Estonia's wonderful winter
Cross-country skiing, post-sauna swims in icy ponds, cozy firesides, and twinkling Christmas lights — plan an unforgettable winter holiday in Estonia.
Estonia is an unforgettable winter destination with snowy forests and frozen lakes.
From cross-country skiing to post-sauna swims in sub-zero temperatures, this Nordic wonderland welcomes you with activities to invigorate your body and soothe your soul. With so much to do both outside in nature or indoors, you will not even feel the cold!
Fast facts
Approximate dates:
end of November to early March
Average temperature:
-1 °C to -10 °C
Estonia's top winter city:
Otepää
Experience winter to the fullest
Thrilling outdoor winter activities in Estonia
As Estonians have done for centuries, go skiing, ice skating, sledding, and snowshoeing in the sparkling winter scenery.
Tallinn in winter is crisp and quiet...
But the Estonian countryside has so much to offer adventurous travelers willing to head off the beaten path!
How to survive Estonia's winter weather
Although the temperature in Estonia rarely drops below -20 degrees, the wind can make the weather seem very harsh.
What can you do if your feet are cold and wet snowflakes fly straight into your face? As the locals say: "There is no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes." So always take extra warm socks, drink plenty of hot drinks, and don't forget a scarf and hat.
Even so, sometimes you just want to feel the glow of the fireplace and watch the snow fall from inside. Stay warm indoors with a trip to a spa or sauna, spend the evening in a cozy restaurant with a fireplace, or go to a museum.
Wind down after icy adventures
Feel the glow of the fireplace and watch the snow fall from inside. Stay warm indoors with a trip to a spa or sauna, a cozy restaurant or fun museum.
Spend your Christmas holiday in Estonia
Throughout December, Estonia's big cities and small towns sparkle with Christmas spirit.
Christmas markets are magical places for fun, music, and outdoor games for the whole family. Fairy lights twinkle, and the smell of spicy hot wine and fried sausages fills the air. If you plan to meet Jõuluvana — the Estonian Santa Clause — come prepared with a Christmas song or winter poem. Like Estonian children, you may have to recite one before he grants your Christmas wish.
Sergei Sjuganov
Laura Rohtlaan, Visit Pärnu
Estonia is spectacular in all seasons!
The country feels different in each season, so you can come back again and again and always experience something new.
Spring in Estonia is about potential, about new beginnings, about anticipation. The birds flock back; the forest turns from brown to green, reminding us that "hope springs eternal." During the summer, the days are extra long and lazy, though there's a seemingly endless number of events to attend. In autumn, the days are shorter but colorful and crisp. Then, there's Estonia's magical fifth season, which usually happens in spring, though it's not unheard of to have fifth-season floods during heavy rains in autumn or during an early thaw in winter.
Expert tip: Exploring off-season will help offload the pressure.
Renee Altrov
Aron Urb
Priidu Saart, Visit Pärnu
Caspar Aru, Visit ViljandiLast updated
26.09.2025