August is the hottest month in Estonia. Average monthly temperatures rise to around 21-23°C, and the sea warms up to approximately 21-22°C in the Gulf of Finland and 22-23°C in the Gulf of Riga. Even the most cautious grandparents can confidently allow a young family with a child to go on vacation in Estonia in August without worrying about them catching a cold.
The arrival of fall is only noticeable towards the end of the month, with longer and cooler nights and frequent rains that prevent further warming of the water. The sea begins to cool down around Pärtel's Day, a day associated with a pagan deity who retired after the Estonians were baptized and is said to throw a cold stone into the water in retaliation.
Comparing Christian and pagan calendars, it was discovered that Pärtel hooligans gather on the night of August 23-24, leaving ample time for holidaymakers. Even though the legend has long lost its believers, Estonians still continue the tradition of celebrating the end of the sea season on a grand scale. And, of course, the mischievous mythical character doesn't deter seasoned tourists from taking a dip in September when water temperatures hover around +18-19°C.
Since the first half of the month sees Estonian resorts bustling with visitors, it's advisable to book your trips to Estonia in August at least a month and a half to two months in advance. Keep an eye on the best deals in the tripmydream database!
In August, the average prices for tours to Estonia with accommodation in a 3-star hotel ranged from 400 to 500 EUR. Compared to Western Europe, Estonian resorts offer more affordable rates, making it a viable option for a vacation, even in challenging times.
Our website provides various cost-saving options, ensuring you can enjoy the Baltic Sea without unnecessary expenses. Special airline deals and hot offers can slash prices by at least half for August vacations in Estonia, sparing you from having to tighten your belt for an entire year just to reach the seaside.
A late summer getaway to Estonia promises fun and excitement, featuring music festivals and vibrant folklore celebrations that can even brighten the spirits of Pierrot and the Princess Mockingbird. This time, the spotlight is on the charming resort town of Pärnu, which is buzzing with artistic energy.
Kicking off the festivities is the thrilling "Beach Landing" precision parachute landing competition on Pärnu's city beach. This event is a favorite among fans of the Parasummer international skydiving tournament. To catch all the performances from start to finish, be sure to book your Estonia summer 2016 tour for July 29 to August 5.
From July 23 to August 23, the streets of Estonia's summer capital will come alive with workshops as part of IN Graafika, an art festival that gathers creative minds passionate about exploring new frontiers in graphic design. The participants' installations will be on display in Pärnu's exhibition halls, ensuring that those seeking intellectual stimulation won't have to ponder how to enrich their summer beach vacation in Estonia - there will be plenty of inspiration throughout their stay!
If you're looking to switch gears from intellectual discussions of the eternal and the beautiful, it's time to let loose at a wild open-air party. Join everyone in dancing on Pärnu Beach during the Weekend Festival Baltic, an electronic dance music festival happening from August 4 to 7! Only the mega-festival Intsikurmu, which draws 6,000 attendees every year, can rival the status of the Weekend Festival Baltic.
During the second week of August, the highly acclaimed FRINGE arts festival takes center stage, offering a diverse blend of art exhibitions, literary gatherings, film screenings, and performances that defy convention.
Mark your calendar for the second Saturday in August, a day dedicated to active creativity and genuine artistry. The Diverse Universe art festival provides a blank canvas for the most unexpected of artists, creating an atmosphere of surreal exploration that the city wholeheartedly embraces.
As night descends, the unbridled spirit of creativity seamlessly transitions into Art Night, an occasion where making noise, getting rowdy, and even bending the rules is encouraged. Join a procession of artists as they march from the central square to the beach, reveling in the artistic frenzy.
Art Vigil stands out as an event of clever street installations, heartfelt theatrical performances, and a full concert lineup, distinguishing itself from mundane hooliganism. Pärnu's creative season culminates with the Monomafia Mono-theater Festival, scheduled for August 17 to 20.
While the summer capital thrives, the surrounding regions also have their own unique celebrations. In the first weekend of August, the historic region of Setomaa comes alive with Seto Kingdom Days, during which they select the earthly viceroy of King Peko. According to ancient legends, King Peko retired to the world of the gods, leaving his subjects to their own fate. Each year, candidates vie for the role of community leader, undergoing rigorous tests to prove their nobility, courage, wisdom, and other qualities befitting a lord.
Meanwhile, the residents of Tartu eagerly await the Emajõgi Feeding River Festival, where they can admire a parade of ships along the ancient Hanseatic route. In the suburbs of Valga, the valleys and hills echo with the memories of decisive World War II battles. Military history clubs from different countries compete for the European championship, while collectors and reenactors actively add to their collections of wartime artifacts at numerous flea markets.
For romantics, the enchanting "White Lady Days" festival in Haapsalu beckons, shrouded in the alluring mystique of mystery and tragedy. The festivities commence in the castle courtyard in the late evening. The program begins with a traditional performance recounting the tragic tale of a young beauty who was buried alive in the tower due to her forbidden love for a monk. This is followed by a spectacular art festival featuring concerts, plays, movie screenings, literary readings, art exhibitions, and bustling city streets adorned with souvenir and organic farm fairs.
During this same period, Võru comes alive as musicians, circus performers, and even mermaids fill the streets, signaling the arrival of City Day. The celebration includes art exhibitions, creative workshops, and themed exhibitions held in historic buildings, inspiring citizens to rise and join in the festivities.
In Narva, the season of street festivities kicks off with a traditional reenactment of the Northern War battles in front of Narva Castle's square. The celebrations continue throughout the city, extending late into the evening.
On the final weekend of the month, two unique holidays coincide - the "Summer in the Bank" Day for homemade products and the International festival of author's songs and poetry known as "Narva Pier." Uncomplicated melodies and spontaneously rhymed verses serenade the ears of both ladies and gentlemen of elegant age, evoking fond memories of youth, evening campfire gatherings, and dreams of conquering the Galaxy.
August in Estonia offers a vibrant cultural scene, catering to the diverse tastes of its youth. The Estonian Hip-Hop Festival in Elva from August 12 to 14 and the Punk Song Day in Rakvere provide an outlet for informal youth to indulge in their cultural preferences. The UIT Environmental Art Festival in Tartu is a hit among non-conformist young artists. Unlike classical art confined to ivory towers, contemporary art is breaking free, with art installations adorning streets and elite performances finding their stage in abandoned buildings and informal spaces.
The Estonian capital, Tallinn, is not exempt from the holiday fever. In August, Tallinn hosts three iconic events for music enthusiasts. In the first week of the month, the ancient churches of Vyshgorod and parts of Pärnu will resonate with the masterful fugues and toccatas of Bach and Handel, performed by some of the world's finest musicians as part of the International Organ Music Festival, running until August 7.
The second half of the month pays tribute to St. Birgitta. The mystical ambiance of the medieval monastery ruins transforms the annual Birgitta Festival into a temple of mystery, infusing the gentle melodies of operas and oratorios with a transcendent spirit that reaches for the heavens.
On the night of August 27, thousands of bonfires light up the Gulf of Finland, symbolizing the unity of the Baltic States. Although the tradition of celebrating the Day of Ancient Fires is relatively young, there are many enthusiasts in Sweden and Finland who are eager to support this romantic endeavor.
Toward the end of the month, the capital hosts the grand musical project "Tallinn Towers," initiated by Corelli Music. This captivating project unfolds within the historic buildings of the city. An intriguing blend of compositions and architecture weaves invisible threads that connect famous architectural monuments with the works of contemporary Estonian composers, inspired by the stark beauty of medieval churches and fortifications.
Gastronomic tours in Estonia during August bring delightful surprises for food lovers. On the first Saturday of the month, Kärdla's restaurateurs organize Café Day, inviting passersby to enjoy coffee and cake at tables set up in unexpected places, from the pier to squares and parking lots. This tasty festival runs until August 8.
Fun culinary festivals add an extra layer of enjoyment to your end-of-summer vacation in Estonia. Treat Days in Setomaa introduce tourists to the distinctive cuisine of the Setu people, while on August 20, Tahkuranu village celebrates Pickle Day with song and dance. Tasting tables in the square serve not only vegetarian dishes but also freshly caught fish.
As the month draws to a close, the Old Believer village of Lyubnitsa in Prichudye welcomes visitors to its annual onion and fish fair. This event is renowned for the golden wreaths skillfully woven from onions by local craftswomen. Guests can savor flavorful fish dishes, quench their thirst with kvass, and partake in entertaining masterclasses in blacksmithing and woodcarving.
August brings a major sporting spectacle with the annual motorcycle festival in Kiviõli, featuring the World Cup Wheelchair Motocross Stage and the World Cup ATV Stage. Athletes from 15 European countries will compete in these thrilling events, and spectators and fans can look forward to an electrifying concert featuring star bands.
For avid roller skaters, the Tartu Amateur Roller Marathon, starting on the third Sunday in August, presents an exciting opportunity to showcase their skills.
As the holiday season comes to a close, Estonia bids a beautiful farewell to summer, leaving behind lasting impressions and vivid emotions - the true treasures that can't be devalued.