A Travel Price Comparison for Latvia Sigulda vs. Cesis for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sigulda or Cesis?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Sigulda and Cesis can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Sigulda or Cesis?

Sigulda

Only 50 kilometers from Riga, Sigulda can be reached by either train or bus. The town is pleasantly situated in the Vidzeme Region of Latvia in the beautiful Gauja Valley. The area is quite scenic with steep banks and cliffs, and has earned itself the title as the "Switzerland of Latvia." Don't put too much emphasis on this name, but it is a pleasant area to explore, particularly if you're looking to get outside of the city and immerse yourself in some pristine wilderness.

Cesis

Cesis is the quintessential old world town in Latvia. It is nestled among rolling hills, giving it a beautiful, fantasy world like setting. The small town is sprinkled with old castles, fortresses, and parks that you can leisurely wander through to pass the time. There's a lovely town square that is the perfect place to grab a seat on a bench and people watch. Because of the square's central location, many residents pass through it on their way to and from the market. The town is intertwined with lovely cobblestone streets that are lined with old homes, in various stages of disrepair. Cesis manages to perfectly balance a level of authentic wear and tear with a fairytale ambiance. Outside of town you'll find great hiking trails that you can use to explore the rolling hills and picturesque countryside. The small town is also conveniently located less than 100 kilometers from Riga, making it an easy trip on a bus.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sigulda and Cesis, we can see that Cesis is more expensive. And not only is Sigulda much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sigulda would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sigulda and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Cesis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cesis than you might in Sigulda.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sigulda Expensive? and Is Cesis Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sigulda or Cesis?

Cesis has a larger population, and is about 75% larger than the population of Sigulda. When comparing the sizes of Sigulda and Cesis, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Sigulda or Cesis?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Sigulda or Cesis in the Summer?

Both Cesis and Sigulda are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Cesis in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Sigulda is around the same temperature as Cesis. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sigulda in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Cesis averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In July, Sigulda usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cesis. Sigulda gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cesis receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sigulda or Cesis in the Autumn?

Both Cesis and Sigulda during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cesis for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Sigulda is generally around the same temperature as Cesis. Daily temperatures in Sigulda average around 7°C (45°F), and Cesis fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Sigulda usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Cesis. Sigulda gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cesis receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sigulda or Cesis in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sigulda and Cesis. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Cesis because of the cuisine.

The weather in Cesis can be very cold. Sigulda can be very cold during winter. Sigulda is around the same temperature as Cesis in the winter. The daily temperature in Sigulda averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Cesis fluctuates around -5°C (23°F).

In January, Sigulda usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cesis. Sigulda gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Cesis receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sigulda or Cesis in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sigulda as well as Cesis. Additionally, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cesis this time of year.

In the spring, Sigulda is around the same temperature as Cesis. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sigulda in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Cesis averages at about 5°C (42°F).

Sigulda usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Cesis. Sigulda gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cesis receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cesis and Sigulda