Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Jelgavas novads, Latvia, is characterized by a Dfb Köppen-Geiger classification, indicative of a humid continental climate. This region experiences a significant temperature range, with minimums plummeting to -23°C (-8°F) during the chill of January, while summer sees averages around 8°C (47°F) and peak temperatures soaring to 33°C (91°F) in June. This notable fluctuation not only influences the local ecosystem but also shapes the lifestyle and agricultural practices of the area.
In Jelgavas novads, Latvia, temperature patterns exhibit a distinct seasonal variation, with winter months characterized by biting cold, as January records minimums of -23°C (-8°F) and average temperatures around -1°C (30°F). February and March see a gradual increase, where milder conditions begin to emerge, leading to average temperatures rising to 2°C (35°F) by March. As spring approaches, April heralds a more dramatic shift, marked by warmer days with maximums reaching 26°C (78°F), which transitions into the summer months. June, July, and August experience peak warmth, with average temperatures around 18°C (64°F) to 19°C (66°F) and maximums soaring to as high as 33°C (91°F) in June. This warmth recedes in September, signaling the arrival of autumn, where temperatures gradually decline to an average of 14°C (57°F). By December, winter returns, with temperatures dipping to -15°C (5°F), illustrating the remarkable temperature fluctuations that define the climate of the region throughout the year.
In the region of Jelgavas Novads in Latvia, the towns of Kalnciems and Tireli experience similar temperature ranges, with a minimum of -21°C (-6°F) in January and a maximum of 32°C (90°F) in June (monthly temperatures in Kalnciems, monthly temperatures in Tireli). Ozolnieki, however, experiences slightly colder winter temperatures, reaching a minimum of -23°C (-8°F) in January, while its summer maximum is a bit higher at 33°C (91°F) in June (monthly temperatures in Ozolnieki).
Precipitation patterns in Jelgavas novads, Latvia, reveal a notable seasonal variation, with total precipitation peaking during the summer months. January and February receive lower amounts of rainfall, at 40 mm (1.6 in) and 35 mm (1.4 in) respectively, while March sees a slight increase to 45 mm (1.8 in). As spring transitions into summer, May and June experience a rise in precipitation levels, with 57 mm (2.3 in) and 55 mm (2.1 in) recorded. The wettest months are July and August, where precipitation escalates to 81 mm (3.2 in) and 79 mm (3.1 in), marking a significant shift towards a wetter climate.
The frequency of rainy days corresponds to these precipitation peaks, with July and August averaging 13 days of rainfall each. In contrast, the winter months of January and February consist of fewer rainy days, with just 9 and 8 days respectively. This trend continues into the autumn months, where precipitation remains consistent, with 64 mm (2.5 in) for both September and October, while November sees a reduction to 51 mm (2.0 in). Overall, the climate in Jelgavas novads demonstrates a clear pattern of increased precipitation during the warmer months, contrasted by drier conditions in winter.
In Jelgavas novads, Latvia, the sunshine duration exhibits a distinct seasonal pattern, characterized by a gradual increase from the dark depths of winter to the bright days of summer. January and December see the least sunshine, with just 82 hours recorded in each month, as the region grapples with long nights and subdued daylight. February begins to show improvement, nearly doubling its sunlight to 165 hours, while March continues the upward trend with 260 hours. As spring progresses, the month of April marks a significant leap, boasting 348 hours of sunshine, heralding the arrival of brighter days.
The pinnacle of sunshine is reached in June, with an impressive 455 hours of sunlight, closely followed by July at 450 hours. This peak in sunshine duration highlights the lively summer months, perfect for outdoor activities and agricultural growth. However, as summer ebbs into autumn, a decline in sunshine is evident: August hosts 386 hours, while September offers 306 hours. By October, the decrease accelerates to 225 hours and drops sharply in November to just 117 hours, signaling the onset of shorter days and less sunlight as winter approaches once more. This cyclical pattern underscores the region's compelling seasonal transitions, from the drought of winter days to the lush brightness of summer.
The UV Index in Jelgavas novads, Latvia, reflects a pronounced seasonal variation, with values ranging from low to moderate during the winter months to high as summer approaches. In January and February, the UV Index is at a low level of 1 and 2, respectively, indicating minimal risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, with a burn time of 45 minutes. As the days grow longer and spring begins, March sees a rise to 3, categorized as moderate, reducing the burn time to 30 minutes. This trend continues into April with an increased UV Index of 5, indicating a moderate exposure risk, further hinting that precautions should start to be considered sooner as the weather warms.
As summer arrives, the UV Index reaches its peak, with values of 6 and 7 recorded in May through July, categorized as high and requiring protective measures within 25 minutes of unprotected exposure. August sees a slight decline to 6, but the high exposure risk persists. With the advent of autumn, the UV Index drops to 4 in September, marking a transition back to moderate levels, before reverting to low levels of 2 in October and 1 in both November and December. This cyclic pattern emphasizes the importance of sun safety, particularly during the height of summer when UV exposure is most intense.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Jelgavas novads, Latvia, showcases a striking seasonal fluctuation, with a clear transition from the short, dark days of winter to the long, bright days of summer. In January, residents experience just 7 hours of daylight, gradually increasing to 9 hours in February. March continues this upward trend, providing 11 hours as spring approaches. By April, daylight extends further to 14 hours, and May ushers in even longer days at 16 hours, setting the stage for the peak of summer.
Reaching its zenith in June and July, daylight lasts for an impressive 17 hours, allowing for ample time to enjoy outdoor activities and the natural landscape. As summer wanes, daylight begins to decrease, with August offering 15 hours, followed by a decline to 12 hours in September. This reduction continues through autumn, with 10 hours in October and 8 hours in November, before dipping to a mere 6 hours of daylight in December. This cyclical pattern highlights the region's dynamic relationship with daylight, significantly impacting lifestyle and seasonal activities throughout the year.
Kalnciems, Latvia experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and mild summers. January temperatures can drop to -21°C (-6°F), while July peaks at around 31°C (89°F). Precipitation is relatively stable throughout the year, with July and August averaging the highest at 79 mm (3.1 in). Sunshine hours vary significantly, reaching a maximum of 455 hours in June and dropping to just 82 hours in January. For more detailed information, visit Kalnciems climate.
The climate in Ozolnieki, Latvia, features cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can plunge to a minimum of -23°C, while July sees highs of up to 32°C. Precipitation is highest in July with 84 mm, and sunlight peaks in May at 429 hours. Overall, Ozolnieki experiences a diverse climate, with significant variations in temperature and precipitation throughout the year. For more details, visit Ozolnieki climate.
Tireli, Latvia experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January typically sees temperatures dropping as low as -21°C (-6°F) with an average of -1°C (30°F), while July enjoys milder weather with average highs around 19°C (66°F). Precipitation is spread throughout the year, peaking in July and August with about 79 mm (3.1 in) each month, while sunshine hours are most abundant in the summer, reaching up to 455 hours in June. For more detailed information, visit Tireli climate.
In conclusion, the climate and daylight patterns of Jelgavas novads, Latvia, reveal the distinct seasonal rhythms that characterize this region. From the harsh cold of winter, marked by limited daylight and low UV Index values, to the vibrant days of summer filled with abundant sunshine and higher exposure risks, each season brings its own unique environmental conditions. The substantial variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, and UV Index not only influence the local ecosystem but also shape the day-to-day lives of the residents, affecting agricultural practices, recreational activities, and health considerations. Understanding these climatic patterns is essential for residents and visitors alike, as they navigate the shifting seasons and their accompanying impacts throughout the year.