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Pärnu, on Estonia’s southwestern coast, features a humid continental climate with warm, sunny summers and long, cold winters. The city experiences significant seasonal contrasts, moderate rainfall throughout the year, and brisk sea breezes. With long daylight hours in summer and snowy, atmospheric winters, Pärnu is a beloved destination for beachgoers and spa enthusiasts alike.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
The climate of Pärnu
Pärnu’s climate is marked by four distinct seasons and notable temperature swings. Summers (June–August) are warm and lively, with average highs of 20–22°C and occasional peaks above 27°C during heatwaves. July is the warmest month, offering up to 10 hours of sunshine daily and long daylight stretching to 18 hours at the solstice. Rainfall is moderate, with July and August being the wettest months (up to 63–70 mm), but showers are usually brief. Humidity is comfortable in summer (around 73–76%), and gentle sea breezes keep the heat pleasant. The sea temperature reaches 20–22°C in July and August, making swimming possible, though still cool for some.
Winters (December–February) are long, cold, and often snowy, with average highs of -1 to 1°C and lows of -7 to -3°C. Snow cover is common from December to March, creating a picturesque winter landscape. Rain and snow are evenly distributed, and December and January are the cloudiest, with only 1–2 hours of sunshine per day and about 7–8 hours of daylight. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are transitional, with rapidly changing weather, mild to cool temperatures (6–16°C), and frequent showers. Winds are moderate to strong, especially in autumn and winter, averaging 15–20 km/h. Annual precipitation is around 700–800 mm, and Pärnu enjoys about 1,600–1,700 hours of sunshine per year. The climate supports vibrant summers and peaceful, snowy winters, making Pärnu a year-round destination.
| Average climate data for Pärnu, Estonia | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | -2 | -2 | 2 | 9 | 16 | 19 | 23 | 21 | 16 | 9 | 5 | 1 | 23 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | -6 | -6 | -4 | 1 | 6 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 9 | 4 | 1 | -3 | -6 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 44 | 42 | 41 | 27 | 39 | 54 | 57 | 58 | 49 | 58 | 45 | 56 | 572 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 10 | 8 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 17 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 176 |
| Average snowfall (mm) | 166 | 189 | 136 | 30 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 54 | 140 | 723 |
| Average snowfall days (days) | 19 | 19 | 16 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 17 | 85 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 90 | 92 | 89 | 76 | 73 | 72 | 72 | 75 | 82 | 85 | 89 | 91 | 82 |
| Average wind speed (km/h) | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 16 | 13 |
| Average water temperature (°C) | 0 | -0 | -0 | 2 | 8 | 16 | 20 | 19 | 16 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 9 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 7 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 2 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 6 |
| Average cloud coverage (%) | 74 | 75 | 66 | 50 | 39 | 38 | 37 | 38 | 50 | 58 | 72 | 78 | 56 |
| Average UV index | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
Travel info
- Spring (March–May): Cool to mild, with highs from 6–16°C. Showers are common, and nights can be chilly. Ideal for walks and fewer crowds – bring layers and a rain jacket.
- Summer (June–August): Warm and lively, with highs of 20–22°C. Occasional heatwaves above 27°C, moderate rain, and long daylight hours. Perfect for beaches, festivals, and outdoor dining – pack sun protection, light clothing, and a jumper for cool evenings.
- Autumn (September–November): Mild in September (up to 16°C), cooling to 3–7°C by November. Rainfall increases and days shorten. Early autumn is great for sightseeing and fewer tourists – bring layers and rain gear.
- Winter (December–February): Cold and snowy, with highs of -1 to 1°C and lows of -7 to -3°C. Frequent snow, rain, and short days. Dress warmly and bring waterproof boots. Enjoy spas, ice skating, and winter scenery.
- General tips: Weather is unpredictable – dress in layers and always carry rain gear. Even in summer, evenings can be cool. Book early for summer festivals and beach stays. Winds can be brisk, especially in autumn and winter. Daylight hours vary greatly by season.
The best time to visit Pärnu
The best time to visit Pärnu is from late June to August, when temperatures are warmest (20–25°C), days are longest, and the city is vibrant with festivals, beach life, and outdoor events. These months offer ideal conditions for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the lively summer atmosphere, though booking ahead is advised due to popularity.
The worst time to visit Pärnu
The least favourable time to visit Pärnu is from November to March, when temperatures are lowest, days are shortest, and frequent snow, rain, or wind can limit outdoor activities. While winter offers peaceful spa experiences and snowy scenery, the cold, damp, and dark conditions may not appeal to all travellers.
Frequently asked questions
Pärnu has a humid continental climate with warm, sunny summers and long, cold winters. Rain and snow fall year-round, with peaks in late summer and autumn. Winters are snowy, while summers are ideal for beaches.
The best time to visit Pärnu is from late June to August, when the weather is warm, days are long, and the city is lively with festivals and beach activities. Early autumn is also pleasant for sightseeing.
Yes, snow is common from December to March, creating a winter wonderland. Snow cover is usually light to moderate, and outdoor winter activities like ice skating and cross-country skiing are possible.
Pärnu receives moderate rainfall, averaging 700–800 mm annually. Rain falls throughout the year, with the wettest months in July and August. Showers are frequent but often brief, especially in summer.
Summer highs in Pärnu typically reach 20–22°C, with July being the warmest month. Heatwaves can push temperatures above 27°C, but evenings are usually cool and pleasant for outdoor activities.
The Baltic Sea near Pärnu reaches 20–22°C in July and August, making swimming possible for most visitors. The water is cooler in June and September, and cold the rest of the year.
Pack layers for cool mornings and evenings, a rain jacket for showers, and sun protection for summer. In winter, bring warm clothing, a hat, gloves, and waterproof shoes for cold, snowy conditions.
Minimum and maximum temperatures in Pärnu
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is July (22.6 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (-2.1 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 9.8 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is July (13.3 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is January (-6.2 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 3.3 °C.
Water temperature in Pärnu
The month with the highest average water temperature is July (20 °C). The month with the lowest average water temperature is March (-0.1 °C). Overall, the average water temperature over the whole year is 8.6 °C.
Rainfall amount in Pärnu
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is August (58.1 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is April (27.4 mm). Over the whole year there are 571.8 mm of rainfall on average.
Rainfall days in Pärnu
The month with the most days of rain is July (18.8 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is February (7.6 days). Over the whole year there are 176.1 days of rain on average.
Snowfall amount in Pärnu
The month with the most snowfall is February (189.1 mm). The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0 mm). Over the whole year there are 723.5 mm of snowfall on average.
Snowfall days in Pärnu
The month with the most days of snowfall is January (19.4 days). The month with the fewest days of snowfall is July (0 days). Over the whole year there are 84.8 days of snowfall on average.
Relative humidity in Pärnu
The month with the highest average relative humidity is February (92.3 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is June (71.7 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 82.1 %.
Wind speed in Pärnu
The windiest month, with the highest average wind speed, is December (15.8 km/h). The calmest month, with the lowest average wind speed, is May (11.7 km/h). The overall average wind speed over the whole year is 13.3 km/h.
Cloud coverage in Pärnu
The month with the cloudiest skies, so the highest cloud coverage, is December (77.9 %). The month with the clearest skies, so the lowest cloud coverage, is July (37.2 %). Over the whole year there is an average cloud coverage of 56.2 %.
Daylight hours and sunshine hours in Pärnu
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 18 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 6 h). Over the whole year there are 11.9 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is June (Average sunshine: 11 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is December (Average sunshine: 1 h). Over the whole year there are 5.8 h of sunlight per day on average.
UV index in Pärnu
The months with the highest average UV index are June and July (UV index: 5). The months with the lowest average UV index are January, February, March, November and December (UV index: 1). Over the whole year the average UV index is 2.6.
- Pärnu climate overview
- Climate table
- Related travel information for Pärnu
- The best time to visit Pärnu
- The worst time to visit Pärnu
- Frequently asked questions
- Temperature summary
- Water temperature summary
- Rainfall amount summary
- Rainfall days summary
- Snowfall amount summary
- Snowfall days summary
- Relative humidity summary
- Wind speed summary
- Cloud coverage summary
- Daylight hours and sunshine hours summary
- UV index summary
- Other recommended travel destinations