When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit the Baltic States is late spring or summer. Spring begins in late April and the countryside takes on a green lushness, drawing horses out from their winter barns. Summers are relatively short (mid-June through August). You may experience a string of hot, dry days during this time, but showers and chilly nights can also be expected.

Temperatures cool down rapidly from September onwards. Autumn can be a beautiful season, as the golden leaves of deciduous trees begin to contrast with dark green pines. The first snowfalls can come as early as mid-November, and by December winter sets in with a vengeance. Average daytime temperatures can remain below freezing until March. That said, winter can also be a magical time, with lakes, rivers and large expanses of the Baltic Sea freezing over, crunchy snow cover adding an air of enchantment to medieval city centers, and plenty of skating rinks and saunas to keep you warm.

Where should you go?
With its strong German influence and tall historic buildings, Riga feels different than other Baltic capitals. You'll love strolling the web of narrow Old Town streets, with no shortage of sidewalk cafes. From Riga, head to Jurmala, a resort town where the ice-blue waters of the Baltic Sea might be the prettiest of anywhere in the region. There's plenty of entertainment to be found, but unspoiled nature is the main attraction here—come for the sea, white sandy beaches, and shady pine forests. Latvia's other draws include the Baroque style Basilica of the Assumption in Aglona, and the Medieval town of Cesis (home to the oldest brewery in the country).

How many days do you need?
Travelers with 7 days will have enough time to tour Latvia or check out the highlights of the three Baltic capitals—Riga, Tallinn (Estonia), and Vilnius (Lithuania). With 10 days, you can combine an in-depth Latvia tour with stops in Tallinn and Vilnius, and two weeks is enough to see all three countries, including rural places and hidden gems.