Most people pack for Tallinn's cold and get beaten by its hills and cobbles. The Old Town is steep, uneven stone from the Lower Town up to Toompea, and it's slick in rain and ice. Shoes come first, then layers, then a rain jacket for the wet summer.
Tallinn weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | -1°C30°F | 0°C32°F | 5°C41°F | 10°C50°F | 16°C61°F | 20°C68°F | 22°C72°F | 21°C70°F | 19°C66°F | 10°C50°F | 5°C41°F | 2°C36°F |
| Low | -5°C23°F | -4°C25°F | -2°C28°F | 2°C36°F | 6°C43°F | 11°C52°F | 14°C57°F | 13°C55°F | 12°C54°F | 5°C41°F | 1°C34°F | -2°C28°F |
| Rain days | 17 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 6 | 12 | 19 | 15 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryProperly cold. Highs are -1°C (30°F) to 2°C (36°F) and lows -5°C (23°F) to -2°C (28°F), with January bringing 17 rain or snow days. Pack a warm, windproof coat, a hat, gloves and boots with grip. Daylight is short, so start early.
Spring
March–MayHighs rise from 5°C (41°F) to 16°C (61°F) and lows from -2°C (28°F) to 6°C (43°F). May is the driest month at 6 rain days. March can still feel like winter, so bring a warm jacket. By May you'll want lighter layers.
Summer
June–AugustMild and long-lit, with highs of 20–22°C (68–72°F) and lows of 11–14°C (52–57°F). It's also wet, with 19 rain days in July and 15 in August. Pack a light rain shell and a sweater. Cruise ships arrive all summer, so expect crowds in the Old Town by midday.
Autumn
September–NovemberSeptember is mild at 19°C (66°F), then it cools to 5°C (41°F) highs by November with lows of 1–12°C (34–54°F). Rain days run 12 to 15 a month. Bring a warm, waterproof jacket from October and plan on dark afternoons.
What to bring to Tallinn
0 of 20 packedPacks into its own pocket for Tallinn's wet summer, when July brings 19 rain days.
A packable waterproof layer to keep in your day bag on the walk up to Toompea.
- A warm wrapClothing
A wool wrap for windy Baltic evenings that also keeps you warm on the flight in.
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20LBags & Luggage
A weather-sealed day bag helps keep your camera dry when rain sweeps across the Old Town.
- Pacsafe GO Anti-Theft Tech CrossbodyDocuments & Security
Your passport, phone and cards in one lockable crossbody for the ferry terminal and busy cruise days.
- Dramamine Advanced Herbals GingerHealth & Safety
Non-drowsy ginger capsules for the Helsinki ferry crossing if the Baltic is choppy.
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
Cold drains phone batteries fast, and this pocket battery plugs straight into your phone without a cable.
- Epicka 70W Universal Travel AdapterTech & Power
The EU plug fits Estonia's sockets, and the USB ports charge the rest of your kit.
Clothing
- Insulated winter coat · 1January highs of -1°C
- Thermal base layers · 2 sets
- Warm hat, scarf and gloves · 1 set
- Light sweater · 2Summer highs only reach 22°C
Footwear
- Waterproof shoes with grip · 1 pairSteep, uneven cobbles up to Toompea
- Ice cleats · 1 pairIcy streets Dec–Mar
- Wool socks · 4 pairs
Gear
- Compact umbrella · 1July is wettest, 19 rain days
Health and toiletries
- Hand cream and lip balm
Documents and money
- Passport
- Credit card with no foreign fees
Tech
- Phone charging cable · 1
What shoes should you pack for Tallinn?
Waterproof walking shoes with chunky soles. The cobbles in the Old Town are uneven and the climb up to the Toompea viewpoints is steep. In winter, insulated boots with grip for ice. Thin knit sneakers will soak through on a wet day.
What do people wear in Tallinn?
Casual and practical. Jeans, good jackets and boots are normal in the Old Town and in Kalamaja and Telliskivi. Estonians dress for the weather, not to impress. Dark, simple layers fit in anywhere.
What plugs does Tallinn use?
Estonia uses types C and F at 230V, standard European two-pin plugs. Travelers from the US, UK and Australia need an adapter. Check that any US devices handle 230V.
Tours and things to do in Tallinn
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Tallinn.
What should you leave at home for Tallinn?
Leave the heels and smooth-soled shoes, the cobbles are rough on both. Skip the big rolling suitcase if you're staying inside the Old Town walls. A flimsy umbrella won't survive the Baltic wind, so bring a hood instead.
Packing for Tallinn: questions people ask
How cold is Tallinn in winter?
Highs run -1°C (30°F) to 2°C (36°F) and lows -5°C (23°F) to -2°C (28°F) from December to February. Pack a warm coat, a hat, gloves and boots with grip.
What should I wear in Tallinn in summer?
Light layers, a sweater and a rain shell. Highs are 20–22°C (68–72°F), but July is the wettest month with 19 rain days.
What shoes should I wear in Tallinn Old Town?
Sturdy, waterproof walking shoes. The cobbles are uneven and the walk up to Toompea is steep.
What should I pack for a day trip from Helsinki to Tallinn?
Comfortable walking shoes, a rain jacket and a small bag for your phone and passport. If you get seasick, bring motion sickness tablets for the ferry.
Do I need a plug adapter in Tallinn?
Yes, if you're from the US, UK or Australia. Estonia uses types C and F at 230V.
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