Things to Do in Estonia in August

August Weather in Estonia

23°C (73°F) High Temp

12°C (53°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Peak summer warmth - August is Estonia's warmest month with daily highs around 23°C (73°F), perfect for outdoor activities and swimming in the Baltic Sea which reaches its warmest temperature of 18-20°C (64-68°F)
Long daylight hours - 17+ hours of daylight in early August tapering to 15 hours by month-end, giving you maximum time for sightseeing and outdoor adventures
Festival season climax - August hosts Estonia's biggest cultural events including the Song and Dance Celebration (every 5 years, next in 2029) and numerous folk festivals across the country
Perfect hiking and island-hopping weather - comfortable temperatures with lower rainfall than July make this ideal for exploring Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, and the 2,222 Estonian islands

Considerations

Peak tourist season pricing - accommodation costs 40-60% higher than shoulder seasons, and popular restaurants require reservations 1-2 weeks ahead
Crowded attractions - Tallinn's Old Town, Tartu, and major islands see their highest visitor numbers, with tour groups and cruise ship passengers creating bottlenecks at key sites
Unpredictable afternoon showers - while rainfall is moderate, sudden thunderstorms can disrupt outdoor plans, typically lasting 20-30 minutes but occurring on 10 days throughout the month

Best Activities in August

Saaremaa Island Exploration

August offers perfect conditions for Estonia's largest island with warm weather ideal for cycling the 2,673 sq km (1,032 sq mi) island, visiting medieval Kuressaare Castle, and exploring the unique Kaali meteorite crater. The Baltic Sea is warmest now at 18-20°C (64-68°F) for swimming at Järve Beach. Ferry crossings are frequent with minimal weather delays.

Booking Tip: Book ferry tickets 7-10 days ahead during August peak season. Island cycling tours typically cost €45-65 per day. Multi-day packages including accommodation range €120-180 per person. Look for operators offering e-bikes for the island's gentle hills.

Tallinn Food Walking Tours

August showcases Estonia's short but abundant harvest season with wild berries, fresh chanterelles, and new potatoes appearing in restaurant menus. The warm weather makes walking tours comfortable, and outdoor restaurant terraces are fully operational. Traditional Estonian summer foods like cold beetroot soup and smoked fish are at their peak.

Booking Tip: Book food tours 5-7 days ahead in August. Expect to pay €55-85 for 3-4 hour tours including 6-8 tastings. Afternoon tours (2-6pm) avoid cruise ship crowds that dominate morning slots. See current options in the booking section below.

Lahemaa National Park Hiking

Estonia's largest national park comes alive in August with perfect hiking conditions - warm days, minimal mud, and peak wildlife activity. The 725 sq km (280 sq mi) park offers bog walking, coastal trails, and manor house visits. August is ideal for the Viru Bog boardwalk trail (3.5 km/2.2 mi) and spotting lynx, brown bears, and over 200 bird species.

Booking Tip: Self-guided hiking is popular, but guided nature tours cost €35-50 per person for half-day experiences. Book accommodation in nearby Käsmu or Altja villages 2 weeks ahead for August. Park entry is free but guided bog walks require advance booking through visitor centers.

Estonian Island-Hopping Tours

August's calm Baltic Sea conditions and extended daylight make this the prime month for visiting Estonia's smaller islands like Hiiumaa, Muhu, and Vormsi. Ferry services run at full capacity with minimal weather cancellations. Each island offers unique lighthouses, traditional craft workshops, and secluded beaches perfect for the season's warmest swimming.

Booking Tip: Multi-island packages typically cost €180-280 for 2-3 days including ferries and basic accommodation. Book 10-14 days ahead for August travel. Look for tours that include Suur Munamägi visits and traditional smoke sauna experiences. Independent travel requires advance ferry reservations.

Tartu Cultural Walking Tours

Estonia's university city thrives in August when students return and the academic year energy builds. The 18°C (64°F) average temperature is perfect for exploring the historic university district, climbing Toome Hill, and experiencing Estonia's intellectual capital. August brings outdoor concerts and the famous Tartu Love Lock Bridge is surrounded by summer blooms.

Booking Tip: Cultural walking tours cost €25-40 for 2-3 hours. University-focused tours are most popular and should be booked 3-5 days ahead in August. Evening tours (6-8pm) offer great photography light and cooler temperatures. Many tours include traditional Estonian student traditions and folklore.

Baltic Sea Coastal Cycling

August offers ideal conditions for Estonia's 3,794 km (2,357 mi) coastline cycling routes. The EuroVelo 10 Baltic Sea Cycle Route through Estonia is at its most accessible with dry paths, warm temperatures, and all coastal accommodations fully operational. Beach stops for swimming and fresh seafood are perfect in the season's warmest weather.

Booking Tip: Bike rental costs €15-25 per day, with guided coastal tours ranging €45-75 per day including equipment. Book multi-day cycling packages 1-2 weeks ahead for August. E-bikes recommended for coastal headwinds. See current tour options in the booking section below.

August Events & Festivals

Early August

Medieval Festival at Haapsalu Castle

This authentic medieval reenactment transforms the 13th-century bishop's castle into a living historical experience with knights, craftsmen, and traditional Estonian medieval culture. Features authentic food, weaponry demonstrations, and period music performances.

Mid August

Pärnu Beach Festival

Estonia's summer capital hosts its biggest beach celebration with outdoor concerts, traditional Estonian folk dancing, and seafood festivals. The event coincides with the warmest Baltic Sea temperatures of the year, making it ideal for combining beach activities with cultural experiences.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket - August thunderstorms are brief but intense, and you'll want protection during the 10 rainy days without overheating in 70% humidity

Layering pieces for 11°C (20°F) temperature swings - mornings start at 12°C (53°F) but afternoons reach 23°C (73°F), requiring adaptable clothing

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 combined with 17+ hour days means prolonged sun exposure, especially on water and beaches where reflection intensifies rays

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - cobblestones in Tallinn's Old Town become slippery when wet, and forest trails can be muddy after August's 10 rainy days

Insect repellent with DEET - bog hiking and forest areas have active mosquitoes and ticks in August warmth, particularly problematic in Lahemaa and Soomaa national parks

Quick-dry clothing for outdoor activities - 70% humidity means cotton stays damp longer, synthetic or merino wool materials perform better in Estonian summer conditions

Light swimwear for indoor pools - many accommodations have spa facilities, and the Baltic Sea reaches its annual peak of 18-20°C (64-68°F) in August

Compact umbrella - afternoon showers develop quickly and outdoor markets, festival areas, and hiking trails offer limited shelter during brief but heavy downpours

Insider Knowledge

Estonians take their summer holidays in the first three weeks of August, so many local businesses outside Tallinn operate reduced hours or close entirely - check opening times for rural attractions and restaurants before traveling

The 'white nights' phenomenon means it never gets truly dark in early August, staying twilight until past 11pm, which can disrupt sleep patterns - bring an eye mask and consider ground floor accommodations away from street lighting

Estonian summer cottage (suvilaakit) culture peaks in August - locals disappear to family properties on weekends, making Tallinn quieter on Friday-Sunday but rural areas more crowded with domestic tourists

Book restaurants by Wednesday for weekend dining in August - Estonians celebrate the peak of their brief summer intensively, and popular spots fill with locals enjoying seasonal menus featuring wild berries, chanterelles, and Baltic herring

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how quickly weather changes - tourists wearing only t-shirts get caught in sudden temperature drops and rain storms that can bring temperatures down 8-10°C (14-18°F) in minutes

Assuming northern European cuisine is bland - August is harvest season and Estonian restaurants showcase wild mushrooms, sea buckthorn, rhubarb, and foraged herbs that create surprisingly complex flavors visitors often overlook

Only visiting Tallinn - many tourists miss Estonia's true character by staying in the capital when August offers perfect conditions for exploring islands, national parks, and university towns that showcase authentic Estonian culture