^{Majori Beach, at the heart of Jūrmala – lively, sociable and always in the rhythm of summer.}

As a heatwave spreads across Europe and temperatures in many regions rise above 35 or even 40 degrees Celsius, the Baltic Sea coast offers a natural escape from the heat. Less than 30 minutes from Riga, Jūrmala combines easy access with the distinctly refreshing climate of the Gulf of Riga. While seawater in southern Europe often reaches 24–28 degrees in midsummer, the average seawater temperature in Jūrmala is around 15–16 degrees in June and 19–20 degrees in July and August.

Cooling down in Jūrmala is not limited to swimming in the sea. It can also mean walking beneath the shade of pine trees, exploring the Lielupe River on a SUP board, watching the sunrise or sunset from a kayak in Ķemeri bog, spending a day at a water park or enjoying an unhurried meal on a seaside terrace.

^{A ribbon of sand between sea and river, made for slowing down.}

24 Kilometres of Baltic Sea Beaches

Jūrmala’s 24.2-kilometre beach is the city’s main natural escape from the summer heat. Along most of the coastline, the sandy beach is bordered by forested dunes, making it easy to combine a swim in the Baltic Sea with a break in the shade of the pine trees.

The beaches in central Jūrmala have a livelier resort atmosphere, with more cafés, restaurants and sports areas. Heading east, the coastline gradually becomes quieter and more natural, eventually reaching the mouth of the Lielupe River. Here, an expansive beach, open dunes and an almost wild coastal landscape create a sense of distance from the city.

To the west of central Jūrmala, the resort atmosphere gradually gives way to broader, quieter beaches and a more pronounced belt of forested dunes. At the western end of the city, the coast takes on an increasingly natural character, with coastal plants growing directly in the sand.

The fine quartz sand and gently sloping seabed make Jūrmala beach particularly suitable for families with children. During the hottest part of the day, visitors can choose a spot closer to the wooded dunes, which lie only a few steps from the water along much of the coast.

More information about the atmosphere and character of each part of the coastline is available in the Jūrmala Beach Guide.

Sea temperatures can change quickly due to wind direction and currents, so the water may differ noticeably between beaches even after several hot days. During the swimming season, current seawater temperatures are published four times a day at 10.00, 13.00, 16.00 and 19.00. The same page also provides the latest weather forecast and daily sunrise and sunset times. See the Sea Water Temperature in Jūrmala section for current information.

^{In Ragakāpa Nature Park, the pine shade brings a cooler, quieter side of Jūrmala into view.}

Pine-Forest Walks and Shaded Parks in Jūrmala

One of Jūrmala’s greatest advantages during hot weather is its forested dune belt. Between Pumpuri, Melluži, Asari and Vaivari, small paths wind through the pine forest, offering shade while keeping the sea close at hand.

At Dzintari Forest Park, the pine forest blends directly into the urban environment. The park has walking paths, children’s playgrounds, sports areas and an observation tower more than 30 metres high. Visitors can spend the hottest part of the day beneath the trees and reach the beach within a few minutes.

For a more natural forest experience, visit Ragakāpa Nature Park in Buļļuciems. Its almost 850-metre wooden trail leads through an old pine forest and across one of Latvia’s highest coastal dunes. The walk can be extended towards the mouth of the Lielupe River.

Ķemeri Resort Park offers another shaded retreat. Visitors can walk beside the Vēršupīte River, cross small bridges and rest beneath mature trees. The forest trails of Ķemeri National Park are suitable for longer walks, although on very hot days it is best to explore them in the morning or towards evening.

SUP, Kayaking and Water Activities in Jūrmala

Jūrmala offers many ways to cool down without necessarily getting into the water. The Lielupe River is ideal for both peaceful outings and more active adventures, including SUP boarding, kayaking, boating, water cycling, catamaran trips, cruises and water sports.

In the Priedaine area, visitors can cruise along the Lielupe River and past the White Dune with Seko saulei, enjoy a trip on the Forburga sauna raft or rent a boat, kayak or SUP board from Jūrmalas laivas. The nearby Ski Wake Jurmala water-skiing and wakeboarding park offers activities for both beginners and more experienced riders.

From the Majori pier, the Lielupe River and the Gulf of Riga can be explored by water with the Pērle motorboat, yachts and motorboats from Arjahtu.lv, the Elizabete pleasure boat or the New Way riverboat. Routes include cruises along the Lielupe towards Riga, trips to the river mouth and sunset journeys near the White Dune, revealing Jūrmala from a completely different perspective.

^{Where the Lielupe meets the Baltic Sea, the city opens out into water, wind and wide horizons.}

SUP board rental and guided trips are also available from SUP Brothers in Majori, Supfit, BoardsYou and Lūzumpunkts. Those seeking a more dynamic experience can try jet-skiing in Asari, while wakesurfing, water-skiing and wakeboarding are available at several locations in and around Jūrmala.

A particularly distinctive experience is a SUP, kayak or boat trip on the lake in the Great Ķemeri Bog. The calm route winds between peat islands and narrow water channels and can also be enjoyed at sunrise or sunset, when the sky is reflected in the water and the bog becomes exceptionally quiet. Guided bog walks and water-based adventures are offered by Purvu bridēji, Advaita Adventures and Fabadventures, with equipment and experienced guides provided.

For a full day of water-based fun, visit Līvu Akvapraks in Lielupe. One of the largest water amusement parks in Northern Europe, it offers more than 20 slides, a range of pools and saunas and, during the summer, an outdoor beach area and terrace overlooking the Lielupe River.

^{A table by the sea, a breeze in the air and nowhere else to be.}

Beach Cafés and Waterfront Dining in Jūrmala

After a swim or a shaded walk, the summer experience can continue at one of Jūrmala’s beach cafés or waterfront terraces. The widest choice can be found near the central beaches, ranging from ice cream and light snacks to cold drinks and full meals.

Venues located directly on or close to the beach include Simply Beach House in Majori, Light House Jurmala in Dzintari and 36. Line Grill Restaurant in Dubulti. At Baltic Beach Hotel & SPA, both AMBER VIEW Restaurant – Seafood & Grill and Il Sole combine dining with the proximity of the sea.

The Seaside bar on the 11th floor of Hotel Jūrmala Spa offers panoramic views across Jūrmala and the Gulf of Riga. By the Lielupe River, the terrace at Laivas provides a peaceful place for a cooling drink or meal beside the water.

^{World-renowned Latvian organist Iveta Apkalna performs beneath the open sky on Dzintari Beach, with the Baltic Sea as her quietest listener.}

Summer Evenings, Sunsets and Concerts by the Sea

A summer evening in Jūrmala is more than the end of the day. As the heat subsides, the city takes on a different rhythm. After a swim and dinner by the sea, visitors can walk along the beach, watch the sunset or attend a concert.

The summer programme at Dzintari Concert Hall includes classical music, opera, festivals, popular music, musical shows and performances by international artists. Some events also take place directly on the coast, combining live music with the sea breeze and the evening light.

From early morning until late evening, Jūrmala makes it possible to create an entire cooling itinerary: watch the sunrise from the water in Ķemeri bog, swim in the Baltic Sea, spend the hottest hours beneath the pine trees and finish the day with a sunset, dinner or concert by the water.

Less than half an hour from Riga, this refreshing Baltic Sea resort offers exactly what many travellers seek on a hot summer day: space, fresh air, water and the freedom to slow down.

^{As the day cools, the beach slips into its evening mood.}