Last updated: January 18, 2025
South Kurzeme Municipality in Latvia showcases a diverse climate characterized by two primary Köppen-Geiger classifications: Dfb (Warm Summer Continental) and Cfb (Oceanic). The region experiences a substantial temperature range, with a minimum of -20°C (-4°F) recorded in January, highlighting the cold, harsh winters. Conversely, summer temperatures can soar to a maximum of 31°C (88°F) in June, revealing the warm, vibrant conditions that prevail during this season. The average annual temperature hovers around 8°C (47°F), underscoring the municipality's distinct seasonal variations and contributing to its unique ecological landscape.
In South Kurzeme Municipality, Latvia, temperature patterns illustrate a distinct seasonal progression. The winter months of January and February are characterized by frigid conditions, with minimum temperatures reaching as low as -20°C (-4°F) and maximizing around 11°C (52°F) in February. As spring arrives in March and April, temperatures begin to rise, transitioning from chilly averages of 2°C (36°F) in March to a more temperate 6°C (43°F) in April, with maximums soaring to 25°C (78°F). The warmth continues into summer, particularly evident in June with average temperatures peaking at 17°C (62°F) and maximums hitting 31°C (88°F). July and August sustain this high with average temperatures around 18°C (65°F), before a slow decline begins in September. By the arrival of autumn, the temperatures drop again, highlighting the shift as October and November bring averages down to 10°C (50°F) and 6°C (42°F), respectively, culminating in December's return to winter chill with maximum temperatures of only 10°C (49°F). This rhythmic cycle reflects the municipality's strong seasonal contrasts, reinforcing its continental climate characteristics.
In March, Vainode experiences a minimum temperature of -20°C (-3°F) and in June, it reaches a maximum of 31°C (87°F) monthly temperatures in Vainode. Priekule has slightly milder March temperatures with a minimum of -19°C (-2°F), but matches Vainode's June maximum of 31°C (87°F) monthly temperatures in Priekule. Pavilosta, being the warmest in March at -15°C (5°F), has a maximum of 28°C (83°F) in June, making it a bit cooler than its neighbors during the warmer months monthly temperatures in Pavilosta.
Precipitation in South Kurzeme Municipality follows a clear seasonal pattern, with significant variations throughout the year. The winter months of January and February record approximately 46 mm (1.8 in) and 45 mm (1.8 in) of rainfall, respectively, accompanied by around 11 and 9 days of precipitation. As spring transitions into early summer, the precipitation slightly increases, peaking in March at 52 mm (2.0 in) before gradually decreasing to 34 mm (1.3 in) in April. This trend reverses in late spring and summer, with June experiencing a notable rise to 51 mm (2.0 in) and July seeing the highest monthly total at 88 mm (3.5 in), sustaining a consistent pattern of rainy days.
The latter summer months, particularly August and September, maintain elevated precipitation levels, each receiving about 83 mm (3.3 in) of rainfall over approximately 13 days. Following the summer peak, October emerges as the rainiest month, delivering 95 mm (3.7 in) across 15 days, ushering in the autumn season. November and December also contribute to notable rainfall, with 66 mm (2.6 in) and 60 mm (2.4 in), respectively, reinforcing the municipality's temperate maritime influence and ensuring that precipitation remains a vital component of South Kurzeme's climatic profile throughout the year.
In South Kurzeme Municipality, sunshine duration illustrates a clear seasonal evolution, with hours of sunlight steadily increasing from the depths of winter through to the vibrant summer months. January sees a meager 90 hours of sunlight, barely offering respite from the long nights. However, as February arrives, the sunlight nearly doubles to 184 hours, signaling the onset of spring and a gradual shift towards longer days. The trend continues to gain momentum in March, with 263 hours recorded, and April brings a substantial leap to 360 hours, as the days grow notably brighter and more inviting.
The peak sunshine occurs during the summer months, with June leading the way at 461 hours, closely followed by July with 458 hours. August, while still bright, experiences a slight decrease to 396 hours, indicating the transition toward autumn. September retains a respectable 315 hours, although this marks the beginning of shorter days. As the year progresses into the cooler months, sunlight diminishes significantly, with October capturing only 233 hours and November and December seeing further reductions to 145 and 98 hours, respectively. This marked decline underscores the distinct seasonal rhythms of light in South Kurzeme, reflecting the region's climatic character.
The UV Index in South Kurzeme Municipality reveals significant seasonal variations that reflect the changing intensity of sunlight throughout the year. During the winter months, particularly January and February, the UV Index remains quite low, measuring just 1 and 2, respectively, with a burn time of 45 minutes. As spring approaches, the UV Index begins to rise; by March, it reaches a moderate level of 3, and in April, it jumps to 5, necessitating greater awareness of sun exposure, particularly for those spending extended time outdoors.
The peak UV Index occurs during the summer months, with both June and July registering a high level of 7, indicating a notable risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. In these months, the burn time reduces to just 25 minutes, highlighting the importance of sun protection during this period. August follows closely with a UV Index of 6 before tapering back to moderate levels in September with a score of 5. As autumn transitions back to winter, the UV Index declines again to moderate in October at 3 and returns to low levels of 1 in November and December. This cyclical nature underscores the need for adaptive sun safety practices throughout the year, particularly during the sunnier months.
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Daylight duration in South Kurzeme Municipality highlights the dramatic shifts that characterize the region's seasons. At the start of the year, January offers just 7 hours of daylight, reflecting the long winter nights. This gradually increases throughout February, reaching 9 hours, and further extends to 11 hours in March as spring begins to approach. April marks a significant jump, with daylight lasting 14 hours, and by May, the days continue to lengthen, providing a generous 16 hours of light per day.
The peak daylight duration occurs in June, where residents can enjoy an impressive 17 hours, creating long and vibrant summer days ideal for outdoor activities. As summer transitions into autumn, daylight gradually decreases; July still boasts 16 hours, but this diminishes to 15 hours in August and 12 hours by September. The downward trend continues into October with 10 hours and further dips to 8 hours in November. By December, daylight is at its briefest, lasting only 6 hours, signaling the return of winter's shorter days. This ebb and flow of daylight not only influences daily life in South Kurzeme but also plays a vital role in the local climate and ecology.
The climate in Aizpute, Latvia, is characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January temperatures can drop to as low as -17°C (2°F), while temperatures in July reach an average of 18°C (64°F). The region experiences considerable precipitation, peaking in July with 93 mm (3.7 in). Sunshine hours vary throughout the year, with the sunniest months being May and June, boasting over 450 hours. For more detailed information, visit Aizpute climate.
The climate in Durbe, Latvia, features distinct seasonal variations, with cold winters and mild summers. January and February experience temperatures as low as -18°C (0°F) and minimal sunny hours, while summer months like July and August see highs around 30°C (86°F) and abundant sunshine, boasting nearly 460 hours in July. Precipitation is relatively consistent throughout the year, peaking in July with 87 mm (3.4 in) and October with 91 mm (3.6 in). For more detailed information, visit Durbe climate.
The climate in Grobina, Latvia, features cold winters and mild summers. January sees temperatures ranging from a minimum of -17°C to a maximum of 8°C, with significant snowfall in winter months like December and February. As spring arrives in April, the average temperature rises to 6°C, while summer peaks in July and August with averages around 18°C and maximums reaching 30°C. Precipitation is notable during the summer months, especially in July with 87 mm, contributing to lush greenery. For more detailed information, visit Grobina climate.
The climate in Liegi, Latvia, exhibits distinct seasonal variations, with cold winters and warm summers. January sees temperatures ranging from -17°C to a maximum of 8°C, while July features milder weather with temperatures reaching up to 30°C. Precipitation is fairly consistent throughout the year, peaking in July and October, with monthly totals around 87 mm and 91 mm, respectively. The region enjoys the most sunshine during May and June, accumulating up to 446 and 462 hours. For more detailed information, visit Liegi climate.
Nica, Latvia experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January and February witness minimum temperatures around -17°C (2°F) and -16°C (3°F), respectively, while July sees average highs of approximately 18°C (65°F). Precipitation is highest in the autumn months, with October receiving about 111 mm (4.4 in). The sunniest months are from April to June, where sunshine can reach up to 468 hours. For more detailed information, visit Nica climate.
Pavilosta, Latvia experiences a temperate climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January and February are the coldest months, with average temperatures around 0°C (32°F) and significant snowfall, while July typically sees the highest temperatures, averaging 18°C (64°F). Precipitation is highest in autumn, particularly in October, with around 117 mm (4.6 in), contributing to lush landscapes during the growing season. The region enjoys increasing sunshine hours from winter to summer, peaking at 473 hours in June. For more information, visit Pavilosta climate.
Priekule, Latvia experiences a varied climate with cold winters and mild summers. January and February are the coldest months, with average temperatures around -1°C (31°F) and significant snowfall. Temperatures rise in spring, peaking in July and August at about 18°C (64°F) to 30°C (87°F), alongside higher precipitation levels, especially in July. The area enjoys increasing sunshine hours from winter to summer, with May boasting approximately 442 hours. For more details, visit Priekule climate.
Rucava, Latvia experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January sees temperatures ranging from -20°C to 8°C, while July warms up to between 8°C and 31°C. Precipitation is highest in summer, with July witnessing 89 mm and October recording 95 mm. The region also enjoys ample sunshine, peaking in May with 446 hours, but decreases significantly in winter. For more detailed information, visit Rucava climate.
Vainode, Latvia experiences a humid continental climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January and February are the coldest months, with temperatures averaging around -1°C (30°F) and frequent lows near -19°C (-3°F). As spring approaches, temperatures begin to rise, peaking in July, where averages reach 18°C (64°F). Precipitation is generally spread throughout the year, with the wettest months occurring in summer, particularly July, receiving approximately 92 mm (3.6 in) of rainfall. For more information, visit Vainode climate.
In conclusion, the climatic conditions of South Kurzeme Municipality, Latvia, are marked by distinct seasonal variations that significantly influence temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. From the harsh, cold winters with minimal sunlight and low UV levels to the warm and vibrant summers characterized by longer days and higher ultraviolet exposure, the region offers a compelling illustration of continental and maritime climate patterns. These seasonal trends not only shape the daily experiences of residents but also impact local ecosystems and agricultural practices. Understanding these nuances is essential for adapting to the region's unique climatic challenges and opportunities throughout the year.