Climate Characteristics of Estonia

Estonia features a temperate maritime-continental climate. Its weather is heavily influenced by the Baltic Sea and the North Atlantic Drift, which keeps the country significantly warmer than other regions at the same latitude (such as parts of Canada or Russia). However, its proximity to the Russian landmass means it can also experience sharp continental cold snaps.

Core Climatic Features

• Coastal-Inland Contrast: The Baltic Sea acts as a giant heat reservoir, keeping the islands and coastline (like Tallinn) milder in winter, while the inland areas (like Tartu) experience more extreme temperature swings.

• High Humidity and Cloudiness: Estonia is a damp country with high humidity year-round. It is overcast for about 50% to 75% of the year, particularly during the transition from autumn to winter.

   

   

• Four Distinct Seasons: The seasons are very clearly defined, with dramatic shifts in the landscape—from frozen seas and deep snow in winter to "White Nights" in summer.

   

   

• Extreme Daylight Variation: Due to its northern position, the summer solstice features nearly 19 hours of daylight, while mid-winter sees the sun rise for only 6 hours, often staying very low on the horizon.

Precipitation Patterns and Regional Differences

Estonia receives moderate precipitation, averaging between 550 mm and 800 mm annually.

• The Wettest Period: Late summer (July and August) is statistically the wettest time of year due to frequent thunderstorms, followed closely by the autumn months of October and November.

• Coastal Differences: The western islands (Saaremaa and Hiiumaa) are generally drier and sunnier than the mainland, but they are also much windier.

• Snow and Ice: Snow cover typically lasts from mid-December to late March. The Gulf of Finland and the shallow waters near the islands often freeze completely during cold winters, allowing for the creation of official "ice roads".

• Spring Dryness: Spring (April and May) is often the driest time of year, though the melting of the winter snow can lead to "the fifth season"—flooding in regions like Soomaa National Park.

Detailed Seasonal Breakdown

• Spring (March – May): Spring arrives late and is often quite chilly. March is still essentially winter, but May brings a rapid greening of the landscape. Temperatures typically range from -3°C to 12°C.

• Summer (June – August): Summers are mild and can be quite humid. The famous "White Nights" occur in June, where it never truly gets dark. Temperatures range from 13°C to 22°C, though heatwaves can occasionally reach 30°C.

   

   

• Autumn (September – November): This is a season of wind and rain. September can be mild and golden, but November is typically the darkest and most depressing month, with constant drizzle and grey skies. Temperatures range from 2°C to 13°C.

• Winter (December – February): Winters are cold and snowy. While the maritime air keeps temperatures from dropping too low most of the time, continental winds can bring bitter cold snaps. Temperatures range from -8°C to -1°C, but can drop to -20°C or lower during Arctic blasts.