Lithuania is a beautiful country with a rich history, cultural attractions, and natural beauty. If you are planning a trip to Lithuania, you might be wondering when the best time to visit is.
The good news is that Lithuania can be a great destination year-round, depending on your interests and preferences.
However, the most optimal time to visit Lithuania is from May to September. During these months, the weather is mild to warm and there is plenty of sunshine, making it a great time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
In this guide, we will take a closer look at the different seasons in Lithuania and provide some tips on the best time to visit based on your interests and what you want to see and do during your trip.
About Lithuania
Lithuania is a small country located in Northeastern Europe. It’s bordered by Latvia to the north, Belarus to the east, Poland to the south, and Kaliningrad (a Russian exclave) to the southwest.
The country has a population of about 2.8 million people and the capital is Vilnius.
Lithuania has a rich cultural history and is known for its beautiful forests, lakes, and beaches. It is also home to a number of UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Old Town of Vilnius, the Hill of Crosses, and the Curonian Spit.
FURTHER READING
Climate in Lithuania
Lithuania has a Temperate Climate, with cold winters and warm summers.
Average temperature
In spring (March-May), Lithuania experiences a transition from cooler to warmer weather. The average high temperatures during this season range from 5-18°C (41-64°F), and the minimum temperatures range from -3-8°C (27-46°F).
During summer (June-August), Lithuania’s average high temperatures range from 22-24°C (72-75°F). The minimum temperatures during these months tend to be mild, with an average low of 11-14°C (52-57°F).
During autumn (September-November), Lithuania experiences a transition from warmer to cooler weather. The average high temperatures during these months range from 4-18°C (39-64°F), and the minimum temperatures range from 0-8°C (32-46°F).
In winter (December-February), the average high temperatures in Lithuania are typically around -2 to 0°C (28-32°F). The minimum temperatures during these months can be quite cold, with an average low of -6 to -4°C (21-25°F).
Number of monthly rainy days
Lithuania experiences a moderate amount of precipitation throughout the year.
Most months have an average of 9-17 rainy days, with the exception of May and June, which tend to be the rainiest months with an average of 19 rainy days per month.
The rest of the year tends to have slightly fewer rainy days, with an average of 9-16 rainy days per month.
Number of monthly sun hours
As you can see on the graph below, Lithuania experiences a significant variation in the amount of sunlight throughout the year.
During the winter months, the number of sun hours is relatively low, with December and January having an average of 25 and 36 sun hours, respectively.
The amount of sunlight increases significantly as the year progresses, with the summer months of May through August having the highest number of sun hours, with an average of 241, 231, 219, and 217 sun hours per month, respectively.
The remainder of the year has an intermediate number of sun hours, with an average of 71 sun hours in February, 117 sun hours in March, 164 sun hours in April, 140 sun hours in September, 94 sun hours in October, and 33 sun hours in November.
Seasons in Lithuania
Lithuania, like most countries in the Northern Hemisphere, experiences four distinct seasons: winter, spring, summer, and autumn.
Spring (March to May)
The weather in Lithuania during the spring season (March, April, and May) is generally moderate.
The average maximum temperatures range from 5°C (40°F) to 18°C (65°F) and the average minimum temperatures range from -3°C (27°F) to 8°C (46°F).
The average number of sun hours per month ranges from 117 to 241. There is also a moderate amount of rainfall during this season, ranging from 11 to 19 rainy days per month.
In general, the weather conditions in spring in Lithuania range from bad in March, to tolerable in April and good in May.
SPRING | MAR | APR | MAY |
---|---|---|---|
Max temperature | 5°C / 40°F | 13°C / 55°F | 18°C / 65°F |
Min temperature | -3°C / 27°F | 3°C / 37°F | 8°C / 46°F |
Monthly sun hours | 117 hours | 164 hours | 241 hours |
Monthly rainy days | 11 days | 13 days | 19 days |
Weather conditions | Bad | Tolerable | Good |
Summer (June to August)
During the summer season (June, July, and August), the weather in Lithuania is warm with plenty of sunshine.
The average maximum temperatures range from 22°C (71°F) to 24°C (75°F) and the average minimum temperatures range from 11°C (52°F) to 14°C (56°F).
The average number of sun hours per month is high, ranging from 217 to 231 hours, providing comfortable conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Although there is still a moderate amount of rainfall during this season, with an average of 14 to 17 rainy days per month, the weather conditions in the summer in Lithuania can be generally described as great.
SUMMER | JUN | JUL | AUG |
---|---|---|---|
Max temperature | 22°C / 71°F | 24°C / 75°F | 23°C / 73°F |
Min temperature | 11°C / 52°F | 14°C / 56°F | 13°C / 55°F |
Monthly sun hours | 231 hours | 219 hours | 217 hours |
Monthly rainy days | 17 days | 16 days | 14 days |
Weather conditions | Great | Great | Great |
Autumn (September to November)
Lithuania in autumn (September, October, and November) experiences transitioning weather, with temperatures gradually cooling down.
The average maximum temperatures range from 18°C (64°F) to 4°C (39°F) and the average minimum temperatures range from 8°C (47°F) to 0°C (32°F).
The average number of sun hours per month decreases significantly, ranging from 33 to 140 hours. There is also a moderate amount of rainfall during this season, with an average of 10 to 12 rainy days per month.
Overall, the weather conditions in autumn in Lithuania are tolerable in September and bad in October and November.
AUTUMN | SEP | OCT | NOV |
---|---|---|---|
Max temperature | 18°C / 64°F | 10°C / 50°F | 4°C / 39°F |
Min temperature | 8°C / 47°F | 4°C / 39°F | 0°C / 32°F |
Monthly sun hours | 140 hours | 94 hours | 33 hours |
Monthly rainy days | 12 days | 11 days | 10 days |
Weather conditions | Tolerable | Bad | Bad |
Winter (December to February)
During the winter season (December, January, and February), Lithuania experiences cold temperatures, snow, and shorter days.
The average maximum temperatures range from 0°C (31°F) to -2°C (29°F) and the average minimum temperatures range from -4°C (25°F) to -6°C (21°F).
The average number of sun hours per month is quite low, ranging from 25 to 71 hours. There is also a moderate amount of precipitation during this season, with an average of 9 to 10 rainy days per month.
The weather conditions in winter in Lithuania are generally bad. It is a good time to visit if you want to enjoy the winter sports and festive atmosphere.
WINTER | DEC | JAN | FEB |
---|---|---|---|
Max temperature | 0°C / 31°F | -2°C / 29°F | 0°C / 31°F |
Min temperature | -4°C / 25°F | -6°C / 21°F | -6°C / 21°F |
Monthly sun hours | 25 hours | 36 hours | 71 hours |
Monthly rainy days | 9 days | 9 days | 10 days |
Weather conditions | Bad | Bad | Bad |
Best time to visit Lithuania weather-wise
The best time to visit Lithuania weather-wise is from May to September. This is when the weather conditions range from mild to warm and are pleasant and comfortable.
The summer months of June, July, and August are the ideal times to visit Lithuania if you want to experience warm, sunny weather and long days. The country experiences its warmest temperatures and most sun hours during this time, making it a fantastic location for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
The spring and autumn months of May and September are good times to visit Lithuania if you want milder temperatures and fewer tourist crowds. The weather is typically pleasant during these months, with milder temperatures than in the summer.
Best time to visit Lithuania for sightseeing
The best time to visit Lithuania for sightseeing is during the spring and autumn months of May and October. During these months, the weather is mild and comfortable, making it a great time to explore the country’s landmarks, cultural attractions, and natural beauty.
These months also tend to experience lower tourist traffic, which might make it easier to visit popular attractions and landmarks without having to wait in line for a long time.
If you are planning to visit Lithuania during the summer months of June, July, and August, you can expect warm, sunny weather and longer days, which can be ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
However, these months are also the busiest and most popular time for tourists, so you can expect higher prices and more crowded attractions. If you prefer to avoid crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder season in spring or autumn.
See more guides about Lithuania