Climate and Weather in Latvia

Latvia is comprised of two types of climates, climates being the expected, long term weather in an area. Latvia has a maritime climate in the west near the coast and a continental climate in the east. Maritime climates usually have cool summers and mild winters with a small temperature range. Continental climates usually have hot summers and cold winters. Latvia has both of these with the central region being a combination of both since it is a transitional area.

Latvia is next to the Baltic Sea, allowing it to have a maritime climate
that makes the western part much wetter than the eastern part.

Since Latvia is located next to a sizable body of water, the air carried into the country is very humid, allowing for plenty of moisture in the air. The moisture in turn affects the weather during the different seasons. More moisture can mean more snow or rain. During warmer seasons, since warm air can hold more humidity, it is more likely to rain. As such, summer is wet and the maximum rainfall happens in August. Snow is a very common during the winter and there can be constant cover, with depths of 30 cm, or 11 in, for most of the country.

This graph shows the average monthly precipitation over the year
for the city of Cesis, a northern town a little way from
the Gulf of Riga.

This graph shows the average humidity over the year
for the city of Cesis, a northern town a little way from
the Gulf of Riga.

Because of the high precipitation, rainy wear is recommended year round for those in Latvia, whether residents or just visiting. The harsh winters call for heavy wear and warmer seasons need lighter wear. The people of Latvia enjoy very green lands, both open areas and swamps/marshes. The heavy rains allow for these conditions, both being advantageous and problematic, such as lending to flooding and less land being optimal for use.

Snow covers a car in the city of Riga.

A flood is shown in the city of Riga.

Sources
Information
http://www.enviropedia.org.uk/Climate/Continental_Climate.php
http://www.enviropedia.org.uk/Climate/Maritime_Climate.php
http://www.fao.org/ag/AGP/AGPC/doc/Counprof/Latvia/Latvia.htm#climate
http://www.spainexchange.com/guide/LV-climate.htm
http://www.worldtravelguide.net/latvia/weather-climate-geography

Pictures
Picture #1
Picture #2 and #3
Picture #4
Picture #5