Tallinn or Riga in July?
In July, Tallinn and Riga are overall neck and neck — it comes down to your priorities.
TallinnPhoto: Jorge Láscar · CC BY 2.0
RigaPhoto: Jorge Láscar from Melbourne, Australia · CC BY 2.0Key figures in July
| Criterion | Tallinn | Riga |
|---|---|---|
| Average daily high | 20 °C | 22 °C |
| Average daily low | 15 °C | 14 °C |
| Sea | 17 °C | 18 °C ★ |
| Rainy days | 13 rainy days (est.) ★ | 15 rainy days (est.) |
| Sun | 7 h/day | 7 h/day |
| Humidity | 77 % | 81 % |
Winner by travel type
Trade-offs
- Riga is about 2 °C warmer by day.
- Tallinn is drier, with about 2 fewer rainy days.
- The sea at Riga is about 2 °C warmer.
Tallinn or Riga in July: the short answer
In July, Tallinn and Riga are essentially level on the overall climate score (both around 61/100). The decision comes down to the individual criteria below.
This comparison focuses on July as a representative month for the pair; for any other month, use each destination's month-by-month pages. Across the whole year Tallinn averages a climate score of 34/100, Riga 35/100. Both profiles below are historical monthly averages, not a forecast.
Weather in July, side by side
The average daily high is about 20 °C in Tallinn and 22 °C in Riga — warmer in Riga. Average daily lows are around 15 °C versus 14 °C.
On rain, Tallinn sees about 13 rainy days in July and Riga about 15 — drier in Tallinn. Sunshine is comparable (7 vs 7 hours a day).
Sea temperature and swimming
In July the water is about 17 °C at Tallinn and 18 °C at Riga — warmer for swimming at Riga. Neither Tallinn nor Riga reaches the ~21 °C swimming threshold in any month. Peak sea warmth is August for Tallinn and August for Riga.
Rain and sun across the year
Over a full year Tallinn records roughly 149 rainy days and Riga about 160 — the drier of the two overall is Tallinn. At their sunniest, Tallinn reaches about 7 hours of sun a day (June) and Riga about 7 (June). If dependable dry, sunny weather is your top priority, weigh these annual totals alongside the single month above.
Best time to visit each
Climatically, Tallinn is at its best in July, while Riga peaks in July and August. If your dates are fixed, pick the destination whose strong season overlaps them; if you are flexible, plan around these windows.
Which suits which kind of trip
Based on the July scores for each travel style:
Beach & swimming: Riga scores higher in July (Tallinn 48 vs Riga 53).
City breaks: Tallinn scores higher in July (Tallinn 83 vs Riga 79).
Active & hiking: Tallinn scores higher in July (Tallinn 76 vs Riga 70).
Family: Riga scores higher in July (Tallinn 48 vs Riga 51).
Verdict: which should you pick?
There is no single winner — it depends on your month and your priority. For July specifically, use the head-to-head above; over the year, Riga carries the slightly higher overall climate score. Choose Tallinn if its strong months and profile match your plan, Riga if its do. The month-by-month pages for each destination give you the full picture before you book.