Tallinn Weather Guide: Seasonal Climate & White Nights

Tallinn’s weather is a dramatic performance of Northern European geography. Situated on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland at nearly 60° North, the city’s climate is defined by the constant interplay between maritime influences from the Atlantic and the continental air masses of the Eurasian plain. This results in a humid continental climate characterized by four intensely distinct seasons and extreme variations in daylight.

The Rhythm of Daylight

Perhaps more than temperature, daylight dictates the rhythm of life in Tallinn.

• Summer Solstice: In late June, the city experiences the "White Nights" (valged ööd). The sun sets for only a few hours, barely dipping below the horizon, leaving the sky in a persistent state of silvery twilight. At its peak, Tallinn receives nearly 19 hours of daylight.
• Winter Solstice: Conversely, December is deep and dim. The sun rises after 9:00 AM and disappears before 3:30 PM, providing barely 6 hours of weak, low-angled light. This seasonal shift profoundly affects the local mood, with summer being a time of frenetic activity and winter a season for "hygge"-like indoor coziness.

Seasonal Climate Trends

Winter (December – March)

Winter in Tallinn is long and freezing. Average temperatures hover around -3°C to -7°C (26°F to 19°F), but the proximity to the sea creates a high humidity that makes the air feel much colder than the thermometer suggest. The wind, often blowing from the south or southwest, adds a significant wind chill. Snowfall is common and can be heavy, often blanketing the medieval Old Town from December through March. In particularly cold years, the Baltic Sea may freeze enough for ice roads to form to nearby islands.

Spring (April – May)

Spring is a season of "breezy transition." The land warms up much faster than the icy Baltic Sea, creating sharp temperature gradients. April is notoriously unpredictable—it is not uncommon to see a sun-drenched morning turn into a blinding snow squall by afternoon. By May, the first true warmth arrives, though evening frosts remain a frequent threat until June.

Summer (June – August)

Summer is mild and pleasant, with average highs ranging from 18°C to 22°C (64°F to 72°F). However, the region can experience occasional heatwaves where temperatures surge toward 30°C (86°F). This is the wettest time of year, as afternoon thunderstorms often "spice up" the long, humid days. The air feels crisp and revitalizing, particularly along the coastal promenades of Pirita and Noblessner.

Autumn (September – November)

Autumn is usually windy, damp, and cloudy. As the sea retains heat longer than the land, early September can feel surprisingly mild, but by October, the "gray season" sets in. This period is marked by steady rain, low-hanging clouds, and increasing wind speeds as the Atlantic cyclonic activity picks up.

Local Phenomena and Microclimates

• Sea Smoke: During extreme winter cold, if the sea hasn't frozen, you might witness "sea smoke"—a thick, haunting fog created when frigid air passes over the relatively warmer water.
• Coastal Cooling: In late spring and early summer, the northern districts near the Gulf of Finland (like Pirita) can be 5–10°C cooler than the inland southern suburbs due to the sea breeze.
• The Old Town Shield: The limestone walls and narrow, winding streets of the medieval Old Town create a slight microclimate, offering protection from the biting sea winds that scour the modern waterfront.

Local Adaptation

Tallinn locals are remarkably resilient to the weather. They embrace the concept that "there is no such thing as bad weather," adapting their lifestyles to the light rather than just the heat. In summer, the city never sleeps; restaurants keep their terraces open until the small hours of the silvery dawn. In winter, the focus shifts to internal warmth—public saunas become essential social hubs, and the humidity-induced chill is countered with a culture of high-quality woollens and warm lighting.