Last updated: January 18, 2025
Liepāja, Latvia, is classified under the Cfb Köppen-Geiger climate category, characterized by a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool winters. The city experiences a minimum temperature plunging to -17°C (3°F) in March, highlighting the stark winter conditions. However, temperatures rise appreciably in summer, peaking at a maximum of 29°C (84°F) in July, resulting in an average yearly temperature of approximately 9°C (48°F). This climatic variation influences both the local ecology and the lifestyle of its residents, making Liepāja a unique location for climate studies.
In Liepāja, Latvia, temperature patterns exhibit a clear seasonal progression, with cold winters followed by mild springs, warm summers, and cool autumns. January and February mark the peak of winter, with minimum temperatures dropping to -15°C (5°F) and -14°C (7°F) respectively, and average monthly temperatures hovering around freezing. As spring approaches, temperatures gradually rise, with March witnessing a minimal improvement to an average of 2°C (36°F). By April, the climate transforms, reaching average temperatures of 6°C (43°F) and introducing milder conditions, which continue into May. Summer months from June to August display the warmest temperatures, peaking in July with an average of 18°C (65°F) and maximum readings of up to 29°C (84°F). Conversely, September heralds the onset of autumn, as temperatures begin to decline, evidenced by averages around 15°C (59°F), leading back to the cooler conditions of November and December, where temperatures drop to about 2°C (36°F) by month's end. This cyclical temperature trend underscores the region's distinct seasonal climate, fostering a varied environmental landscape.
Liepaja experiences a notable temperature range throughout the year, with a minimum of -17°C (3°F) in March and a maximum of 29°C (84°F) in July, illustrating the city's continental climate. For more information on the monthly temperatures in Liepaja, visit monthly temperatures in Liepaja.
Liepāja, Latvia, experiences fluctuating precipitation patterns throughout the year, with a noteworthy increase during the autumn months. January and March each receive around 51 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation over 13 days, while February sees slightly less at 47 mm (1.8 in) across 10 days. Spring months, particularly April and May, tend to be drier, with precipitation dropping to 32 mm (1.2 in) and 31 mm (1.2 in) respectively. However, early summer sees a resurgence of rainfall, highlighted by 48 mm (1.9 in) in June.
The peak of precipitation occurs during the late summer and autumn, especially in October, which records the highest monthly total at 111 mm (4.4 in) over 18 days. This trend continues into September (94 mm) and November (77 mm), indicating a seasonal shift towards wetter conditions. The ample rainfall during these months is essential for the region’s ecosystems and agricultural practices, while longer rainy days provide a stark contrast to the drier early months of the year.
In Liepāja, Latvia, sunshine duration exhibits a distinct seasonal pattern, with significantly longer days during the summer months compared to the winter. The year begins with limited sunlight, as January only records 93 hours of sunshine, gradually increasing to 188 hours in February. This upward trend accelerates in the spring, culminating in March's 267 hours, and peaks in April with an impressive 366 hours of sunlight. The months of May and June further showcase this transition, as the sunshine hours reach 448 hours and 468 hours, respectively, providing nearly an hour of sunlight each day, creating vibrant landscapes and boosting outdoor activities.
As summer wanes, sunlight hours begin to decline, yet July still maintains a robust 463 hours, followed closely by August with 404 hours. The autumn months see a marked reduction, with September offering 320 hours and October dropping to 240 hours. By the time November and December arrive, the days are significantly shorter, with only 147 hours and 104 hours of sunshine, respectively. This seasonal variation underscores the dynamic climate of Liepāja, where residents and visitors alike eagerly anticipate the bright, sunlit days of summer, contrasting sharply with the dimmer, chillier winter months.
In Liepāja, Latvia, the UV Index reflects significant seasonal variations, influencing outdoor activities and sun protection measures throughout the year. During the winter months, January and February see a relatively low UV Index of 1 to 2, indicating minimal risk for harm from sun exposure, with a recommended burn time of 45 minutes. As spring arrives, a noticeable increase occurs; by March, the UV Index rises to 3—classified as moderate—entailing a shorter burn time of 30 minutes. This trend continues into April, where the UV Index reaches 5, emphasizing the need for increased sun safety measures as exposure becomes more intense.
Summer months in Liepāja bring the highest UV Index readings, peaking at 7 in both June and July, along with a high exposure risk that necessitates vigilant sun protection in just 25 minutes. August sees a slight decline to 6, yet the risk remains significant. As autumn sets in, the UV Index decreases again, with readings of 5 in September and 3 in October, indicating a return to moderate exposure levels. By the time November and December roll around, the index falls back to 1, illustrating the stark difference in sun exposure throughout the year and reminding residents to adapt their sun safety practices accordingly.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Liepāja, Latvia, showcases a striking seasonal rhythm, beginning with the short days of winter and gradually extending into the long, sunlit days of summer. In January, daylight lasts for just 7 hours, which increases modestly to 9 hours in February. As spring approaches, March offers about 11 hours of daylight, and this upward trend continues into April with 14 hours, culminating in May's substantial 16 hours of daylight. The summer solstice in June brings the longest day of the year, with an impressive 17 hours of daylight, allowing ample time for outdoor activities and exploration.
As summer transitions into autumn, daylight duration begins to decline, with July still maintaining 16 hours before gradually tapering off to 15 hours in August. September marks a further decrease with 12 hours, while October brings a reduction to 10 hours of daylight. The return of winter is marked by shorter days; November sees just 8 hours, and December concludes the year with a mere 6 hours of daylight. This rhythmic variation in daylight not only influences the daily routines of residents but also emphasizes the cyclical nature of the seasons in Liepāja.
Liepaja, Latvia experiences a temperate maritime climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January and February are the coldest months, with average temperatures around 0°C (33°F), while July typically sees highs near 29°C (84°F). Rainfall peaks in October, with 111 mm (4.4 in) of precipitation, and the summer months, June to August, host the most sunshine hours, reaching up to 468 hours in June. For more details, visit Liepaja climate.
In conclusion, the climate and daylight patterns in Liepāja, Latvia, present a vivid illustration of the region’s seasonal diversity. From the starkly short daylight hours of winter, characterized by limited sunshine and low UV exposure, to the radiant, long summer days filled with abundant sunlight and heightened UV levels, the city's environment influences both the ecological landscape and the lifestyle of its inhabitants. This dynamic interplay of temperature, precipitation, and sunlight throughout the year emphasizes the importance of adapting to seasonal changes. As Liepāja continues to embrace its unique climatic characteristics, residents and visitors are reminded to engage with the natural rhythm of the environment, whether basking in the summer sun or preparing for the quiet, reflective winter months ahead.