The climate of Smiltene
Smiltene, a town located in
Latvia, is characterized by a Humid Continental climate, also known under Köppen climate classification as Dfb. This classification indicates a specific combination of conditions: absence of a dry season and relatively warm summer months.
Throughout the year, Smiltene's climate presents an oscillation of temperatures, rainfall, humidity, and other weather parameters congruent with the patterns of this climate classification. Maximum temperatures usually range from a chilly -3.1°C (26.4°F) in the coldest months to a relatively balmy 22.8°C (73°F) in the warmest months. Meanwhile, lowest temperatures can plummet to as low as -7.4°C (18.7°F) and only reach a peak of 12.6°C (54.7°F). Humidity, on the other hand, stays quite consistently high year-round hovering between 73% to 93%, which can lead to a sense of persistent mugginess especially during the warmer months.
Rainfall presents variability, with month totals fluctuating between 27mm (1.06") to a high 66mm (2.6"), regardless of season, while the number of rainfall days per month can reach up to 20 days. Snowfall is more seasonal; generally observed from
November to
April, it tends to peak during the winter months, with the highest averages seen in
December and
January at 198mm (7.8") and 192mm (7.56"), respectively. Notably, there is virtually no snowfall from
May to
September.
The number of daylight hours varies substantially across the year, ranging between a scarce 6.7 hours in December to a plentiful 17.9 hours in
June, offering extended daylight during the summer months. Sunshine hours follow a similar pattern, with the least during winter and most during summer. Despite its northern latitude, Smiltene also sees a moderate UV index during the summer months, with
July bringing the highest levels.
The best time to visit Smiltene
The ideal period to visit
Smiltene greatly depends on the preferences of each visitor, but if warmer temperatures and outdoor activities are a goal, the window from
May to
September is an optimal choice. During this timeframe, temperatures average between 10.2°C (50.4°F) to 22.8°C (73°F), and daylight tends to extend beyond 14 hours, providing ample opportunity for outdoor exploration and activities.
The worst time to visit Smiltene
On the opposite end, visiting
Smiltene during the winter months, particularly between
December and
February, might not be the best choice, especially for those not accustomed to harsh winter conditions. During these months, temperatures often drop well below freezing, with highs barely reaching past -1.8°C (28.8°F) and lows hitting -7.4°C (18.7°F). Snowfall can be considerable, reaching nearly 200mm (7.87") in some months, and daylight can be limited to under 7 hours per day.
Spring weather in Smiltene
In
Smiltene, spring ushers in not only increasing temperatures but also enhanced light conditions. The temperatures within the months of
March to
May range between -1.8°C (28.8°F) to 17°C (62.6°F) while increasing daylight hours from 11.9 to 16.6 hours. Rainfall and relative humidity display a spiked pattern, with averages of 34mm (1.34") to 45mm (1.77") and 76% to 73% respectively.
Summer weather in Smiltene
Summer months in
Smiltene are generally warm and accompanied by longer daylight periods. From
June to
August, average temperatures register between 20.1°C (68.2°F) to 22.8°C (73°F). These months enjoy the longest daylight hours extending from 17.9 hours to 15.2 hours. It's also the wettest season, with rainfall figures reaching 66mm (2.6") in
July and relative humidities stabilizing around 75%.
Autumn weather in Smiltene
Autumn in
Smiltene sees a gradual decrease in temperature from 16.4°C (61.5°F) in
September to 3.8°C (38.8°F) in
November. Daylight declines from 12.8 hours to as low as 8 hours, while the rainfall remains fairly consistent around 45mm (1.77") to 40mm (1.57"). Relative humidity starts to rise during these months, regularly hitting between 82% and 90%.
Winter weather in Smiltene
Winter dominates
Smiltene from
December to
February, with both the lowest temperatures and the most significant snowfall. During this time, average high temperatures range from -3.1°C (26.4°F) to -0.3°C (31.5°F), whilst the lows shift between -7.4°C (18.7°F) and -3.5°C (25.7°F). The daylight hours reduce significantly, as low as 6.7 hours, Sunshine is scarce, with no more than 2.3 sunlight hours even on the brightest days. December, in particular, witnesses heavy snowfall, averaging 198mm (7.8").
Weather in January
January in
Smiltene,
Latvia bears the stamp of the harsh northern winter, a period often characterized by cold, wet, and cloudy conditions. Sub-freezing temperatures dominate, reaching as low as -7.4°C (18.7°F) and hardly peaking beyond -3.1°C (26.4°F).
Weather in January » Weather in February
Contrasting with
January's chilly conditions,
February offers slightly milder temperatures, although the wintry spell persists. It's still a cold month, but the temperatures begin a gradual ascent towards the end, hinting at the forthcoming spring.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Entering
March, the weather in
Smiltene,
Latvia continues its journey out of winter's grip, witnessing significant changes. Snowfall decreases sharply, down to 135mm (5.31") from
February's 192mm (7.56"), signalling the onset of spring.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings further warming to
Smiltene,
Latvia. With daytime temperatures soaring to 10.2°C (50.4°F), it spells the retreat of the last vestiges of winter. The appearance of buds on trees and flowers blooming earmarks the advent of spring.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Smiltene,
Latvia sees a visible transformation as the city embraces the full swing of spring. The temperature shift from
April is noticeable as daytime temperatures climb to a comfortable 17°C (62.6°F). Blue skies, sprinkled with fluffy white clouds, become a commonplace sight.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June, the onset month of summer in
Smiltene,
Latvia, offers longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures. With this increase in sunshine, the city dons a lively aura, encouraging outdoor activities. Breezy and dry, it marks a noticeable departure from the damp spring season.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
As the peak of summer,
July in
Smiltene,
Latvia brings the warmest temperatures of the year, as high as 22.8°C (73°F). The city basks in the summer glory with long days and ample sunshine. Outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and picnics are a common sight, adding to the city's lively summertime charm.
Weather in July »Weather in August
In
August,
Smiltene,
Latvia continues to enjoy warm summer temperatures, although a slight decrease from
July, signaling the approaching fall. Basking in plenty of daylight, the city remains vibrant and lively. The change in foliage, the crickets' evening symphony, and the cool breeze in the late afternoons offer hints of the incoming autumn.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Smiltene,
Latvia marks the beginning of autumn. The weather takes a downturn from the summer highs, with daytime temperatures falling to 16.4°C (61.5°F). The arrival of autumn is perceptible as leaves change color and a fresh chill permeates the air.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October, Autumn reveals its full spectrum in
Smiltene,
Latvia. Falling temperatures mark the unmistakable descent into the colder months, as locals brace themselves for winter. The shortened days and increased cloud cover herald the arrival of less favorable weather.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November in
Smiltene,
Latvia is noticeably colder, paving the way for the upcoming winter season. Snowfall, albeit light, begins to descend on the city, transforming it into a winter wonderland. Stepping into this chilly atmosphere are bare trees and frost-tipped grass, lending a unique appeal to the urban landscapes.
Weather in November » Weather in December
In
December, the weather in
Smiltene,
Latvia takes a definitive turn into winter. A significant increase in snowfall, reaching up to 157mm (6.18"), underlines this transformation. Despite shorter daylight hours and less sunshine, the city radiates a festive glow with Christmas celebrations.
Weather in December » [Resources]