Are you thinking about visiting Cesis, Latvia? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Cesis worth visiting?
Cesis is worth visiting for one to two days so that you can explore everything that the town has to offer. We first visited in 2011 and have returned several times. During our time here, we fell in love with the charming town and surrounding natural beauty. Cēsis is a quaint town in northern Latvia. It has a medieval castle that dates back to the 13th century but has been rebuilt several times. While many tourists overlook Cēsis as a tourist destination, those who visit will be rewarded with an authentic look at Latvian history.
Cesis, Latvia
Reasons to Visit Cesis
Hiking
The town makes the perfect base for exploring the surrounding Gauja National Park, which has many hiking and cycling trails. Two of the most well known hikes are the Baltic Forest Trail and the Camino Latvia, both or which pass through town. There are also shorter day hikes to choose from as well.
Authenticity
Cesis has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Cesis worth visiting in the Summer?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 17°C (63°F).
The peak season for travel is summer in Cesis, so expect to see more tourists than usual. Even though this destination is not very touristy, in the high season it's busier than usual because this is when most visitors come here.
Don't miss the small town charm during summer. Just take some time to wander through the local shops and see the historic landmarks around town when the weather is nice. This is a great time of year to wander through the small town and get out into nature.
Summer Weather in Cesis
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 17°C (63°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| August | 16°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| September | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
Is Cesis worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Cesis. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
The weather in Cesis can be quite cold during autumn, and averages around 7°C (45°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to admire the wonderful scenery, take a hike, and soak up the small town charm.
Autumn Weather in Cesis
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| November | 2°C (36°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| December | -2°C (28°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
Is Cesis worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the low season for travel in Cesis. This destination is not very touristy, so in the low season it can become fairly quiet.
The weather in Cesis can be quite cold during winter, and averages around -5°C (23°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
During this season it's fun to experience .
Winter Weather in Cesis
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | -5°C (23°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| February | -4°C (24°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| March | -0°C (31°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
Is Cesis worth visiting in the Spring?
The weather in Cesis can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 5°C (42°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Cesis, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
This is a great time of year to admire the wonderful scenery and savor the small town atmosphere.
Spring Weather in Cesis
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 5°C (42°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 12°C (53°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| June | 15°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Cesis
Nightlife
Most people don't associate Cesis with a lively nightlife scene. The town is small and many travelers visit as a day trip from Riga, so you'll find limited nightlife options around town.
Food: Cesis doesn't top the list for most foodies. The town is small so there are a limited number of restaurants to choose from. You'll find some nice cafes and bakeries though where you can enjoy local foods and traditional Latvian dishes.
Historical Sights: Cesis isn't a place that's filled with a huge number of sights and attractions. The old town is small but charming and authentic. There are a few unique sites that are worth visiting as well.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Cesis might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Cesis here or see if Cesis is expensive here.
Related
What is Cesis most famous for?
Cesis is most famous for its medieval castle and nearby hikes. The town is very popular for its hiking. It is often described as quaint, small, authentic, natural, and traditional.
What is the most famous sight in Cesis?
The most popular sight in Cesis is Cesis Medieval Castle. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Cesis on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Cesis Medieval Castle and other attractions here.
How touristy is Cesis? Is it a popular town to visit?
Cesis is an off-the-beaten-path town that many travelers overlook. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
How long should I spend in Cesis?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Cesis is one to two days. Since Cesis has activities such as hiking, most people visit for up to two days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Cesis? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Cesis?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.