Lithuania, located in Northern Europe, is one of the three Baltic States along with Latvia and Estonia. Bordered by Latvia to the north, Belarus to the east and south, Poland to the south, and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad to the southwest, Lithuania also has a coastline along the Baltic Sea to the west. With a total area of approximately 65,300 square kilometers, Lithuania’s landscape is characterized by rolling hills, vast forests, rivers, lakes, and lowland plains. The country’s geographic position and topography have a significant influence on its weather patterns.
Lithuania experiences a humid continental climate, which results in distinct seasons: cold winters, mild springs, warm summers, and cool autumns. The proximity to the Baltic Sea moderates the climate in western Lithuania, while the inland regions experience greater temperature variations. Winters can be harsh with significant snowfall, while summers are generally pleasant, featuring moderate warmth and occasional rain. Lithuania’s climate is shaped by its northern latitude, which means long daylight hours in the summer and short daylight hours during the winter.
Lithuania Weather by Month
January
General Overview
- Average temperature: -6°C to -1°C (21°F to 30°F)
- Rainfall: Moderate snowfall, with occasional rain or sleet
January is the coldest month in Lithuania, characterized by freezing temperatures and frequent snowfall. The country often experiences long periods of subzero temperatures, particularly in inland areas. Coastal areas, like Klaipėda, benefit from the moderating influence of the Baltic Sea, which makes the winters slightly milder but still cold. Snow covers most of the country, making this an ideal time for winter sports enthusiasts. Occasional rain or sleet can occur, especially when temperatures briefly rise above freezing.
Regional Differences
- Coastal areas (Klaipėda): Milder but wet, temperatures between -4°C to 1°C (25°F to 34°F), more rain and sleet than snow
- Inland areas (Vilnius, Kaunas): Colder with heavy snow, temperatures between -6°C to -2°C (21°F to 28°F)
- Northern Lithuania: Cold and snowy, with temperatures dropping below -10°C (14°F) at night
January is ideal for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, particularly in areas like Anykščiai and Ignalina, where snow is plentiful.
February
General Overview
- Average temperature: -6°C to 0°C (21°F to 32°F)
- Rainfall: Light to moderate snowfall, with increasing daylight
February is still very cold in Lithuania, but daylight hours slowly increase as the country moves toward the end of winter. Snow continues to fall, especially in the inland regions, though the intensity may start to diminish toward the end of the month. Occasional rain or sleet is possible, especially near the coast, but for the most part, Lithuania remains frozen under a layer of snow.
Regional Differences
- Coastal areas: Slightly milder and wetter, with temperatures between -3°C to 1°C (27°F to 34°F)
- Inland areas: Cold with persistent snow, temperatures between -6°C to -1°C (21°F to 30°F)
- Northern Lithuania: Very cold, particularly at night, with temperatures often dropping below -8°C (18°F)
February remains a prime month for winter sports and outdoor activities, but travelers should be prepared for icy roads and freezing conditions.
March
General Overview
- Average temperature: -2°C to 6°C (28°F to 43°F)
- Rainfall: Snow begins to melt, with occasional rain showers
March marks the transition from winter to early spring in Lithuania. Snow begins to melt, especially in the latter half of the month, and the first signs of spring start to appear. However, cold spells and snowfall can still occur, particularly in the first half of March. Rain becomes more frequent as temperatures rise, and the landscape starts to thaw. Despite the increasing temperatures, it can still feel cold due to winds coming off the Baltic Sea.
Regional Differences
- Coastal areas: Milder with more rain than snow, temperatures between 0°C to 6°C (32°F to 43°F)
- Inland areas: Cool with snow and rain, temperatures between -2°C to 5°C (28°F to 41°F)
- Northern Lithuania: Cold nights with temperatures often around -5°C (23°F)
March is a time of changeable weather in Lithuania, with both winter and spring conditions possible, making it less predictable for travel.
April
General Overview
- Average temperature: 2°C to 12°C (36°F to 54°F)
- Rainfall: Increasing rain, with occasional snow at the beginning of the month
April brings the arrival of spring in Lithuania, although the weather remains unpredictable. Early in the month, snow can still fall, particularly in the inland regions. However, as April progresses, snow gives way to rain, and the landscape starts to green. Temperatures rise gradually, and by the end of the month, the weather is generally mild and pleasant. The increase in rainfall helps thaw the soil, and budding trees and flowers signal the start of the growing season.
Regional Differences
- Coastal areas: Milder with rain, temperatures between 3°C to 10°C (37°F to 50°F)
- Inland areas: Cool but warming, temperatures between 2°C to 12°C (36°F to 54°F)
- Northern Lithuania: Still colder at night, with occasional frost, temperatures between 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F)
April is a transitional month, and outdoor activities become more pleasant as the month progresses, especially in the southern and coastal areas.
May
General Overview
- Average temperature: 8°C to 18°C (46°F to 64°F)
- Rainfall: Frequent rain showers, with warming temperatures
May is a full spring month in Lithuania, with milder temperatures and increasing daylight. The snow has disappeared, and the weather is more consistently warm, though occasional rain showers are common. The forests and parks across the country turn lush and green, making it an excellent time for hiking and exploring the countryside. Flowers begin to bloom, and wildlife becomes more active. May is also the start of the tourist season as the weather becomes more favorable.
Regional Differences
- Coastal areas: Cooler with sea breezes, temperatures between 9°C to 15°C (48°F to 59°F)
- Inland areas: Warmer and sunnier, with temperatures between 8°C to 18°C (46°F to 64°F)
- Northern Lithuania: Cooler mornings, but pleasant days with temperatures between 6°C to 16°C (43°F to 61°F)
May is a great time for outdoor activities, such as cycling, hiking, and visiting Lithuania’s national parks, especially in the warmer inland areas.
June
General Overview
- Average temperature: 12°C to 21°C (54°F to 70°F)
- Rainfall: Moderate rainfall, with long sunny days
June marks the beginning of summer in Lithuania, with warm and sunny weather. Daylight hours are long, with the sun setting late in the evening, particularly around the summer solstice. While rain showers are still common, June is generally a pleasant month, with moderate temperatures and plenty of sunshine. The coast becomes a popular destination as people flock to beaches and seaside resorts to enjoy the pleasant weather.
Regional Differences
- Coastal areas: Cooler with sea breezes, temperatures between 12°C to 19°C (54°F to 66°F)
- Inland areas: Warmer and sunny, with temperatures between 13°C to 21°C (55°F to 70°F)
- Northern Lithuania: Milder temperatures, with some cool evenings, temperatures between 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F)
June is perfect for outdoor festivals, beach trips, and exploring Lithuania’s historical towns and natural reserves.
July
General Overview
- Average temperature: 15°C to 24°C (59°F to 75°F)
- Rainfall: Warm and sunny, with occasional rain showers
July is the warmest month in Lithuania, with temperatures reaching their peak. Days are long and sunny, making it the ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and exploring the countryside. Although July is a warm month, it is not uncommon to experience brief rain showers, particularly in the afternoons. The coastal regions are especially popular during this time, as the beaches offer a respite from the inland heat.
Regional Differences
- Coastal areas: Pleasant with cooler sea breezes, temperatures between 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F)
- Inland areas: Warm and sunny, with temperatures between 16°C to 24°C (61°F to 75°F)
- Northern Lithuania: Warm but cooler at night, temperatures between 14°C to 23°C (57°F to 73°F)
July is the peak of Lithuania’s tourist season, with many festivals and outdoor events taking place across the country.
August
General Overview
- Average temperature: 14°C to 23°C (57°F to 73°F)
- Rainfall: Warm with increasing chances of rain toward the end of the month
August remains warm and pleasant, especially during the first half of the month, but as summer progresses, rainfall becomes more frequent. The Baltic Sea is at its warmest, making coastal areas like Palanga and Nida popular vacation spots. Inland regions still experience warm weather, though nights start to cool down. August marks the tail end of summer, with many outdoor events still taking place before the autumn season begins.
Regional Differences
- Coastal areas: Warm with sea breezes, temperatures between 14°C to 21°C (57°F to 70°F)
- Inland areas: Warm with more rain toward the end of the month, temperatures between 14°C to 23°C (57°F to 73°F)
- Northern Lithuania: Cooler nights, with temperatures between 12°C to 21°C (54°F to 70°F)
August is a great time for outdoor exploration, but travelers should prepare for potential rain showers, especially later in the month.
September
General Overview
- Average temperature: 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F)
- Rainfall: Cooler with increasing rainfall as autumn approaches
September marks the beginning of autumn in Lithuania, with cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours. The weather remains relatively mild, especially in the early part of the month, but rainfall increases, particularly toward the end of September. The leaves begin to change color, creating beautiful autumnal landscapes, particularly in Lithuania’s forests and parks. Coastal areas become quieter as the beach season ends, and inland areas prepare for the cooler months ahead.
Regional Differences
- Coastal areas: Cooler with more rain, temperatures between 10°C to 16°C (50°F to 61°F)
- Inland areas: Milder early in the month, cooling down as autumn progresses, temperatures between 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F)
- Northern Lithuania: Colder mornings and evenings, temperatures between 8°C to 16°C (46°F to 61°F)
September is ideal for nature walks and enjoying the fall foliage, especially in places like the Curonian Spit and Aukštaitija National Park.
October
General Overview
- Average temperature: 5°C to 12°C (41°F to 54°F)
- Rainfall: Cool and rainy, with autumn in full swing
October is a full autumn month in Lithuania, with cool temperatures and frequent rain showers. The leaves are in full fall colors, creating scenic landscapes throughout the country. Coastal areas are windy and cool, while inland areas experience a drop in temperature, especially at night. Rain becomes more frequent, and the weather can be unpredictable, with sunny days followed by sudden showers.
Regional Differences
- Coastal areas: Cool and windy, with temperatures between 6°C to 11°C (43°F to 52°F)
- Inland areas: Cool and rainy, with temperatures between 5°C to 12°C (41°F to 54°F)
- Northern Lithuania: Cooler with potential for frost at night, temperatures between 4°C to 10°C (39°F to 50°F)
October is great for indoor activities, cultural events, and exploring cities like Vilnius and Kaunas, but travelers should pack for rain and cooler weather.
November
General Overview
- Average temperature: 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F)
- Rainfall: Cold and wet, with the possibility of early snow
November is the beginning of winter in Lithuania, with temperatures dropping and the first snowfalls of the season occurring in some areas, particularly in northern and inland regions. Rain continues to be frequent, but the colder temperatures mean that snow becomes more likely as the month progresses. Days become significantly shorter, and the landscape starts to turn gray as autumn fades away.
Regional Differences
- Coastal areas: Cold with rain and occasional snow, temperatures between 1°C to 5°C (34°F to 41°F)
- Inland areas: Cold with the possibility of snow, temperatures between 0°C to 4°C (32°F to 39°F)
- Northern Lithuania: Cold and frosty, with temperatures often below freezing at night, ranging between -1°C to 3°C (30°F to 37°F)
November is the start of the winter season, and travelers should prepare for cold, wet, and occasionally snowy conditions.
December
General Overview
- Average temperature: -4°C to 1°C (25°F to 34°F)
- Rainfall: Cold with frequent snow and rain
December is the beginning of winter in Lithuania, with freezing temperatures and frequent snowfall, particularly inland and in northern regions. The coastal areas experience more rain than snow, but temperatures remain cold. The holiday season brings festive decorations to cities like Vilnius, where Christmas markets and lights make the city feel magical despite the cold weather. Snow cover becomes more consistent as the month progresses, making it ideal for winter sports in some regions.
Regional Differences
- Coastal areas: Cold with rain and occasional snow, temperatures between -3°C to 2°C (27°F to 36°F)
- Inland areas: Cold with frequent snow, temperatures between -4°C to 0°C (25°F to 32°F)
- Northern Lithuania: Very cold with snow, temperatures often below freezing, ranging between -6°C to -1°C (21°F to 30°F)
December is perfect for those who enjoy winter activities and festive events, though travelers should dress warmly for the cold weather.
Summary of Lithuania’s Climate by Region
Coastal Areas (Klaipėda, Palanga)
- Best months: June to August (warm and sunny)
- Coldest months: January and February (cold and wet)
- Wettest months: October and November (rainy and cool)
Inland Areas (Vilnius, Kaunas)
- Best months: May to September (mild and pleasant)
- Coldest months: January and February (snowy and cold)
- Wettest months: October and November (rainy and cool)
Northern Lithuania (Šiauliai, Panevėžys)
- Best months: June to August (warm and sunny)
- Coldest months: December to February (freezing with snow)
- Wettest months: September to November (cool and rainy)
Lithuania experiences distinct seasons, with cold, snowy winters and warm, sunny summers. The coastal areas benefit from the moderating influence of the Baltic Sea, while inland and northern regions experience more extreme temperature variations. Spring and summer are ideal for outdoor activities, while winter offers opportunities for winter sports.