In spring, the weather is warm, the days are long, flowery cottage gardens blossom and the cultural calendar oozes fun. April and May, when the lucky stork returns to its nest, and the land and its people open up after winter, convey a real magic. June is midsummer-madness month and equally evokes the Baltic peoples' close ties to nature and their pagan past.

Summers are short but sweet. July and August (high season), the warmest and busiest months, and a time when many Balts go on holiday too, can also be the wettest and subject to the odd thunderstorm.

December to March sees snow-clogged streets, ice-glazed pavements and roofs laced with killer icicles. Ice skating, tobogganing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing and getting whipped in a sauna are this season's invigorating activities.

Avoid soggy March when the snow thaws, bringing with it far too much slush for enjoyment. Autumn, when snow falls then melts, is equally miserable.

Weather

From early November until the April thaw, temperatures struggle to rise above 0°C (32°F) as the sun makes a brief appearance during the day and drops well below zero at night. June to August daytime highs are normally around 20°C to 22°C (68-72°F) and are particularly pleasant. July and August are the warmest months, though prone to moderate but persistent showers.