Best time to visit · Vilnius · Lithuania
The best time to visit Vilnius
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The best time to visit Vilnius is May to September, when the Old Town's courtyards and terraces are open, balloons fly on calm evenings and day trips to Trakai's lakes are at their best. Early March brings the St Casimir's Fair, and December has the Christmas tree and market on Cathedral Square. January and February are cold but quiet and inexpensive.
Key facts
- Best months
- May–September
- Shoulder season
- March–April, October and December
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 23°C (73°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high -2°C (28°F))
- Rainiest month
- December (~12 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- January–March and October–November
Seasons
Vilnius has a more continental climate than the coastal Baltic capitals: cold, snowy winters and warm summers with frequent afternoon showers. Spring arrives quickly in April and May.
March–May
Spring
St Casimir's Fair in early March, a fast thaw in April and warm, bright May days.
June–August
Summer
Long evenings, outdoor dining, balloon flights and lake swimming near Trakai, with afternoon showers.
September–November
Autumn
Mild September, golden river valleys in early October, then grey skies and candlelit cemeteries in November.
December–February
Winter
Cold and snowy, with the Christmas tree on Cathedral Square, quiet museums and low prices.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -2°C | -7°C | 11 | 7.8 h | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| February | -1°C | -7°C | 9 | 9.6 h | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| March | 4°C | -3°C | 9 | 11.7 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| April | 12°C | 2°C | 8 | 14 h | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 18°C | 7°C | 9 | 16.1 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| June | 21°C | 11°C | 10 | 17.3 h | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| July | 23°C | 13°C | 10 | 16.8 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| August | 22°C | 12°C | 9 | 14.9 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| September | 17°C | 8°C | 9 | 12.6 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| October | 10°C | 3°C | 10 | 10.4 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| November | 4°C | 0°C | 11 | 8.3 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| December | 0°C | -4°C | 12 | 7.3 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Vilnius Light Festival — light installations around the city's birthday (usually late January) |
| February | Restoration of the State Day — flags and celebrations (16 February) |
| March | Kaziuko mugė — St Casimir's crafts fair (usually the first weekend of March); Restoration of Independence Day (11 March) |
| April | Užupis Independence Day (1 April); Kino pavasaris — international film festival (usually March–April) |
| May | Street Music Day — musicians play across the city (usually May) |
| June | Joninės (Rasos) — Midsummer celebrations, public holiday (24 June) |
| July | Statehood Day — the national anthem is sung together at 9pm (6 July) |
| September | Capital Days — city festival with concerts (usually early September); Vilnius Marathon (usually September) |
| October | Vilnius Jazz festival (usually October) |
| November | All Saints' Day — candlelit cemeteries (1 November); Christmas tree lighting on Cathedral Square (usually late November) |
| December | Christmas market on Cathedral Square (December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in January–March and October–November, and the sights are quietest in January–February.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | A warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Vilnius?
The best time to visit Vilnius is May to September, when the Old Town's courtyards and terraces are open, balloons fly on calm evenings and day trips to Trakai's lakes are at their best. Early March brings the St Casimir's Fair, and December has the Christmas tree and market on Cathedral Square. January and February are cold but quiet and inexpensive.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Vilnius?
Usually in January–March and October–November. Cold and often snowy, with short days; quiet and inexpensive, good for museums and cafés.
+What is the rainiest month in Vilnius?
December, with about 12 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Vilnius get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 23°C (73°F) and lows of 13°C (55°F).