Estonia is a small Northern European country located along the Baltic Sea, bordered by Latvia to the south and Russia to the east. It covers an area of 45,227 square kilometers and includes over 2,000 islands, the largest being Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. The country’s topography consists of low hills, forests, lakes, and extensive coastlines, with numerous rivers flowing into the Gulf of Finland and the Baltic Sea. Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, is located on the northern coast, while other major cities such as Tartu and Pärnu lie inland and along the west coast.
Estonia has a temperate climate characterized by four distinct seasons:
- Winter (December to February): Cold and snowy, with occasional freezing temperatures.
- Spring (March to May): Gradual warming with melting snow and blooming flowers.
- Summer (June to August): Warm and mild, with long daylight hours.
- Autumn (September to November): Cool, windy, and wet as temperatures decline and foliage turns vibrant.
Estonia’s weather is heavily influenced by its location along the Baltic Sea, with maritime and continental influences that result in seasonal temperature fluctuations. Coastal regions, such as Tallinn and Pärnu, experience milder winters and cooler summers compared to the inland regions like Tartu, which tend to have colder winters and hotter summers.
January
Weather Overview
January is the heart of winter in Estonia, with freezing temperatures and snowfall common across the country. It is one of the coldest months, and the days are short, with limited daylight hours.
Northern Estonia (Tallinn, Lahemaa National Park)
- Temperature: -5°C to -1°C (23°F to 30°F)
- Rainfall/Snowfall: 40-60 mm
- Weather: Cold and snowy, with frequent overcast skies. Tallinn experiences freezing temperatures, with snow covering the ground for much of the month.
Southern Estonia (Tartu, Otepää)
- Temperature: -7°C to -3°C (19°F to 27°F)
- Rainfall/Snowfall: 30-50 mm
- Weather: Colder than the coastal areas, with significant snowfall and frost. Tartu and surrounding areas experience deep winter conditions, making it ideal for winter sports.
Western Estonia and Islands (Pärnu, Saaremaa)
- Temperature: -4°C to 0°C (25°F to 32°F)
- Rainfall/Snowfall: 30-50 mm
- Weather: Cold with snow and icy winds. Coastal areas like Pärnu and the islands are slightly milder than inland regions, but snow and ice are common.
February
Weather Overview
February continues the cold winter, with similar conditions to January. However, by the end of the month, the days start to lengthen, and temperatures gradually rise.
Northern Estonia
- Temperature: -6°C to 0°C (21°F to 32°F)
- Rainfall/Snowfall: 30-50 mm
- Weather: Cold and snowy, with slightly more sunlight. Tallinn remains chilly, with frequent snow showers and icy conditions.
Southern Estonia
- Temperature: -8°C to -2°C (18°F to 28°F)
- Rainfall/Snowfall: 30-40 mm
- Weather: Cold and frosty, with deep snow accumulation. Tartu experiences colder nights but sunny, crisp winter days.
Western Estonia and Islands
- Temperature: -5°C to 1°C (23°F to 34°F)
- Rainfall/Snowfall: 30-50 mm
- Weather: Slightly milder than inland regions, but Saaremaa and Pärnu still experience snow and occasional rain when temperatures hover around freezing.
March
Weather Overview
March marks the transition from winter to early spring, with gradually rising temperatures and melting snow. However, winter-like conditions can persist, especially in northern and inland regions.
Northern Estonia
- Temperature: -3°C to 3°C (27°F to 37°F)
- Rainfall/Snowfall: 30-50 mm
- Weather: Cold with occasional snow or rain. Tallinn begins to thaw, but snow is still possible, and temperatures remain chilly.
Southern Estonia
- Temperature: -5°C to 4°C (23°F to 39°F)
- Rainfall/Snowfall: 20-40 mm
- Weather: Cold with melting snow. Tartu starts to experience milder days, though nights remain cold. Snow slowly melts, and early signs of spring appear.
Western Estonia and Islands
- Temperature: -2°C to 5°C (28°F to 41°F)
- Rainfall/Snowfall: 20-40 mm
- Weather: Milder along the coast, with snow melting and occasional rain. Pärnu and Saaremaa begin to see the first signs of spring, though the weather can still be unpredictable.
April
Weather Overview
April is a transitional month in Estonia, with spring fully emerging. Snow disappears, and temperatures rise significantly, though cool days and nights are still common.
Northern Estonia
- Temperature: 2°C to 10°C (36°F to 50°F)
- Rainfall: 30-40 mm
- Weather: Cool and rainy, with some sunny days. Tallinn experiences more frequent rain and milder temperatures, though chilly nights persist.
Southern Estonia
- Temperature: 0°C to 12°C (32°F to 54°F)
- Rainfall: 20-40 mm
- Weather: Mild with occasional rain. Tartu warms up, and the snow fully melts, giving way to green fields and blooming flowers.
Western Estonia and Islands
- Temperature: 3°C to 12°C (37°F to 54°F)
- Rainfall: 20-40 mm
- Weather: Milder and wetter. Coastal regions like Pärnu and Saaremaa experience more rain, but the weather is warmer, making it an ideal time to visit these regions.
May
Weather Overview
May brings spring in full bloom, with warmer temperatures, longer daylight hours, and the first real signs of summer. It’s one of the best times to visit Estonia for mild weather and outdoor activities.
Northern Estonia
- Temperature: 7°C to 16°C (45°F to 61°F)
- Rainfall: 30-50 mm
- Weather: Mild and sunny, with occasional rain showers. Tallinn experiences pleasant spring weather, and parks and gardens are in full bloom.
Southern Estonia
- Temperature: 5°C to 18°C (41°F to 64°F)
- Rainfall: 20-40 mm
- Weather: Warm and sunny, with less rain. Tartu enjoys warmer days, making it perfect for hiking and exploring the countryside.
Western Estonia and Islands
- Temperature: 8°C to 17°C (46°F to 63°F)
- Rainfall: 20-40 mm
- Weather: Pleasant and sunny. Coastal areas like Pärnu and Saaremaa experience warmer temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities and beach walks.
June
Weather Overview
June marks the beginning of summer in Estonia, with warm temperatures and long daylight hours, particularly around the Midsummer Solstice, when days can last up to 19 hours.
Northern Estonia
- Temperature: 11°C to 20°C (52°F to 68°F)
- Rainfall: 40-60 mm
- Weather: Warm and sunny, with occasional rain. Tallinn experiences pleasant summer weather, with long, sunny days and mild evenings.
Southern Estonia
- Temperature: 10°C to 22°C (50°F to 72°F)
- Rainfall: 30-50 mm
- Weather: Warm and dry. Tartu enjoys sunny, warm days, perfect for outdoor festivals and cultural events. Rainfall is minimal, making it a great time for hiking and sightseeing.
Western Estonia and Islands
- Temperature: 12°C to 21°C (54°F to 70°F)
- Rainfall: 30-50 mm
- Weather: Warm and sunny. Pärnu and the islands of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa experience some of the best beach weather in Estonia, with long, sunny days and warm waters.
July
Weather Overview
July is the warmest month in Estonia, with temperatures peaking and long, sunny days. It’s the height of summer, with locals flocking to beaches and outdoor festivals.
Northern Estonia
- Temperature: 14°C to 23°C (57°F to 73°F)
- Rainfall: 60-80 mm
- Weather: Warm with occasional rain. Tallinn experiences the height of summer, with sunny, warm days and the occasional thunderstorm.
Southern Estonia
- Temperature: 13°C to 25°C (55°F to 77°F)
- Rainfall: 50-70 mm
- Weather: Hot and sunny, with occasional thunderstorms. Tartu experiences warm weather, ideal for outdoor activities and exploring nature reserves.
Western Estonia and Islands
- Temperature: 14°C to 23°C (57°F to 73°F)
- Rainfall: 50-70 mm
- Weather: Warm and sunny. Pärnu becomes Estonia’s summer capital, with its beaches filled with visitors. The islands also enjoy warm temperatures, making it perfect for coastal activities.
August
Weather Overview
August continues the summer warmth, though temperatures begin to slightly cool toward the end of the month. Rainfall increases, particularly in the latter half.
Northern Estonia
- Temperature: 13°C to 22°C (55°F to 72°F)
- Rainfall: 60-90 mm
- Weather: Warm with more frequent rain showers. Tallinn remains pleasant, but the likelihood of rain increases toward the end of the month.
Southern Estonia
- Temperature: 12°C to 23°C (54°F to 73°F)
- Rainfall: 50-80 mm
- Weather: Warm with increasing rain. Tartu continues to experience warm summer days, though afternoon thunderstorms become more frequent.
Western Estonia and Islands
- Temperature: 13°C to 22°C (55°F to 72°F)
- Rainfall: 50-80 mm
- Weather: Warm with occasional rain. Pärnu and the islands of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa remain popular destinations, though rainfall increases as summer draws to a close.
September
Weather Overview
September marks the beginning of autumn, with cooler temperatures and increasing rainfall. The early part of the month still feels like summer, but the weather changes quickly as fall progresses.
Northern Estonia
- Temperature: 10°C to 17°C (50°F to 63°F)
- Rainfall: 60-90 mm
- Weather: Cool and rainy, with some sunny days. Tallinn experiences the start of autumn, with crisp mornings and changing foliage.
Southern Estonia
- Temperature: 8°C to 18°C (46°F to 64°F)
- Rainfall: 50-80 mm
- Weather: Mild with increasing rain. Tartu begins to cool, and fall colors start appearing in the forests and parks.
Western Estonia and Islands
- Temperature: 11°C to 17°C (52°F to 63°F)
- Rainfall: 50-80 mm
- Weather: Cool with increasing rain. Pärnu and Saaremaa transition into fall, with cooler temperatures and fewer beachgoers as autumn sets in.
October
Weather Overview
October is a true autumn month in Estonia, with cooler temperatures, shorter days, and colorful foliage. Rain is frequent, and temperatures continue to drop.
Northern Estonia
- Temperature: 5°C to 11°C (41°F to 52°F)
- Rainfall: 70-90 mm
- Weather: Cool and wet. Tallinn experiences rainy days, and the trees are in full autumn color, making it a scenic but chilly time of year.
Southern Estonia
- Temperature: 4°C to 12°C (39°F to 54°F)
- Rainfall: 50-80 mm
- Weather: Cool with frequent rain showers. Tartu cools down significantly, and autumn foliage is at its peak.
Western Estonia and Islands
- Temperature: 6°C to 12°C (43°F to 54°F)
- Rainfall: 60-80 mm
- Weather: Cool with occasional rain. Pärnu and Saaremaa experience cool, rainy days as the tourist season winds down.
November
Weather Overview
November marks the beginning of late autumn, with temperatures dropping further and the first signs of snow in northern and inland regions.
Northern Estonia
- Temperature: 1°C to 5°C (34°F to 41°F)
- Rainfall/Snowfall: 60-80 mm
- Weather: Cold and wet, with the first snowflakes. Tallinn experiences colder days, and light snow may begin to fall toward the end of the month.
Southern Estonia
- Temperature: -1°C to 4°C (30°F to 39°F)
- Rainfall/Snowfall: 50-70 mm
- Weather: Cold and frosty. Tartu cools rapidly, and the first snowfall of the season may occur by the end of the month.
Western Estonia and Islands
- Temperature: 2°C to 6°C (36°F to 43°F)
- Rainfall/Snowfall: 50-70 mm
- Weather: Cool with rain and occasional snow. Pärnu and the islands experience cold, wet conditions, with the possibility of light snow toward the end of November.
December
Weather Overview
December is the start of winter in Estonia, with freezing temperatures and snow becoming more common across the country. It’s a festive time, with Christmas markets and winter activities gaining popularity.
Northern Estonia
- Temperature: -3°C to 2°C (27°F to 36°F)
- Rainfall/Snowfall: 50-70 mm
- Weather: Cold and snowy. Tallinn experiences a winter wonderland, with snow-covered streets and festive decorations for the holiday season.
Southern Estonia
- Temperature: -5°C to 0°C (23°F to 32°F)
- Rainfall/Snowfall: 40-60 mm
- Weather: Cold and snowy. Tartu experiences deep winter conditions, with snow covering the ground and temperatures frequently below freezing.
Western Estonia and Islands
- Temperature: -2°C to 3°C (28°F to 37°F)
- Rainfall/Snowfall: 40-60 mm
- Weather: Cold with snow and rain. Pärnu and Saaremaa see the onset of winter, with snow accumulating and the Baltic Sea starting to freeze.