Weather in Tallinn

Tallinn is a charming city, rich in history, with stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. Sometimes the weather might surprise visitors with a bit of unpredictability. Sometimes temperature can vary dramatically within 24 hours (but not too often), or a sudden downpours of rain or heavy snow can be follower by happy bursts of sunshine. Tallinn’s weather can be as dynamic as the city itself. 🙂

Estonians have a saying – “Summer eyes and winter teeth” – which describes these tricky days when the weather looks very summery but cold wind can make the “feels like” factor something completely else.

Understanding Tallinn’s Climate – Great for Summer Holidays, Autumn Colours, Christmas Miracles, Winter Snow Retreats and Spring Beauty!

Tallinn experiences a humid continental climate, which means that the city enjoys warm summers and cold winters. The proximity to the Baltic Sea also plays a significant role in shaping the weather patterns in Tallinn. The sea moderates the temperatures, resulting in milder winters compared to other regions at similar latitudes. At the same time winter temperatures can easily be below -20 C (or in rare occasions even colder). Thing to be aware in traffic in the winter are partly slippery roads. Summers are  lovely and even +30 C is not that rare anymore, “thanks” to the changing climate situation. Summer months (June, July, August) are usually just pleasant, around 15-25, and often sunny. Maybe not exactly Southern-Spain-sunny, but excellently balanced for “coolcationing”, avoiding the burning hot temperatures of Southern Europe and beyond. In the last 3 years there has been many heatwaves too just like in the South but much nicer and pleasant temperatures.

Seasons in Tallinn

Spring

Springtime in Tallinn is a time of transition, with temperatures gradually warming up after the cold winter months. The city comes alive with blooming flowers, and the parks and gardens are a sight to behold. Because the winters are very long, Spring is precious and highly valued here. People LOVE Springs, these long-waited white nights when sun is never going down, everything is being reborn, new hopes, new love, new ideas.

Summer

Summer in Tallinn is a time of celebration, with long days and pleasant temperatures. The city’s outdoor cafes and parks are bustling with locals and tourists alike, soaking up the sun and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. Local beer and food are amazing. Outdoors enjoyment is highly appreciated because the summer season is quite short.

Autumn

As autumn rolls around, the city is painted in hues of red, purple, orange, and a hundred shades of yellow as the leaves change colour. The temperatures start to drop, and the days become shorter, signalling the arrival of winter. Autumn colours time is very beautiful to admire especially in the parks, of which there are plenty of in Tallinn. Kadriorg Park is one of the best. Also do climb up to Toompea Hill viewpoint to take in the beauty of Autumn colours all over the town.

Winter

Winters in Tallinn are a magical affair, with snow-covered streets and cosy cafes offering respite from the cold. The city transforms into a winter wonderland, and the Christmas markets add to the festive spirit. Tallinn Christmas Market has been there since early Medieval times. And the world’s very first Christmas tree as we know it today was put up in 1441 in the middle of Tallinn Town Square. Tallinn Christmas Market has been nominated many times to be the most beautiful and authentic in Europe. Warm wine, nice street-food, art and handicrafts, Christmas lights and candles everywhere, singing and dancing. It is something you can truly enjoy.

Tips for Dealing with Tallinn’s Weather

Layer Up: As said before, the weather in Tallinn can be unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to dress in layers that you can easily add or remove as needed. In summer one may need everything from a bikini to a light winter coat and back during the same day. In a very cold winter when having your polar coat on and going shopping indoors, you might want to take a coat off in the supermarkets. So – do dress to impress on every occasion. 😊 Jokes aside – it is very important to wear the right boots in the winter as it may be dangerously icy and slippery in the winter.

Pack an Umbrella: Sudden showers are not uncommon in Tallinn, so it’s advisable to carry one, or at least a raincoat.

When sometimes there are many days in a row without sunshine and you get depressed, then locals have a lot of indoor activities available to cheer you up. Tallinn even has the World’s Best Bookshop (it’s a fact). It’s called Rahva Raamat (People’s Book) and the chain has very nice and cosy cafes in the bookstore. You can browse, read and enjoy a meal or just a cup of good coffee and a cake, a glass of wine or beer. There are other book shops too. In winter times different events take place in the bookshops. There are many expats’ clubs and of course tourists have a lot to see and do in town in every season.