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Ivo Kruusamägi CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Lake Pihkva

Lake

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.

Lake Pihkva TallinnTartuPärnuLake Pihkva
In this guide

Lake Pihkva essentials

Address: Lake Pihkva (Lake Peipus) - on the Estonia-Russia border (Estonian side: eastern Estonia)
Hours: Open year-round
Admission: Free (border lake)
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About Lake Pihkva

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.
When to Go

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).

Air Quality: AQI 26 Good
Best Time to Visit
JulyMayJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
-41°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor -8° - -3° -10° 37 mm overcast 98% 3.0 m/s 0.0 low 7.1h
February Poor -9° - -3° -11° 30 mm overcast 98% 3.2 m/s 0.1 low 9.2h
March Poor -5° - 1° -6° 30 mm overcast 94% 3.0 m/s 0.3 low 11.6h
April Acceptable 1° - 8° 2° 33 mm partly cloudy 84% 2.9 m/s 0.6 moderate 14.1h
May Very Good 7° - 16° 12° 43 mm partly cloudy 79% 2.8 m/s 1.1 high 16.4h
June Good 11° - 21° 16° 66 mm partly cloudy 79% 2.5 m/s 1.3 high 17.6h
July Very Good 13° - 22° 18° 78 mm partly cloudy 81% 2.5 m/s 1.3 high 17.0h
August Good 12° - 20° 16° 75 mm partly cloudy 82% 2.4 m/s 0.9 moderate 15.0h
September Acceptable 8° - 14° 11° 66 mm overcast 86% 2.7 m/s 0.5 low 12.6h
October Poor 4° - 9° 4° 55 mm overcast 92% 3.0 m/s 0.2 low 10.1h
November Poor -1° - 3° -3° 53 mm overcast 96% 3.2 m/s 0.0 low 7.8h
December Poor -6° - -1° -8° 44 mm overcast 97% 3.2 m/s 0.0 low 6.4h