Climate

Like elsewhere around the Baltic Sea, the main climatic influence in Riga is determined by prevailing air streams from the Atlantic Ocean and the moderating influence of the Baltic Sea itself. This maritime influence results in mild winters and cool summers, as well as high air humidity (80%) compared to inland areas. July is the rainiest month, and March is the driest. Snow cover is normally sustained for a short period but in recent winters it has been thicker than normal - up to 20 cm. Autumn is the most windy season. Average temperature is minus 4.9 ^oC in January and plus 16.9 ^oC in July. The air temperature is usually 2-3 ^o C higher in the centre of Riga than in the suburbs.

Average Air Temperature in Riga and Selected European Cities:

City	Average air temperature, oC
	January	July
Riga	-4.9	+ 16.9
Tallinn	-6.1	+ 16.0
Vilnius	-4.9	+ 17.2
Stockholm	-2.9	+ 17.8
Copenhagen	+ 0.1	+ 17.3
Moscow	-10.2	+ 18.1
London	+ 4.2	+ 17.6
Paris	+ 3.1	+ 19.0
Berlin	-0.4	+ 18.2

Source: Latvian Hydrometeorological Agency