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Weather Comparison

Helsinki vs Riga

Side-by-side weather comparison for May

Helsinki: 13°CRiga: 16°C362 km apart

May Weather: Helsinki vs Riga

MetricHelsinkiRigaBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer13°C (55°F)16°C (61°F)Riga
Average LowHigher is milder6°C (43°F)7°C (45°F)Riga
Rain DaysFewer is drier9 days10 daysHelsinki
PrecipitationLess is drier44 mm52 mmHelsinki
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier12h/day12h/dayTie
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer1010Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better18 km/h20 km/hHelsinki

Which City is Better in May?

Helsinki and Riga are closely matched in May. Neither city has a clear advantage across all metrics. Your decision should come down to personal preference, cultural interests, and travel logistics rather than weather alone.

Helsinki is on the cooler side at 13°C, requiring warmer clothing. Riga is also comfortable at 16°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Helsinki is the stronger choice in May.

Temperature Comparison in May

Helsinki reaches an average high of 13°C (55°F) and drops to 6°C (43°F) at night during May. The daily temperature range is 7°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Riga averages 16°C (61°F) for the high and 7°C (45°F) for the low, with a daily range of 9°C. The 3°C difference is noticeable but not dramatic.

Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in May.

Rainfall Comparison in May

Helsinki receives approximately 44 mm of rainfall across 9 rain days during May. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

Riga sees 52 mm over 10 rain days. That makes Helsinki the drier option by 1 rain day and 8 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.

What to Pack: Helsinki vs Riga

Packing for Helsinki in May

Highs of 13°C, lows of 6°C, 9 rain days

  • warm layers
  • a mid-weight jacket
  • long trousers
  • a packable rain jacket
  • an umbrella

Packing for Riga in May

Highs of 16°C, lows of 7°C, 10 rain days

  • warm layers
  • a mid-weight jacket
  • long trousers
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes

Pack for both: warm layers, a mid-weight jacket, long trousers. These items are useful in either destination during May.

Year-Round Comparison: Helsinki vs Riga

The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.May is highlighted for quick reference.

MonthHelsinkiRiga
HighRainHighRain
Jan-2°C11d-1°C12d
Feb-3°C9d0°C10d
Mar1°C9d4°C10d
Apr7°C9d11°C10d
May13°C9d16°C10d
Jun17°C12d20°C11d
Jul21°C12d22°C12d
Aug20°C12d22°C13d
Sep15°C10d17°C11d
Oct8°C12d10°C14d
Nov3°C12d4°C13d
Dec0°C12d1°C12d
13°

Helsinki Weather in May

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

16°

Riga Weather in May

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Helsinki warmer than Riga in May?
No. In May, Riga is warmer with an average high of 16°C (61°F) compared to Helsinki at 13°C (55°F), a difference of 3°C.
Which city gets more rain in May, Helsinki or Riga?
Riga gets more rain in May with 10 rain days and 52 mm of precipitation. Helsinki is the drier option with 9 rain days.
Is it better to visit Helsinki or Riga in May?
It depends on your preferences. Helsinki averages 13°C and 12 hours of daily sunshine with 9 rain days. Riga averages 16°C with 12 sunshine hours and 10 rain days. If you prefer cooler conditions, choose Riga. For drier weather, Helsinki is the better pick.
How far apart are Helsinki and Riga?
Helsinki and Riga are approximately 362 km (225 miles) apart. Helsinki is located in Finland (Europe) while Riga is in Latvia (Europe).
What is the best month to visit Helsinki and Riga?
For Helsinki, June tends to be the best month with 13 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 17°C. For Riga, June is typically ideal with 13 sunshine hours and 20°C highs.

Compare Helsinki and Riga in Other Months

Climate data sourced from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, using ERA5 reanalysis data covering 30-year normals from 1991 to 2020. All temperatures shown in Celsius with Fahrenheit equivalents. Rain days count days with 1 mm or more of precipitation. Sunshine hours represent average daily values. This comparison is generated from long-term climate averages and individual trips may vary.

Helsinki coordinates: 60.17°N, 24.94°E | Riga coordinates: 56.95°N, 24.11°E