1h daily — year's lowest tied with November + January. Daylight only 6.5h — sunrise 09:00, sunset 15:45. Wind chill brings felt temperature to -7°C. First sustained snow typically early-to-mid December. The shortest, darkest, wettest, most-atmospheric month of the year.
December Travel Advice
Riga Christmas market on Doma laukums runs late November through January 7 — the world's oldest continuously-recorded Christmas market dates here to 1510. Latvian Christmas Eve (December 24) is the main family day — many restaurants close 24-26; verify with hotel concierge. New Year's Eve Daugava waterfront fireworks at midnight draw crowds. Black Magic Bar on Krāmu iela serves Christmas-themed Black Balsam cocktails seasonally.
December Pricing Trends
Year's near-peak for atmosphere: Grand Palace $300-460/night (Christmas market weeks), Pullman $170-280, mid-range 4-star $140-230. Flights from major hubs $400-800. Book by April-May for December Christmas market + Christmas travel.
Riga December Weather Stats
Avg High
1°C
Avg Low
-3°C
Rainy Days
12
50mm total
Sunshine
1h
Daily avg
Humidity
89%
humid
UV Index
0
Low
Wind
18 km/h
Gusts 45
Sea Temp
3°C
no swimming
Crowds
Busy
At attractions
December Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
18 μg/m³
PM10
32 μg/m³
Status
good
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
-2°C
Nighttime
-7°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
18 km/h
Max gust 45 km/h
Activities Recommended for December
December Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Riga Christmas market on Doma laukums (open through January 7 — world's oldest, since 1510)
- Reported world's-first public Christmas tree heritage
- Latvian Christmas Eve (December 24) cultural depth + 9-dish dinner tradition
- New Year's Eve Daugava waterfront fireworks
- First snow often arrives early December (atmospheric Old Town)
- Skating rink at Vērmanes dārzs
- 1-Michelin Selected Christmas tasting menus
Cons
- 1/-3°C wet cold + -7°C wind chill
- Only 6.5h daylight (sunrise 09:00, sunset 15:45)
- Hotels at near-peak rates (Christmas market premium)
- Rain/sleet/snow mix on sidewalks common
- Many restaurants close Dec 24-26
- Ice on cobblestones treacherous
December Events & Festivals
- Riga Christmas market (Doma laukums — open through January 7, documented since 1510 — possibly world's oldest)
- New Year's Eve (central fireworks at the Daugava waterfront)
- Latvian Christmas Eve (December 24 — main family day)
- Skating rink at Vērmanes dārzs opens
Riga in December — Full Picture
December is Riga's most-magical season. The Riga Christmas market on Doma laukums has documented roots to 1510, making it possibly the world's oldest continuously-recorded Christmas market — and the city leans hard into the heritage with wooden stalls selling glühwein, honey-spice pepparkakor, hand-knit mittens, and amber jewelry. The Christmas tree on Doma laukums was also reportedly first publicly displayed in Riga in 1510 — the city claims to have invented the public Christmas tree tradition. Latvian Christmas Eve (December 24) is the cultural-spirit moment — fasting then celebratory dinner with 9 traditional dishes (including grey peas, pork, sauerkraut). December also brings Riga's deepest darkness — only 6.5 hours of daylight, sunset at 15:45.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Deep winter wet cold. Heavy down coat (-15°C rated), thermal base layer (Merino), waterproof boots with grippy soles, wool scarf, gloves, hat, hand warmers. Cardigan layer for indoor temperature shifts (Riga restaurants run very hot in winter).
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
10°C
2.3°C
9.3/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
21°C
13°C
10.7/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
10°C
4.7°C
12.3/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
Current-0.3°C
-5.7°C
10.7/mo
Riga Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -1° | -7° | 11d·45mm | 1h | 87% | 0 | Quiet | Low season | |
| -1° | -7° | 9d·35mm | 2h | 84% | 1 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 4° | -3° | 10d·35mm | 4h | 78% | 2 | Quiet | Shoulder | |
| 10° | 2° | 9d·40mm | 6h | 72% | 3 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| May (Best) | 16° | 8° | 9d·45mm | 9h | 68% | 4 | Busy | Peak |
| June (Best) | 20° | 12° | 10d·60mm | 10h | 70% | 5 | Very busy | Peak |
| July (Best) | 22° | 14° | 11d·75mm | 10h | 73% | 5 | Very busy | Peak |
| August (Best) | 21° | 13° | 11d·80mm | 9h | 76% | 4 | Very busy | Peak |
| 16° | 9° | 12d·70mm | 6h | 80% | 3 | Busy | Peak | |
| 10° | 5° | 12d·75mm | 3h | 84% | 2 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 4° | 0° | 13d·65mm | 1h | 88% | 1 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 1° | -3° | 12d·50mm | 1h | 89% | 0 | Busy | Peak |
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Riga December Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to visit Riga?
Riga in December is high. Tourist crowds are busy and flight/hotel prices are peak.
What's the average temperature in Riga in December?
Riga December averages a high of 1°C and a low of -3°C.
Does it rain much in Riga in December?
Riga December averages 50mm of rainfall over about 12 rainy days.
What should I wear in Riga in December?
Deep winter wet cold. Heavy down coat (-15°C rated), thermal base layer (Merino), waterproof boots with grippy soles, wool scarf, gloves, hat, hand warmers. Cardigan layer for indoor temperature shifts (Riga restaurants run very hot in winter).
What time are sunrise and sunset in Riga in December?
Riga December sunrise is 09:00 and sunset is 15:45, with 6h 45min of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Riga in December?
Riga December air quality (AQI) averages 50, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 18μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Riga in December?
In December, Riga is great for Riga Christmas market on Doma laukums (open through January 7 — since 1510), Latvian Christmas Eve December 24 (9-dish traditional dinner), New Year's Eve Daugava waterfront fireworks.
Is December peak season in Riga?
Riga December crowds are busy and prices are peak. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Best Months to Visit Riga
View Other Months
Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.