Latvia in September: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect

Riga & Gulf Coast (Rīgas jūras līcis and Jūrmala)

September: A crispness returns to mornings and daytime highs drop to 12-16°C, ushering in calmer weather and thinning crowds - great for strolling Riga’s old town or cycling along the coast. Migratory birds move through the gulf, and beach towns feel quieter while cafés resume more regular hours. Nighttime temperatures can fall close to freezing late in the month, so a warm midlayer is practical for evening outings.

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

September: Temperatures fall into the 10-15°C range and winds pick up, making it a good month for storm-watching along Cape Kolka and the exposed headlands. Crowds thin rapidly after August, and rural guesthouses offer quieter access to sites like Kuldīga’s old town. Strong winds and rainy periods mean flexible plans: keep a waterproof coat and expect shorter daylight for walking and cycling excursions.

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

September: A crisp, colorful autumn arrives with cool mornings and daytime highs around 10-15°C; the deciduous woods turn gold and red, excellent for photography. Hiking remains rewarding while crowds thin, though early frosts can occur late in the month at higher spots. Pack warm midlayers and a windproof jacket for exposed ridge walks and plan shorter daylight windows for long hikes.

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

September: Cooler and more settled at 10-16°C with clear-air mornings and harvest festivals; crowds thin and palaces and parks become photo-rich with late summer light. The countryside is pleasant for walking and cycling without summer heat, although early frosts are possible late in the month. Bring warm midlayers for evenings and consider timing visits to markets where local seasonal products are most abundant.

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

September: Crisp mornings and clear visibility make this an excellent month for photography and canoeing, with temperatures typically 10-16°C and beautiful early autumn color along the lakes. Mosquito pressure falls and day trips into nature are comfortable; some guesthouses close later in the month so book ahead. Bring warm midlayers for morning starts and plan for shorter daylight on longer excursions.