Latvia in April: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect

Riga & Gulf Coast (Rīgas jūras līcis and Jūrmala)

April: Early spring brings milder days-often 5-12°C-and the first real seaside breezes that carry smells of thawing seaweed along Jūrmala’s long beaches. Woodlands around Riga and Ķemeri show fresh green, and weekend crowds begin to trickle in for walks and weekend spa breaks; however, nights remain cool and some sea-facing cafés open irregularly. Pack a medium jacket and waterproof shoes: sudden showers and blustery winds off the gulf are common.

Kurzeme & West Coast (Liepāja, Ventspils, Cape Kolka and Kuldīga)

April: Drier, milder days (6-12°C) make spring road trips more pleasant and Kuldīga’s cobbled streets show early greenery. Storms can still blow in from the Baltic, but the region is waking up-beachside bars begin to prepare for summer and local markets reopen. Pack a mix of light layers and a windproof jacket if you plan to cycle the coastal dunes or visit Liepāja’s wind-sculpted shorelines.

Vidzeme Uplands & Gauja Valley (Sigulda, Cēsis, Valmiera)

April: The valley green-up is rapid and daytime temperatures typically reach 6-12°C, making Sigulda and Cēsis pleasant for cycling and riverbank walks. Birdsong returns and the forests smell fresh, though mornings can still be chilly with frost in low-lying hollows. If you’re after quieter access to castles and rope-course activities, April rewards with fewer tourists than summer; pack layered clothing and sturdy shoes.

Zemgale Plains & Southern Latvia (Jelgava, Bauska, Rundāle)

April: Fields start to green and daytime highs reach 6-12°C, with breezy conditions across open farmland. Rural markets and manor houses reopen for the season; birdlife increases in hedgerows and wetlands. Travelers will find easy driving and quiet roads, but late frosts can occur so light thermal layers are still sensible for mornings and evenings.

Latgale & Eastern Lakes (Daugavpils, Rēzekne, Lake Rāzna, Lubāns)

April: Cold pockets can linger; daytime temperatures around 3-9°C mean woodland trails and lakesides are often wet and muddy as snowmelt recedes. Migratory birds return in force to the eastern wetlands, making it a prime month for birdwatchers with binoculars and sturdy boots. Services resume for the season but evenings remain chilly - bring a warm jacket and prepare for boggy conditions on hiking routes.