Last updated: January 18, 2025
Hiiumaa, Estonia, experiences a Dfb climate classification, characterized by four distinct seasons. Winter temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -19°C (-1°F) in February, while summers bring warmth with average highs reaching 31°C (89°F) in July. The overall average annual temperature rests at a moderate 8°C (47°F), reflecting the region's temperate continental climate. This dynamic range of temperatures underscores Hiiumaa's unique climatic conditions, profoundly influencing its natural landscapes and seasonal activities.
Hiiumaa, Estonia, showcases distinct seasonal temperature patterns throughout the year. Winters are notably cold, with steady minimum temperatures dropping to -19°C (-1°F) in February, while daytime averages hover around freezing. As spring approaches, temperatures gradually rise, reaching an average of 5°C (41°F) in April and peaking at 10°C (50°F) in May, paving the way for warmer months. By early summer, particularly in July, the region experiences its warmest conditions, with average temperatures around 18°C (65°F) and maxima touching 31°C (89°F). Late summer shows a slight cooling trend, yet remains mild, with averages around 18°C (64°F) in August. Autumn brings a marked decline, with temperatures falling back to 6°C (42°F) by November and -1°C (30°F) in October, while December signals the return of colder weather, closing the year with lows of -14°C (7°F). Overall, Hiiumaa illustrates a characteristic temperate continental climate, featuring a pronounced contrast between warm summers and frigid winters.
Kaeina experiences a colder February with a minimum temperature of -19°C (-1°F) and a warmer July, peaking at 31°C (89°F) as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Kaeina. In contrast, Kaerdla has a milder minimum of -15°C (6°F) in February and a slightly lower maximum of 28°C (83°F) in July, according to the monthly temperatures in Kaerdla.
Hiiumaa, Estonia, experiences a variable precipitation pattern throughout the year, with rainfall peaking during the late summer and autumn months. January through March sees relatively stable precipitation levels, ranging from 42 mm (1.7 in) in January to 49 mm (1.9 in) by March, typically spread over approximately 9 to 11 days of the month. The spring months of April and May witness a slight decrease in rainfall, dropping to 32 mm (1.3 in) in April, before gradually increasing again in June, where rain levels stabilize at 45 mm (1.8 in).
The most significant rainfall occurs in the late summer and autumn months, with August receiving the highest amount at 81 mm (3.2 in), accompanied by an increase to 17 days of precipitation in October. Following this trend, October reaches 96 mm (3.8 in), marking the wettest month of the year. Additionally, November and December maintain considerable precipitation levels of 58 mm (2.3 in) and 52 mm (2.1 in), respectively. This pattern highlights the shift from dry winter months to a wetter late summer and autumn, reflecting Hiiumaa's climatic diversity and seasonal transitions.
Hiiumaa, Estonia, experiences a marked seasonal variation in sunshine duration, reflecting the transition from the dark winter months to the bright summer days. In January, daylight hours are relatively scarce, with only 69 hours of sunshine, which gradually increases to 166 hours in February as the days begin to lengthen. March continues this upward trend, with sunshine reaching 271 hours, indicating a notable change as spring takes hold. April serves as a turning point where the total soars to 370 hours, revealing the burgeoning brightness and warmth of the approaching summer months.
The summer period shines brightest for Hiiumaa, with June peaking at 482 hours of sunshine, closely followed by July with 481 hours. This warm spell begins to recede in August, yet still retains a healthy 408 hours of sunshine. As autumn sets in, a gradual decline ensues, with September showing 315 hours before dipping further to 214 hours in October. The decrease continues into the late autumn and winter months, culminating in December with just 74 hours of sunlight. This seasonal variation highlights how residents and visitors can anticipate longer, sun-filled days during summer, while winter brings a stark contrast of limited sunlight.
In Hiiumaa, Estonia, the UV Index exhibits distinct seasonal fluctuations that reflect changing sunlight intensity throughout the year. During the winter months, from January to March, the UV Index remains low to moderate, with values ranging from 1 to 3. January and February both see a low UV Index of 1 and 2, respectively, allowing for relatively safe outdoor activities without significant sunburn risk—burn times are generous at 45 minutes. However, as spring approaches, March showcases a moderate UV Index of 3, prompting increased awareness for sun protection as burn time reduces to 30 minutes in this transitional month.
The summer months bring a significant rise in UV exposure, with June and July peaking at a high UV Index of 7, necessitating caution during outdoor activities as burn time decreases to just 25 minutes. August follows with a moderate UV Index of 5, while September and October showcase a decrease back to moderate and low categories. The return to low UV Index levels in late autumn and winter months—especially in November and December, where it drops to 1—allows residents to enjoy leisurely outdoor experiences with minimal sun protection required. Overall, understanding these seasonal variations in UV Index is essential for effective sun safety practices throughout the year.
UV Risk Categories
Hiiumaa, Estonia, experiences significant seasonal variations in daylight duration that highlight the region's shift from winter to summer. In January, daylight extends for only 7 hours, which increases to 9 hours in February as the days slowly lengthen. March continues this trend, offering 11 hours of daylight, while April showcases a more substantial increase to 14 hours. The month of May brings even longer days, with 16 hours of daylight, setting the stage for the summer months when daylight reaches its zenith.
During the height of summer, June boasts an impressive 18 hours of daylight, allowing ample time for outdoor activities and exploration. This duration slightly decreases in July to 17 hours, and then gradually tapers off through August with 15 hours. As autumn approaches, daylight diminishes further, with September providing 12 hours, followed by the shortening days of October at 10 hours. By November and December, daylight drops significantly to 7 hours and 6 hours, respectively, bringing the cycle back to the low light levels seen at the beginning of the year. This rhythmic change in daylight duration underscores the impact of seasonality on life in Hiiumaa, shaping both daily routines and seasonal activities.
Kaeina, Estonia experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and mild summers. January and February are the coldest months, with average temperatures around -1°C (30°F) and significant snowfall, while summer months like July and August see averages of 19°C (66°F) and 18°C (64°F) respectively. Precipitation varies throughout the year, peaking in August at 76 mm (3.0 in), while sunshine hours are most abundant in May and June. For more detailed information on Kaeina's climate, visit Kaeina climate.
Kaerdla, Estonia experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winters are cold, with January temperatures averaging around 1°C (33°F) and February dipping as low as -15°C (6°F). The summer months, particularly June through August, offer mild to warm temperatures, peaking at about 28°C (82°F) in July. Precipitation is highest in October and August, with June and July also seeing considerable rainfall. For more detailed information, visit Kaerdla climate.
In conclusion, Hiiumaa, Estonia, is characterized by a dynamic climate and distinct seasonal patterns that influence temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight. The region experiences cold winters contrasting with warm summers, as highlighted by varying temperature ranges and significant changes in daylight hours throughout the year. While summer months bring extended sunshine and higher UV levels, the winter months present challenges with limited daylight and lower UV exposure. Understanding these climatic and environmental trends is essential for residents and visitors alike, enabling them to plan activities and take necessary precautions for sun safety, ultimately enhancing their experience in this picturesque Baltic island.