Last updated: January 18, 2025
Rēzekne, Latvia, experiences a Dfb Köppen-Geiger climate classification, characterized by significant seasonal temperature variation. Winter temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -26°C (-14°F) in January, while summers bring a warmer climate, with averages reaching 7°C (45°F) and peak temperatures soaring to 32°C (90°F) in June. This marked contrast between frigid winters and mild summers plays a crucial role in shaping the region's ecological and agricultural landscapes, influencing both biodiversity and local livelihoods.
Temperature patterns in Rēzekne, Latvia showcase a distinct seasonal cycle marked by bitterly cold winters and pleasantly warm summers. January and February are the coldest months, with minimum temperatures hovering around -26°C (-14°F) and -23°C (-9°F), respectively, while averages remain around -3°C (27°F). As spring approaches in March and April, temperatures gradually rise, leading to more moderate conditions, with March showcasing a significant transition to an average of 1°C (34°F) and a maximum of 15°C (60°F). By late spring and into summer, particularly June and July, the weather becomes considerably milder and warmer, with maximum temperatures peaking at 32°C (90°F) in June. The trend of warm summers continues into August, while September marks the beginning of cooler months as temperatures gradually decline. By October and November, average temperatures drop back to around 3°C (37°F), signaling the onset of winter, characterized by low minimums, notably -11°C (12°F) in November, and culminating again in the frigid temperatures of December, which averages around -1°C (30°F).
Rezekne experiences a significant temperature range throughout the year, with January temperatures dropping to a minimum of -26°C (-14°F) and peaking at a maximum of 32°C (90°F) in June. For more detailed information on the monthly temperatures in Rezekne, visit the link: monthly temperatures in Rezekne.
Rēzekne, Latvia experiences a varied precipitation pattern throughout the year, with notable peaks during the summer months. January and February are relatively dry, with precipitation levels around 43 mm (1.7 in) and 40 mm (1.6 in) respectively, occurring over 10 to 11 days. As spring emerges in March, precipitation slightly increases to 51 mm (2.0 in), maintaining similar totals in April. May heralds a significant uptick in rainfall, reaching 75 mm (2.9 in) over 12 days, setting the stage for the wetter summer months that follow.
The peak of precipitation occurs from June to August, with July being the wettest month, recording 81 mm (3.2 in) across 13 days and August further escalating to 118 mm (4.6 in) over 12 days. This summer rainfall supports the region’s lush greenery and agricultural activities. As autumn approaches, precipitation gradually declines but remains substantial, with September and October averaging 62 mm (2.4 in) and 68 mm (2.7 in), respectively. By late autumn and early winter, precipitation levels stabilize around 59 mm (2.3 in) for November and December, marking a shift towards colder, snow-laden months.
In Rēzekne, Latvia, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, with a notable increase from the depths of winter to the height of summer. January experiences minimal sunlight, with only 69 hours of sunshine, which gradually climbs to 142 hours in February as the days lengthen. By March, the transition towards spring brings a significant boost, offering 252 hours of sun. The trend continues into April and May, where sunshine hours peak at 326 and 414 hours, respectively, marking a rapid advancement in daylight and warmth.
Summer is characterized by its peak sunshine, with June reaching 444 hours—the highest monthly total—followed closely by July at 432 hours. However, as the season shifts into August, sunshine begins to wane but remains plentiful at 379 hours. The decline in sunlight is more pronounced into autumn, where September averages 285 hours, followed by a notable drop to 202 hours in October, and further diminishing to 87 hours in November and 61 hours in December. This cyclical pattern illustrates Rēzekne's dramatic transition from bright summers to the harsh, overcast winters typical of its climate.
In Rēzekne, Latvia, the UV Index demonstrates distinct seasonal fluctuations, indicating varying levels of sun exposure throughout the year. During the winter months of January and February, the UV Index remains low at 1 and 2, allowing for safe outdoor activities without significant sun protection, as burn times are lengthy at 45 minutes. As spring approaches in March, the index increases to 3, categorized as moderate, which prompts more caution with reduced burn times of 30 minutes as sunlight begins to intensify.
The summer months feature the highest UV Index readings, peaking at 7 in both June and July, which fall into the high exposure category, necessitating protective measures since the burn time shortens to just 25 minutes. Although August sees a slight drop to 6, it still requires vigilance against sunburn. As summer wanes into autumn, the UV Index gradually declines to 4 in September and 3 in October, signaling a return to moderate exposure. By November and December, the index falls back to low levels of 2 and 1, respectively, with burn times extending once again to 45 minutes, marking the return to winter's cooler and less intense sunlight.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Rēzekne, Latvia, reflects the dramatic changes in sunlight throughout the year, marked by a stark seasonal contrast. In January, daylight is limited to just 7 hours, providing a brief respite from the long winter nights. This gradually increases in February to 9 hours, and by March, daylight reaches 11 hours as the days begin to lengthen in anticipation of spring. April sees a more significant rise to 14 hours, followed by 16 hours in May, showcasing the progressive increase in sunlight as the region transitions towards summer.
The summer solstice in June heralds the peak of daylight, with an impressive 17 hours of sun, followed closely by July at 16 hours, allowing ample opportunity for outdoor activities and exploration. As August approaches, daylight begins to decrease to 15 hours, and the trend continues into September with 12 hours. The daylight hours diminish further in October to 10 hours and continue to decline throughout November and December, falling to 8 hours and a minimal 6 hours, respectively. This cyclical pattern underscores the inherent variability of daylight in Rēzekne, influencing both the lifestyle and natural rhythm of the region.
Rezekne, Latvia, experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January and December see the lowest temperatures, averaging around -3°C (27°F) with minimums plunging to -26°C (-14°F). As spring approaches, temperatures gradually rise, peaking in July with averages around 18°C (64°F). Precipitation is highest in late summer, particularly in August, with 118 mm (4.6 in) of rainfall. The sunshine hours also vary significantly, from just 61 hours in December to a peak of 444 hours in June, making it an area of distinct seasonal changes. For more detailed information, visit Rezekne climate.
In conclusion, Rēzekne, Latvia, exemplifies the profound effects of seasonal changes on climate, sunshine duration, UV index, and daylight hours. The stark contrasts between the cold, short days of winter and the long, bright summer months highlight the region's unique ecological and social dynamics. As daylight increases from a mere 6 hours in December to as much as 17 hours in June, the rise in sunshine and UV exposure also necessitates varied approaches to outdoor activity and sun protection. Understanding these climatic patterns not only enhances our appreciation for Rēzekne's natural environment but also emphasizes the importance of adapting lifestyle choices in harmony with the changing seasons.