Latvia
Best Time to Visit Cēsis
Cēsis has a short, lively summer and a long, quiet winter. The best time to visit depends on whether you want festivals and warm weather or empty streets and low prices.
✦ Go in June for good weather and the arts festival, or in August for the medieval festival and warm days.
✅ Best months
June and August: June offers long daylight and the Cēsu Mākslas festivāls, August has the Cēsis Medieval Festival and reliably warm weather. July is equally warm but busier. These months avoid the peak tourist crush of July while still giving good weather.
🔥 Peak season
July: peak of the summer season, with the warmest temperatures and large crowds for the Cēsis Medieval Festival and other events. Hotel prices can double from shoulder-season rates. Book at least a month ahead.
💷 Shoulder (best value)
May and September: best budget options. May has cool weather but fewer tourists, September retains mild days and lower prices. Hotels are often 30-40% cheaper than in July.
🌙 Quietest & cheapest
November to February: the quietest and cheapest period, with many hotels offering deep discounts. Trade-offs include short daylight (6-7 hours), sub-zero temperatures, and some attractions on reduced hours or closed.
Cēsis season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
Weather: March is still cold (0-5°C) and snowy; April sees melting snow and mud; May warms to 10-15°C with rain.
Crowds: low
Good for hiking in Gauja National Park as snow recedes, but trails can be muddy.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Weather: June 15-20°C, July 17-22°C, August 15-20°C; regular rain but generally pleasant.
Crowds: high
Prime time for outdoor festivals, castle visits, and canoeing on the Gauja.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Weather: September 10-15°C, October 5-10°C, November 0-5°C; increasing rain and wind.
Crowds: low
Beautiful autumn colours in the park, fewer tourists, and cheaper accommodation.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Weather: December -5 to 0°C, January -7 to -3°C, February -6 to -1°C; frequent snow and ice.
Crowds: very low
Quietest season; good for winter walks and cosy cafes, but some attractions close early.
🎭 Events worth timing a trip around
Cēsis Medieval Festival in early August: a three-day event with jousting, crafts, and concerts in the castle grounds. Cēsu Mākslas festivāls in mid-June: a two-week performing arts festival with theatre and music.
🧳 What to pack
Pack a rain jacket and layers even in summer. Cēsis can have 15°C and rain one day, 25°C and sun the next.
Found your dates? Get your hotel briefing.
Room tips, the 14-day forecast for your exact stay, dining, transport and more — free for any Cēsis hotel.
Researched & reviewed by the TripSage editorial team · Updated July 2026.