May is pleasant with spring in full swing and comfortably mild temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities and visiting parks. Tourist services begin to ramp up ahead of the summer months.
SeasonShoulderTemperature 8 to 16°C (46 to 61°F)Crowds ModeratePrices Moderate
High seasonShoulderLow season
Weather by City in May
CityLow / highRain
Daugavpils
Cool
6°19° 50 mm
Liepāja
Cool
7°15° 43 mm
Jelgava
Cool
6°17° 49 mm
Jūrmala
Cool
6°16° 44 mm
Ventspils Castle
Cool
6°14° 36 mm
Rēzekne
Cool
7°17° 50 mm
Valmiera
Cool
7°17° 51 mm
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Temperature map
-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Average temperature across Latvia in May.
Where to Go in Latvia in May
Riga & Gulf Coast
Rīgas jūras līcis and Jūrmala
May: The calendar warmth arrives and Jāņi’s prelude shows in longer daylight; daytime temperatures often reach 12-18°C, making beach walks and Riga’s outdoor cafés enjoyable. Migratory birds are at their busiest in coastal wetlands; this is a good month for early ferry trips and for seeing the seaside towns wake up from winter. Expect busier weekends as locals head to the coast; lighter clothing with a windproof layer is ideal for the changeable Atlantic-influenced weather.
Kurzeme & West Coast
Liepāja, Ventspils, Cape Kolka and Kuldīga
May: Warming to 12-18°C, May brings long daylight and wildflowers on the dunes; vacationers start booking weekends at coastal resorts. Liepāja’s music and cultural scene winds up for summer; expect more frequent ferry and boat tours along the coast. The sea is still cool, so swimmers tend to be locals; a light sweater and rain shell are useful for evening bonfires or seaside dinners.
Vidzeme Uplands & Gauja Valley
Sigulda, Cēsis, Valmiera
May: Warmth arrives and flowers open across meadows; daytime highs often sit in the 12-18°C range and forest trails are comfortable for multi-day hiking. The Gauja’s rapids swell and paddling becomes attractive; guided canoe trips start to operate regularly. Expect weekends to fill with local families, so book accommodation for popular base towns early and bring insect repellent for riverside evenings.
Zemgale Plains & Southern Latvia
Jelgava, Bauska, Rundāle
May: Warmer weather (12-18°C) and long daylight make May a good month for cycling between small towns and visiting castles and parks. Flowering meadows, active farm life and open-air markets make for pleasant regional touring; the countryside is ideal for slow travel. Insect repellent and sun protection become useful, and book stays near popular sites like Rundāle in advance for weekend visits.
Latgale & Eastern Lakes
Daugavpils, Rēzekne, Lake Rāzna, Lubāns
May: Spring fully arrives with daytime highs climbing to 12-18°C and lakeshores green with new growth; canoe trips and fishing become attractive activities. Mosquitoes and midges start to appear around the water, especially at dusk, so insect repellent is essential. Cultural festivals revive and rural homestays open for the summer; book accommodation in advance for holiday weekends and pack light layers plus bug protection.
Events & Festivals in May
There are no major festivals or events in Latvia during May to be aware of.
Planning a trip to Latvia?
See how May compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.
