Last updated: January 18, 2025
Valka, Latvia, exhibits a Dfb Köppen-Geiger climate classification, characterized by distinct seasonal variations. Winters can be quite severe, with minimum temperatures plummeting to -28°C (-19°F) in December, while summers offer a contrasting warmth; average temperatures peak around 32°C (90°F) in July. The overall yearly average temperature hovers around 7°C (45°F), highlighting the region’s transitional climate, marked by warm summers and cold winters.
Valka, Latvia, experiences pronounced seasonal temperature variations, with harsh winters giving way to milder summers. The coldest months, January and February, see minimum temperatures dipping to around -25°C (-12°F) and -26°C (-14°F), while average highs only reach up to 10°C (49°F) in February. As spring unfolds, temperatures gradually rise, peaking in April when average highs can reach 24°C (76°F). Transitioning into summer, months like June and July showcase warmer conditions, with maximum temperatures consistently around 32°C (90°F). However, as autumn approaches, temperatures begin to drop again, bringing average max temperatures down to 12°C (54°F) in November and minimums reaching as low as -28°C (-19°F) by December, illustrating a distinct cycle of seasonal temperature shifts throughout the year.
Valka experiences a significant temperature range throughout the year, with winter months dipping to a minimum of -28°C (-19°F) in December and summer highs reaching up to 32°C (90°F) in July. For more detailed monthly temperature variations, visit monthly temperatures in Valka.
Valka, Latvia, experiences a relatively even distribution of precipitation throughout the year, with an overall trend of increasing rainfall during the summer months. January marks the beginning of the year with 38 mm (1.5 in) of precipitation over approximately 11 days, slightly increasing to 42 mm (1.6 in) in February. March and April maintain consistent levels of 51 mm (2.0 in), while May sees a further increase to 55 mm (2.2 in), signaling the onset of a wetter season.
Summer months are particularly notable for their elevated rainfall, peaking in August with 89 mm (3.5 in), and the frequency of rainy days often reaches 13 days during this period. Both June and July report significant totals of 76 mm (3.0 in) and 79 mm (3.1 in), respectively, contributing to the lushness of the season. As autumn sets in, precipitation begins to decline, yet October remains on par with summer totals, receiving 79 mm (3.1 in) over 14 days. This pattern illustrates the dynamic interplay of seasons in Valka, where summer brings both warmth and increased moisture.
In Valka, Latvia, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, beginning with the gloomy winter months that offer only 64 hours of sunlight in both January and December. As the year progresses into spring, there is a remarkable increase in sunshine hours, with February seeing a jump to 142 hours, and March witnessing a further rise to 255 hours. By April, the days lengthen significantly, providing 332 hours of sunshine, setting the stage for the vibrant and warm months that follow. This transition marks the end of the long, dark winter, welcoming a period of greater luminosity and energy.
The summer months showcase the peak sunshine hours, with June achieving its highest record at 449 hours, followed closely by July with 445 hours. This is a time of exuberant growth and warmth, providing ample sunlight for both flora and fauna. As summer fades into autumn, sunshine begins to wane; August still maintains a healthy 379 hours, but by September, it drops to 294 hours, and October further declines to 206 hours. Notably, November witnesses a sharp decline with only 101 hours of sunlight, signaling the onset of winter once again. This cyclical pattern emphasizes the dramatic differences in sunlight exposure throughout the year, influencing both the natural environment and the daily lives of Valka’s residents.
In Valka, Latvia, the UV Index varies significantly throughout the year, reflecting shifts in the sun's intensity. During the winter months, particularly in January, February, November, and December, the UV Index remains low, typically at 1 or 2, allowing for a safe outdoor experience with minimal risk of harm from the sun. Residents can take their time in the sun with a burn time of 45 minutes, indicating a lower likelihood of skin damage. As spring approaches, the index begins to rise, with March registering a moderate risk at 3 and burn times decreasing to 30 minutes.
The summer months notably mark the peak of UV exposure, with the UV Index reaching 6 or 7 from May through August, categorizing the risk as high. During this period, outdoor enthusiasts should be vigilant, with a burn time of just 25 minutes necessitating protective measures like sunscreen and protective clothing. As autumn unfolds, the UV Index gradually declines, dropping to 4 in September and returning to low levels by October, reinforcing the seasonal transitions. This fluctuating UV Index highlights the importance of being mindful of sun exposure, particularly in the sunnier seasons, to ensure skin safety.
UV Risk Categories
In Valka, Latvia, daylight duration varies significantly throughout the year, reflecting the region's distinct seasonal changes. The year begins with January, offering only 7 hours of daylight, which gradually increases to 9 hours in February and 11 hours in March. This trend continues into April, where daylight expands to 14 hours, heralding the arrival of spring. By May, residents enjoy a generous 16 hours of daylight, setting the stage for the longest days of the year.
Summer months bring the peak daylight duration, with both June and July experiencing up to 17 hours of sunlight, perfect for outdoor activities and long evening gatherings. As August transitions into autumn, daylight begins to dwindle, dropping to 15 hours and further decreasing to 12 hours in September. This decline continues into the later months, with October providing just 10 hours and November and December falling back to 7 hours and 6 hours of daylight, respectively. The cyclical nature of daylight duration greatly influences daily life and activities in Valka, underscoring the region's seasonal rhythm.
Valka, Latvia experiences a continental climate with cold winters and mild summers. January and February are the coldest months, with average temperatures around -3°C (27°F) and significant snowfall. As spring approaches, temperatures gradually rise, reaching an average of 6°C (42°F) in April. Summer months (June to August) are warm, with averages around 17°C (63°F) to 18°C (64°F) and increased precipitation, peaking in August. For detailed climate information, visit Valka climate.
In conclusion, Valka, Latvia, showcases a dynamic interplay of climate and seasonal changes, characterized by distinct temperature variations, precipitation patterns, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The harsh winters evolve into warm, sunny summers, offering residents a rich tapestry of seasonal experiences. Understanding these climatic trends not only highlights the beauty and diversity of Valka's environment but also emphasizes the importance of adapting outdoor activities and personal care in response to changing conditions. This knowledge enhances the appreciation of the unique climate of Valka, encouraging both locals and visitors to engage with the natural world while prioritizing health and safety throughout the year.