January
Post-festive quiet, lowest prices of the year
The Christmas markets are packed away and the city empties out. This and February are the cheapest months to visit — worth it if value matters more than weather.
Riga in January & February → 8 min read · Planning
Riga Events Calendar 2026
What's actually on, month by month — the festivals worth planning a trip around, and the months where the city itself is the reason to come.
Quick Answer
Riga's three big fixtures are Rīgas Svētki (the city's birthday festival, all August), Staro Rīga (November's light festival), and the Christmas markets (late November to early January). Jāņi on June 23–24 is the biggest traditional holiday, though the city empties for it. Everything else is seasonal character rather than a fixed event.
Month by Month
February
Deep winter, still the value window
Average temperatures around -4°C to -5°C and short days, but every major indoor sight runs normal hours and you'll queue for nothing.
Riga in January & February →March
Winter loosening its grip
Still cold and not yet spring, but prices stay low and the city is quiet. A reasonable shoulder choice if you want winter activities without the deepest cold.
Winter activities guide →April
Spring arrives, crowds haven't
Parks come back to life and terrace season starts tentatively. One of the better value-to-weather trade-offs on the calendar before summer pricing kicks in.
Month-by-month guide →May
Arguably the best all-round month
Warm enough for proper sightseeing, long daylight, and still ahead of peak-season prices. A strong pick for a first visit.
3-day itinerary →June
Jāņi (Midsummer) & the longest days of the year
Latvia's biggest traditional holiday falls on June 23–24, and Riga genuinely empties as people head to the countryside for it. Daylight runs to around 18 hours.
Riga in June: Jāņi guide →July
Peak summer, beach weather
The warmest stretch of the year and prime Jūrmala season. Also peak pricing and peak crowds — book accommodation well ahead.
Jūrmala beach guide →August
Major eventRīgas Svētki — Riga's birthday festival
The city's month-long birthday celebration. In 2026 it runs August 1–29 for Riga's 825th anniversary, with the main day on August 15 — free outdoor events across Old Town, the embankment and central parks.
Rīgas Svētki 2026 guide →September
Miķeļdiena harvest festival & golden light
The harvest festival brings a produce market to Dome Square, and the autumn light is the best of the year. Crowds thin out sharply after August while the weather often holds.
Riga in September →October
Autumn colour in the Gauja Valley
No single flagship event, but this is when the Sigulda and Gauja Valley foliage peaks — the best month of the year for a countryside day trip out of the city.
Sigulda autumn guide →November
Major eventStaro Rīga light festival & national holidays
Light installations appear across Old Town, Riga Castle and the City Canal, timed around Lāčplēsis Day (Nov 11) and Latvia's Independence Day (Nov 18).
Staro Rīga guide →December
Major eventChristmas markets & New Year's Eve
Markets run at Dome Square and Līvu Square from late November into early January, and the year closes with fireworks along the Daugava riverfront.
Christmas market guide →Booking Around Events
The three flagship periods — August, late November/December, and Jāņi in June — are when accommodation tightens up. For those dates, book 2–3 months out rather than the usual 4–6 weeks. Outside them, Riga rarely sells out and you can book close in.
For weather, crowd levels and pricing rather than events specifically, see our best time to visit Riga guide. Already in the city and looking for something to book today? Our tours page and nightlife tours guide cover what runs year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest festival in Riga?
Rīgas Svētki, the city's birthday festival, is the largest — a month-long August programme of free outdoor events. In 2026 it runs August 1–29 for Riga's 825th anniversary, with the main celebration day on August 15.
What events happen in Riga in winter?
The Christmas markets at Dome Square and Līvu Square run from late November into early January, followed by New Year's Eve fireworks along the Daugava. In November, the Staro Rīga light festival lights up Old Town and Riga Castle.
What is Jāņi in Latvia?
Jāņi is Latvia's Midsummer celebration on June 23–24 and the country's most important traditional holiday. Riga noticeably empties out as people head to the countryside for it, and daylight runs to around 18 hours.
When is the best time to visit Riga for events?
August for Rīgas Svētki (the biggest festival), December for the Christmas markets, and June if you want to experience Jāņi. September's Miķeļdiena harvest festival and November's Staro Rīga light festival are quieter alternatives with lower prices.
Last updated: August 2026. Exact dates for city-run events are confirmed by Riga's municipality (riga.lv) closer to the time — check current listings before booking around a specific date.