Lativa is an absolutely beautiful country, but having visited twice now… I have to admit that the weather can be surprising at times. My first visit to Latvia was in the winter and although I was bracing for the cold… I didn’t know just how cold it would be. And my second visit was in the summer – where the days were long but mild and only at certain periods throughout the day did it truly feel “hot”. This Latvia packing list is tailored for comfort, style, and practicality whether you’re exploring the streets of Riga, spending time in nature, or bathing in a sauna. This is what you should pack to visit Latvia in every season (and for every activity).
If you’re planning a trip to Latvia, don’t miss…
- The Ultimate Latvia Travel Guide – What to See, Eat, & Know Before You Go
- How to Rent a Car in Latvia: Everything You Need to Know
Latvia Weather – What to Expect
When you visit Latvia, here’s what you can expect in terms of Latvia weather by season…
- Spring (March-May): Cool and rainy; average temperatures 41°-59° F
- Summer (June-August): Mild and pleasant; average temperatures 64°-77° F
- Fall (September-November): Crisp with temperatures dropping rapidly; average temperatures 49° F
- Winter (December-February): Snowy and cold; average temperatures 23°-32° F
The weather in Latvia can change fast and layering is key… even in the summer.
Essentials You’ll Need Year-Round
Whenever I start to pack for a trip, I always like to think about the things that I won’t be able to survive without. In this case, the Latvia travel essentials that you need (in my opinion) include…
- Passport (needs >3 months before expiration)
- Prescription medication(s)
- Credit card & debit card
- Travel insurance – I would not travel to Latvia without travel insurance; I personally use and recommend SafetyWing
- Travel adapter
As of 2025, there are no special documents that Americans need to bring when traveling to Latvia, as long as you don’t plan on staying longer (in all Schengen countries) than 90 days. If you do plan to stay longer than 90 days, you will need a visa.
Read more about why I recommend travel insurance…
- Why You Need Travel Insurance – From a Nurse’s Perspective
- 9 Most Important Things to Know About Travel Medical Insurance
What to Pack for Latvia in Summer
If you’re visiting Latvia in the summer months, here’s your Latvia summer packing list…
- Lightweight layers
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light jacket (for the evenings)
- Sunglasses
- Swimsuit (if you go to the beach or spa)
- Insect repellent (for hikes)
What to Pack for Latvia in Winter
If you’re visiting Latvia in the winter months, here’s your Latvia winter packing list…
- Warm, insulated coat
- Thermal base layers
- Wool sweater
- Hat
- Scarf
- Gloves
- Waterproof boots
- Lip balm (cold air dries lips fast)
What to Wear in Latvia – Style & Cultural Considerations
When packing for Latvia, I recommend keeping cultural considerations in mind. For example, Latvians generally dress pretty casual – but smart. Don’t wear workout clothes while exploring but you also don’t need to be overly dressy. Avoid any flashy outfits and if you visit in the winter months, you can expect people to being wearing darker colors. Finally, if you plan to go to any fancy restaurants or have a night out – you might want to pack something a little bit more dressy.
Luggage
First things first when it comes to packing – you need luggage to put your things in. My biggest tip for traveling – especially through Latvia – is to not overpack. Overpacking just leads to hassle and headaches and it’s not worth it. Especially if you’re going to be carrying your own things around through the cobblestone streets – no thank you. With that being said – here are my favorite pieces of luggage to bring with you to Latvia…
- Travel Backpack
- Luggage
- Packing cubes (helps with organization)
- Toiletry bag
- AirTags (this isn’t luggage, but I bought a pack after my bags got lost for 10 days in Saudi Arabia and now I’ll never travel without them!)
Tech & Electronics
Electronics are certainly not a necessity to travel to Latvia, but in this section I’ll share with you the electronics I use when traveling. Of course, if you love capturing pictures and videos, you’ll more than likely be wanting to take a camera and maybe your computer to edit your photos; but if that isn’t your thing – you can skip over this section!
- Drone
- Camera (I use this Canon camera)
- GoPro (for smooth videos and underwater captures)
- AirPods (for the airplane)
- Laptop
- iPad/Kindle (for books)
- Selfie light (to take photos/videos in dark places)
- Portable charger
- Travel adapter
Toiletries
When packing your toiletries, keep in mind whether you’re planning to check a bag or carry-on. Depending on which you’re doing, you might need to keep your liquids less than 3.4 fl oz. (By the way, I like these containers if you’re carry-on only!).
- Tampons/menstrual cup
- Toothbrush/toothpaste
- Skincare products
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Razor
Health Items
As a nurse, of course I can’t not include health items that I would recommend packing if you visit Latvia. These are a few health related items that I travel with.
What NOT to Pack for Latvia
Along with things that you should be bringing to Latvia, there are also things that you shouldn’t be bringing to Latvia. For starters – do not bring excessive cash. Not only do you run the risk of being pickpocketed, but in most cases you will not need cash. And when you do, there are plenty of ATMs in the country.
I would also recommend leaving your hairdryer at home. Almost all hotels and Airbnbs have hairdryers now and it’s just something that will take up room in your bag.
And lastly, I wouldn’t bring any heavy guidebooks with you. I would suggest a digital version (simply to give you extra room in your bag), but also because carrying a guidebook with you makes you stick out like a soar thumb. You run the risk of being targeted or scammed, which is the last thing that you want when traveling.
Latvia Packing Tips for Different Types of Trips
Whether you’re planning a fun weekend in Riga or an outdoor adventure in Latvia’s countryside, what you pack depends on your itinerary. Here’s how to prep for every type of trip…
CITY BREAKS
Stick with comfortable (but stylish) layers, since you’ll be walking a lot. Bring one pair of solid walking shoes (especially for those cobblestone streets), a light jacket (for layering), and something nicer for dinner. A crossbody bag with a zipper is perfect for exploring places like Riga where you might find yourself in crowds that are easy targets for pickpocketing.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
If you plan on outdoor adventures, hiking shoes or trail runners are a must. Depending on the season, pack moisture-wicking layers, a lightweight rain jacket, and insect repellent. Don’t forget your swimsuit if you’re heading to the coast or planning a sauna stop; yes, even in winter.
WINTER HOLIDAYS
Latvian winters are no joke. You’ll definitely want to be prepared with thermal base layers, an insulated coat, and warm boots. Add a cozy scarf, gloves, and hat – and pack hand warmers if you’re prone to freezing fingers.
Latvia Essentials – What You Need & Need to Know About Visiting Latvia
TRAVELING THROUGH LATVIA
- The easiest way to book train tickets in Latvia is through Omio
- To book a flight to Latvia, I recommend a large booking platform or Skyscanner to compare options (if you’re from the US, sign up for Going for cheap flight alerts)
- For car rentals in Latvia, I recommend Discover Cars
- If you want an English speaking driver waiting to pick you up at the airport, use Welcome Pickups
- I highly recommend travel insurance when traveling through Latvia – I use and recommend SafetyWing(read why here and here)
- If you need a SIM card, aloSIM for an easy and affordable e-SIM – use code “KYLEE5” for a 5% discount
ACCOMODATION IN LATVIA
- To easiest way to book hotels in Latvia is through a large booking platform
TOURS IN LATVIA
- For tours and activities in Latvia, I recommend using Get Your Guide or Viator
WHAT TO BRING TO LATVIA
- Don’t forget a Latvia guide book to help plan your travels
- You’ll need a travel plug adapter (Latvia uses type C)
- My favorite luggage is Calpak
- My favorite travel backpack is Nordace
- I use this eye mask on the plane to help get some shut eye and help with jet lag
- I love traveling with ARMRA Colostrum travel sticks to support my immune system (use code “KYLEENELSON” for 15% off)
With the right layers and a little bit of preparation, Latvia is one of the most rewarding countries to explore year-round. I hope that this Latvia packing list makes your trip easier; and if you have any questions, let me know in a comment below!
To help plan your travels in Latvia, don’t miss…
- 2 Days in Riga – The Perfect Itinerary for Latvia’s Vibrant Capital
- Latvia Travel Itinerary – Exploring What Makes Latvia Unique
- A Solo Experience in a Latvian Sauna
- 5 Day Trips from Riga Worth Taking
For more information on Latvia, make sure to check out my Instagram page/highlight reel by searching “#ppinlatvia” or under my highlights for “Latvia”; alternatively, head to my TikTok and search for the saved “Latvia” highlight
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Founded by Kylee, a NICU nurse with nine years of experience, including seven years as a travel nurse; Passports and Preemies was created in 2017 and is now the go-to travel and lifestyle channel for nurses who crave adventure beyond the bedside. Whether you’re a staff nurse looking for your next getaway or a travel nurse navigating life on the road, this space is designed to help you maximize your time off, explore the world, and prevent nurse burnout.
On Passports and Preemies, you’ll find everything from travel nursing insights – how to get started, land the best assignments, and thrive on the road – to expert travel tips, destination guides, and real-talk about balancing nursing with a life well-traveled. Passports and Preemies also includes Beyond the Bedside – group trips for nurses around the world; as well as the podcast, Passports and Preemies Talks.
