Vilnius - When to Visit

When to Visit Vilnius

Climate guide & best times to travel

Monthly Climate Data for Vilnius Average temperature and rainfall by month Climate Overview -11°C -1°C 8°C 18°C 28°C Rainfall (mm) 0 45 91 Jan Jan: -1.0°C high, -6.0°C low, 48mm rain Feb Feb: 0.0°C high, -5.0°C low, 43mm rain Mar Mar: 4.0°C high, -2.0°C low, 41mm rain Apr Apr: 12.0°C high, 2.0°C low, 43mm rain May May: 18.0°C high, 7.0°C low, 56mm rain Jun Jun: 21.0°C high, 11.0°C low, 66mm rain Jul Jul: 23.0°C high, 13.0°C low, 91mm rain Aug Aug: 23.0°C high, 12.0°C low, 76mm rain Sep Sep: 17.0°C high, 8.0°C low, 56mm rain Oct Oct: 10.0°C high, 3.0°C low, 61mm rain Nov Nov: 3.0°C high, 0.0°C low, 48mm rain Dec Dec: 0.0°C high, -4.0°C low, 51mm rain Temperature Rainfall
Vilnius experiences a proper continental climate with four distinct seasons that actually feel quite different from each other. Winters are genuinely cold and snowy (we're talking well below freezing from December through February), while summers are pleasantly warm without being oppressive. The city sits far enough inland that you get those characteristic temperature swings between seasons, with spring and autumn serving as relatively brief transition periods. Rainfall is fairly consistent throughout the year, hovering around 1.5-3.6 inches monthly, though you'll notice July tends to be the wettest month. The humidity stays remarkably steady at 70% year-round, which means winter feels crisp rather than bone-chilling, and summer remains comfortable despite the warmth. Worth noting that daylight varies dramatically - you're looking at long, lingering summer evenings versus short, dark winter days, which honestly affects the travel experience as much as the temperature does.

Best Time to Visit

Beach & Relaxation
Vilnius isn't really a beach destination, but if you're looking for relaxed outdoor café culture and parks, late May through August offers the warmest weather and longest days for lounging outside.
Cultural Exploration
May through September gives you comfortable walking weather for exploring the Old Town, though April and October can work well too if you don't mind layering up and dealing with fewer tourists.
Adventure & Hiking
June through early September offers the best conditions for hiking and cycling in the surrounding forests and parks, with trails fully accessible and temperatures in the pleasant 18-23°C (65-74°F) range.
Budget Travel
November through March (excluding Christmas markets in December) tends to be cheapest, with significantly lower accommodation prices, though you'll need to embrace the cold and limited daylight hours.

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What to Pack

Year-Round Essentials

Power bank
Cold weather drains phone batteries quickly, and you'll be using maps and translation apps constantly.
Reusable water bottle
Vilnius has safe tap water and you'll save money while staying hydrated during walking tours.
Day backpack
Essential for carrying layers as you move between heated interiors and outdoor exploration.
Travel umbrella
Rain is fairly consistent year-round and often comes as brief showers rather than all-day downpours.
Comfortable walking shoes
Vilnius's Old Town has cobblestone streets that are charming but tough on feet, requiring proper footwear.
Basic first aid kit
Pharmacies are available but having blister treatments and pain relievers saves time when you're exploring.

Spring (Mar-May)

Clothing
Light waterproof jacket, Long-sleeve shirts, Jeans or casual trousers, Light sweater or fleece
Footwear
Waterproof walking shoes or boots that can handle muddy paths and occasional rain
Accessories
Light scarf, Sunglasses, Small umbrella
Layering Tip
Think in threes - you'll start mornings bundled up, shed layers by afternoon, then add them back for evening.

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Clothing
T-shirts and short-sleeve tops, Light pants or shorts, Sundress or casual summer wear, Light cardigan for evening
Footwear
Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers with good support for cobblestones
Accessories
Sunglasses, Sun hat, Light scarf for churches
Layering Tip
Minimal layering needed, but bring something for air-conditioned museums and cooler evenings.

Autumn (Sep-Nov)

Clothing
Warm jacket or coat, Long-sleeve shirts, Sweaters, Jeans or warm trousers
Footwear
Waterproof boots or sturdy walking shoes as conditions get wetter and potentially icy by November
Accessories
Warm scarf, Gloves (by November), Beanie or warm hat
Layering Tip
Proper layering becomes crucial as temperatures drop - base layer, insulating layer, and weatherproof outer shell.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Clothing
Heavy winter coat, Thermal underwear, Thick sweaters, Warm pants (not jeans in extreme cold)
Footwear
Insulated, waterproof winter boots with good traction for snow and ice
Accessories
Warm hat that covers ears, Insulated gloves or mittens, Thick scarf, Hand warmers
Layering Tip
Multiple layers are essential - thermal base, warm mid-layer, and windproof outer shell to handle sub-zero temperatures.
Plug Type
Type C/F (European two-pin)
Voltage
230V, 50Hz
Adapter Note
Travelers from UK, US, Australia, and most non-European countries will need a plug adapter

Skip These Items

Hair dryer (most accommodations provide them and they're bulky) Excessive toiletries (pharmacies and shops are everywhere in Vilnius) Beach gear (this isn't a beach destination despite some summer warmth) Formal wear unless you have specific business meetings (the city is quite casual) Too many books (save luggage space and use e-readers or visit local English bookshops)

Month-by-Month Guide

January

This is peak winter in Vilnius, with temperatures consistently below freezing and snow covering the city. Days are short (around 7 hours of daylight), and you'll want to embrace the cozy café culture rather than extensive outdoor exploration. That said, the snow-dusted Old Town has a certain fairytale quality if you're dressed properly.

-2°C (29°F) High
-6°C (21°F) Low
48mm (1.9in) Rainfall
Low Crowds
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February

Still firmly in winter's grip, though you might notice the days getting slightly longer. Temperatures remain below freezing, and the city tends to be quiet with minimal tourists. It's actually a decent time for museum-hopping and experiencing local life without the crowds, assuming you can handle the cold.

-1°C (31°F) High
-6°C (21°F) Low
43mm (1.7in) Rainfall
Low Crowds
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March

The thaw begins, though "spring" is a generous term for early March in Vilnius. Temperatures finally climb above freezing during the day, but you'll likely still see snow patches and deal with muddy conditions. The city starts waking up as daylight extends, but pack for cold and unpredictable weather.

4°C (40°F) High
-3°C (27°F) Low
41mm (1.6in) Rainfall
Low Crowds
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April

Spring genuinely arrives, with temperatures becoming comfortable for walking tours and outdoor exploration. You'll see the city's parks and courtyards come alive, though you'll want layers since mornings can still be chilly. Rainfall is moderate, and the tourist season starts picking up as Easter approaches.

12°C (54°F) High
2°C (36°F) Low
43mm (1.7in) Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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May

This is genuinely lovely weather for visiting Vilnius, with warm days and the city in full bloom. Daylight extends significantly (around 16 hours), giving you plenty of time for sightseeing. Occasional rain showers are worth planning around, but overall it's one of the most pleasant months climatically.

18°C (65°F) High
7°C (45°F) Low
56mm (2.2in) Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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June

Summer arrives with warm temperatures and the longest days of the year (nearly 17 hours of daylight around the solstice). The weather is typically excellent for outdoor activities, though rainfall does increase. Tourist numbers pick up, but Vilnius doesn't get overwhelmingly crowded like some European capitals.

22°C (71°F) High
11°C (52°F) Low
66mm (2.6in) Rainfall
High Crowds
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July

Peak summer and the warmest month, though temperatures remain comfortable rather than sweltering. This is also the wettest month, so you'll want to keep an umbrella handy for afternoon showers. Long evenings make for excellent outdoor dining and exploring, and the city hosts various festivals during this period.

23°C (74°F) High
13°C (56°F) Low
91mm (3.6in) Rainfall
High Crowds
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August

Similar to July but slightly less rainy, August offers reliably warm weather for sightseeing. Days are still long, though you'll notice them shortening toward month's end. This remains peak tourist season, particularly with European families on summer holidays.

23°C (73°F) High
12°C (54°F) Low
76mm (3.0in) Rainfall
High Crowds
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September

Early autumn brings cooler but still pleasant temperatures, with the city taking on golden hues as leaves change. Tourist crowds thin out after the first week, making this a sweet spot for visiting. You'll want layers for cooler mornings and evenings, but midday can still be quite comfortable.

17°C (63°F) High
8°C (47°F) Low
56mm (2.2in) Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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October

Proper autumn weather sets in, with temperatures dropping noticeably and days shortening. The fall foliage can be beautiful in the city's parks, but you'll need warm layers and rain gear. Tourist numbers are low, which means better prices and a more local experience.

10°C (50°F) High
3°C (38°F) Low
61mm (2.4in) Rainfall
Low Crowds
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November

Winter approaches with cold, grey days and limited sunlight (down to about 8 hours). Temperatures hover just above freezing, creating that damp chill that feels colder than the thermometer suggests. This is genuinely off-season, with few tourists and a quiet, local atmosphere.

4°C (39°F) High
-1°C (31°F) Low
48mm (1.9in) Rainfall
Low Crowds
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December

Full winter conditions return with below-freezing temperatures and potential snow. The Christmas markets bring some life to the Old Town, creating a festive atmosphere despite the cold and darkness. Days are shortest now (around 7 hours of daylight), but the holiday decorations add charm to the wintry landscape.

-1°C (31°F) High
-4°C (24°F) Low
51mm (2.0in) Rainfall
Medium Crowds
View Details →

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