Lake Pihkva

Lake Large transboundary lake on Estonian–Russian border

The Pihkva sector of Lake Peipus on the Estonia-Russia border, used for fishing and small harbours. Nearby villages maintain fishing traditions and local markets.

Main image

Lake Pihkva is the Estonian name referring to the southern portion of the transboundary Lake Peipus on the Estonia-Russia border. The larger lake system is a major freshwater body in northeastern Europe and stretches across both countries.

The lake system supports fisheries and seasonal recreational use along its shores, with villages and small towns offering access points and boat landings. Birdlife and shoreline wetlands attract naturalists and anglers.

Historically the lake has been the site of notable medieval events, including the 1242 Battle on the Ice. Over centuries the shores have hosted settlements and shifting administrative boundaries between regional powers.

The body of water straddles the Estonia-Russia border in northeastern Europe, with the city of Pskov located on the southern side of the system and Estonian lakeshore communities to the north.

  • Historical battle: The site is historically and militarily significant as the area where the 1242 Battle on the Ice was fought on the frozen lake surface during medieval conflicts between Novgorod and Teutonic forces.
Lake Pihkva
Lake Pihkva (Lake Peipus) - on the Estonia-Russia border (Estonian side: eastern Estonia)
58.0000, 28.0000
Open year-round
Free (border lake)

Best Time to Visit Lake Pihkva #

Best visited in summer (June-August) when the lake is ice-free and weather is mild for outdoor activities.

Summer
June-August · 15-20°C
Mild, the most pleasant time for boating, swimming and hiking around the lake; longest daylight and least ice.
Spring/Autumn
April-May & September-October · 0-15°C
Cool and changeable with fewer tourists; good for birdwatching and quieter lakeside walks.
Winter
December-February · -10-0°C
Cold and often frozen; scenic in snow but not ideal for water activities.

Weather & Climate near Lake Pihkva #

Climate

Lake Pihkva's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -9°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (610 mm/year).

Best Time to Visit
JulyMayJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
-41°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

37 Poor

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-8° -3°
98%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

37 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.1h daylight

February

February is the coldest month with highs of -3°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

37 Poor

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-9° -3°
98%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

30 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.2h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

39 Poor

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-5°
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

30 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
11.6h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

53 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

33 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
14.1h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
16°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

43 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.1
UV Index
High
16.4h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° 21°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

66 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.3
UV Index
High
17.6h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. The wettest month with 78 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.

75 Very Good

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
13° 22°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

78 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.3
UV Index
High
17.0h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

67 Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
12° 20°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

75 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
15.0h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
14°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

66 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.5
UV Index
Low
12.6h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

48 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

55 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
10.1h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

36 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
96%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

53 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.8h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

37 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-6° -1°
97%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

44 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
6.4h daylight

Nearby Attractions to Lake Pihkva