Tallinn features a humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters and mild, pleasantly warm summers. The city experiences significant seasonal changes, from long, dark winter nights to bright, extended daylight in summer. Rainfall is moderate and fairly evenly distributed, while the Baltic Sea’s influence brings breezes and occasional fog, especially in transitional seasons.
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.
Tallinn’s climate is shaped by its northern latitude and proximity to the Baltic Sea, resulting in four distinct seasons. Winters (December to February) are long and cold, with average temperatures ranging from -4°C to -1°C and frequent snowfall. Snow cover is common from late November to March, and cold spells can push temperatures well below -15°C. Despite the cold, winter transforms Tallinn’s medieval Old Town into a picturesque, fairy-tale landscape, especially during the festive season. Daylight is scarce in winter, with December seeing as little as 6 hours per day, and sunshine is limited.
Spring (March to May) brings a gradual thaw, with temperatures rising from near freezing in March to 15°C by late May. This season is the driest, but weather can be unpredictable, with chilly breezes and occasional frosts. Summers (June to August) are mild to warm, with average highs of 19–23°C and long daylight hours – up to 18 hours in June. July is the warmest and sunniest month, often exceeding 300 hours of sunshine. Rainfall is moderate but showers can occur, so a light raincoat is useful. Autumn (September to November) cools rapidly; September can still be pleasant, but by November, temperatures drop and rain increases, sometimes turning to early snow. Winds are generally moderate, strongest in late autumn and winter, and the city’s coastal location can bring fog and brisk sea breezes, especially in spring and early summer.
Overall, Tallinn receives about 700–725 mm of precipitation annually, with no true dry season. The city’s dramatic seasonal shifts in daylight, from 'white nights' in summer to short winter days, are a hallmark of its climate. Visitors should pack for changeable weather and be prepared for both rain and cool winds at any time of year.
| Average climate data for Tallinn, Estonia | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | -1 | -2 | 2 | 9 | 15 | 19 | 22 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 22 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | -6 | -7 | -4 | 1 | 5 | 10 | 13 | 12 | 8 | 4 | -1 | -4 | -7 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 48 | 32 | 31 | 30 | 36 | 57 | 75 | 74 | 60 | 65 | 60 | 49 | 617 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 4 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 11 | 5 | 120 |
| Average snowfall days (days) | 14 | 12 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 11 | 55 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 87 | 86 | 81 | 72 | 68 | 74 | 76 | 80 | 81 | 84 | 87 | 89 | 80 |
| Average water temperature (°C) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 14 | 19 | 19 | 16 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 8 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 7 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 17 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 5 |
| Average UV index | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
The best time to visit Tallinn is from late May to August, when temperatures are mild to warm (15–23°C), daylight is at its longest, and the city is lively with festivals and outdoor activities. These months offer the most comfortable weather for sightseeing, with plenty of sunshine and a vibrant atmosphere in the Old Town.
The least favourable time to visit is from November to March, when Tallinn is coldest, daylight hours are shortest, and snow or slush is common. While winter has a unique charm, the cold, damp conditions and limited sunlight can make outdoor exploration less appealing for many travellers.
Tallinn has a humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters and mild, pleasant summers. The city experiences significant seasonal changes in temperature, daylight, and precipitation, making each season distinct.
Yes, snowfall is common from late November to March. Snow cover can last for several weeks, especially in January and February, creating a picturesque winter landscape in the city.
In winter, daylight can be as short as 6 hours per day, while in midsummer, Tallinn enjoys up to 18 hours of daylight, including 'white nights' when it never gets fully dark.
Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed, but late summer and autumn (August to November) tend to be the wettest periods. Showers can occur at any time, so packing a raincoat is wise.
Pack warm, layered clothing and waterproof boots for winter. In summer, bring light layers, a jumper for cool evenings, and a rain jacket. Comfortable, water-resistant shoes are recommended year-round.
Tallinn is breezy year-round, with stronger winds in autumn and winter. The coastal location brings brisk sea breezes, especially in spring and early summer, so windproof clothing is useful.
The Baltic Sea near Tallinn is cool even in summer, with water temperatures peaking around 17°C in July and August. Swimming is possible but best for those accustomed to colder waters.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is July (21.9 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is February (-1.6 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 9.4 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is July (12.8 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is February (-6.9 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 2.5 °C.
The month with the highest average water temperature is August (19.1 °C). The month with the lowest average water temperature is March (0.2 °C). Overall, the average water temperature over the whole year is 8.3 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is July (74.6 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is April (30.3 mm). Over the whole year there are 616.7 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is October (16.1 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is February (3.1 days). Over the whole year there are 120 days of rain on average.
The month with the most days of snowfall is January (13.9 days). The month with the fewest days of snowfall is September (0.1 days). Over the whole year there are 55.5 days of snowfall on average.
The month with the highest average relative humidity is December (88.8 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is May (68.3 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 80.5 %.
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 12 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is June (Average sunshine: 9.9 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is January (Average sunshine: 0 h). Over the whole year there are 4.5 h of sunlight per day on average.
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, November and December (UV index: 0). Over the whole year the average UV index is 2.2.
