Last updated: January 18, 2025
Vilnius, Lithuania, experiences a humid continental climate classified as Dfb according to the Köppen-Geiger system. Characterized by significant seasonal variations, temperatures in this city can plummet to an extreme minimum of -28°C (-18°F) in January, while the summer months witness a striking peak, with averages reaching up to 34°C (93°F) in July. The annual average temperature rests at a moderate 8°C (47°F), reflecting the dynamic nature of Vilnius' climate, marked by both chilly winters and warm summers.
Vilnius, Lithuania, exhibits distinct seasonal temperature patterns, characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January and February are the coldest months, with January reaching a chilling minimum of -28°C (-18°F) and averaging -2°C (28°F), while February shows a slight increase in temperatures. As spring arrives in March, temperatures begin to rise, peaking at a maximum of 16°C (62°F), and the trend continues into April with averages climbing to 7°C (44°F). By May, the warmth is increasingly evident, with maximums soaring to 30°C (86°F). The summer months of June and July are notably warm, with average highs maintained at 34°C (93°F), though nighttime lows remain mild. As autumn approaches, September brings a gradual cooling, with temperatures averaging 13°C (56°F), which further declines through October and November, eventually leading back into winter's chill by December, where the cycle begins anew, closing the year with temperatures once again dipping to -19°C (-2°F).
Trakai experiences January temperatures dipping to a minimum of -25°C (-12°F) and soaring to a maximum of 33°C (92°F) in July, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Trakai. Nearby Senieji Trakai also faces a January low of -25°C (-13°F) with a summer peak of 33°C (92°F) in June, according to the monthly temperatures in Senieji Trakai. Similarly, Vilnius sees winter temperatures as low as -24°C (-12°F) in January, with a July high reaching 33°C (92°F), per the monthly temperatures in Vilnius.
Precipitation patterns in Vilnius, Lithuania, reveal a moderate distribution throughout the year, with the most significant rainfall occurring in late summer. July and August are the wettest months, receiving approximately 90 mm (3.5 in) and 103 mm (4.0 in) of rain, respectively, often coinciding with a higher frequency of rainy days (12 to 13 days). In contrast, the winter months, particularly January and February, experience lower rainfall, with January averaging 50 mm (2.0 in) and February dropping to 39 mm (1.5 in), characterized by fewer rainy days.
As the seasons transition, spring and early summer bring varied precipitation levels, with May recording 66 mm (2.6 in) and consistent rainfall spread over 11 days. The amount of precipitation begins to taper in the fall, with September and October witnessing 72 mm (2.9 in) and 64 mm (2.5 in) respectively. Despite variations, Vilnius maintains a fairly balanced annual precipitation total, allowing for a rich and diverse landscape across its changing seasons.
In Vilnius, Lithuania, the sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend marked by significant fluctuations between winter and summer. The year begins with a mere 76 hours of sunshine in January, gradually increasing to 160 hours in February as daylight begins to lengthen. March sees a more pronounced jump, with sunshine duration rising to 258 hours, signaling the transition into spring. April continues this upward trajectory, offering 331 hours, and further peaks in May with an impressive 410 hours of sunlight, truly heralding the arrival of warmer weather.
The summer months sustain high sunshine levels, with June leading at 437 hours, closely followed by July at 427 hours, making this period the sunniest in Vilnius. As autumn approaches, sunlight begins to wane, with hours dropping to 382 in August and continuing downward to 294 hours in September. By the time winter returns, the city finds itself under reduced sunlight again, plunging to just 91 hours in December, illuminating the cycle of Vilnius' climate and the contrast in sunshine availability across seasons. This dramatic variation underscores the importance of seasonal awareness for both residents and visitors looking to enjoy the city's outdoor offerings.
The UV Index in Vilnius, Lithuania, reveals a notable seasonal variation, with lower levels in winter months gradually rising towards summer's peak. During January and February, the UV Index remains at a minimal level of 1 and 2, respectively, categorizing exposure as low and indicating a burn time of approximately 45 minutes. As spring unfolds, March introduces a moderate increase to a UV Index of 4, while April reaches 5, prompting the necessity for moderate sun protection during outdoor activities.
With the arrival of summer, the UV Index escalates dramatically, peaking in June at a very high level of 8, where burn time significantly decreases to just 15 minutes without protection. July and August maintain high UV levels at 7 and 6, respectively, where sun safety becomes increasingly essential as the risk of sunburn intensifies. As autumn sets in, the UV Index gradually declines, with moderate levels re-emerging by September and October, before returning to low levels in November and December. This seasonal fluctuation highlights the importance of adjusting sun protection strategies throughout the year in Vilnius.
UV Risk Categories
In Vilnius, Lithuania, the daylight duration exhibits distinct seasonal patterns that reflect the city’s geographical position. The year starts with short days in January, providing only 7 hours of daylight. This gradually increases through February to 9 hours and further to 11 hours by March, as the days begin to lengthen with the onset of spring. The transition into summer brings the most extended daylight hours, peaking in June with an impressive 17 hours, allowing for ample time to enjoy outdoor activities and explore the vibrant natural surroundings.
As summer transitions into autumn, the daylight begins to wane, with July still enjoying 16 hours before dropping to 14 hours in August. The decrease continues into September at 12 hours, followed by October’s reduction to 10 hours. The descent in daylight persists through the late fall and winter months, dwindling back to 8 hours in November and returning to 7 hours by December. This cyclical change in daylight duration underscores the shifting seasons in Vilnius and affects both daily life and recreational opportunities throughout the year.
Senieji Trakai, Lithuania experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winter months, particularly January and February, see minimum temperatures drop to as low as -25°C (-13°F) and -21°C (-6°F), while summer temperatures can reach highs of 33°C (91°F) in July and August. Precipitation is highest in the summer, with July averaging 91 mm (3.6 in), while the sunniest months are May and June, boasting over 400 hours of sunshine. This varied climate contributes to the region's beautiful landscapes and seasonal activities. For more details, visit Senieji Trakai climate.
Trakai, Lithuania experiences a continental climate marked by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can plummet to -25°C (-12°F), while July averages about 19°C (66°F), peaking at 33°C (92°F). Precipitation is highest in late summer, particularly in August with 103 mm (4.1 in), and sunshine hours peak in June at 437 hours. For more detailed information, visit Trakai climate.
Vilnius experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. January and February are the coldest months, with average temperatures around -2°C (28°F) and significant snowfall, while July is the warmest, peaking at about 19°C (66°F). Precipitation varies throughout the year, with the highest levels in July (85 mm) and August (105 mm), contributing to the lush greenery. The city enjoys long daylight hours in summer, peaking at 434 hours in June, while winter months have limited sunshine averaging around 77 hours in January. For more details, visit Vilnius climate.
In conclusion, the climatic dynamics of Vilnius, Lithuania, characterized by its temperature fluctuations, varying precipitation patterns, sunlight availability, UV index levels, and daylight duration, present a richly diverse environment throughout the year. From the bitter cold and minimal daylight in winter to the vibrant warmth and extended hours of sunshine in summer, each season offers unique opportunities and challenges. Understanding these climatic traits is essential for both residents and visitors, allowing them to appropriately prepare for the elements, appreciate the beauty of Vilnius’ changing landscape, and engage in outdoor activities while prioritizing safety and comfort.