Author: Annika Prangli

Are you curious about what the weather in Estonia is really like? Locals often joke about “continuous bad skiing weather” — a phrase that perfectly describes Estonia’s unpredictable climate. Yet behind the humour lies a country of four distinct seasons, where every month brings a different kind of beauty and adventure. The Average Annual Temperature in Estonia Is +5.2°C (41°F) According to Google, Estonia’s average annual temperature is just over +5°C (41°F). That may sound cold and uninviting, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. Summers can be hot, winters can be icy, and sometimes both seem to appear in the same week. Just because December and June can occasionally share the same temperature doesn’t mean the climate is dull. It’s simply part of Estonia’s charm — a place where the weather always keeps visitors guessing. Sunny and Hot Summer Weather in Estonia Yes, Estonia does get hot summers! Temperatures can reach up to 25°C (77°F), and the record high is 35.6°C (96°F). When the sun shines, locals rush to beaches, forests, and islands to make the most of every ray. All Estonians suddenly go on holiday to show their Instagram followers that we also have hot summers! Summer is when Estonia truly comes alive. The weather in Estonia in summer is warm, bright, and full of festivals. It’s the perfect time to explore Lahemaa National Park and Prangli Island or enjoy bogs, waterfalls, and fishing villages under endless daylight. Exceptionally Cold Winters On the other end of the scale, the lowest recorded temperature in Estonia is –43.5°C (–46°F). Once the thermometer drops below –10°C (14°F), it all feels equally freezing. The weather in Estonia can be extreme, but it creates magical frozen landscapes and unforgettable views. Here’s a local’s tip for deciphering Estonian weather: when your eyebrows, lashes, and nose hair are frozen,

Looking for the most interesting Soviet sights in Tallinn? Estonia takes pride in how much the country has progressed since regaining independence in 1991. The Soviet period was one of the darkest times in our history, yet many places from that era still stand today. While locals move on, replacing concrete blocks and old factories with modern buildings, Soviet relics remain as unique reminders of the past. In most capitals, you’ll find glass towers and conference halls. But in Tallinn, you can still see a former KGB headquarters, prisons that sent people to gulags, and giant monuments that once glorified communism. Here’s our guide to nine Soviet sights in and around Tallinn. Each tells its own story of life under occupation. Many can be explored on guided tours, where local guides bring the history alive. 👉 Recommended tours: Secrets of Soviet Tour in Tallinn – visit KGB cells, Linnahall, Maarjamäe and more. Tallinn Top Attractions Tour (8 hours) – Old Town highlights plus Soviet heritage. Rummu Submerged Quarry and Coastal Cliffs Tour – dramatic nature with Soviet ruins. Day Trip to Prangli Island – discover Soviet fish industry and coastal life. 1. Rummu quarry Rummu quarry looks surreal. Its turquoise waters and sandy beaches have fascinated visitors, filmmakers, and locals alike. But behind the beauty lies a grim story. Limestone mining started in the 1930s. In 1938, a prison opened next to the quarry. The Soviets forced inmates into hard labour. Inside, the harshest prisoners often ruled, not the guards. Today, you can climb the 70-metre spoil hill for panoramic views. From the top, you’ll see the clear lake and half-sunken prison buildings from the 1960s–1980s. On clear days, you may even glimpse the Baltic Sea. The quarry is fenced and has restricted entry, so the easiest way to visit is

Estonia’s northern coast is home to a unique archipelago of small, wild, and culturally rich islands—some inhabited for centuries, others untouched and peaceful. If you're looking for a truly local island experience near Tallinn, this guide introduces you to Prangli, Keri, Aksi, and Rammu islands—each offering a different kind of adventure. Why Visit the Islands Near Tallinn? Estonia has over 2300 islands, and many of them remain off the typical tourist radar. From seal watching safaris to exploring abandoned lighthouses and learning about local life, the North Estonian islands offer authentic and peaceful nature escapes, easily accessible as day trips from Tallinn. According to Visit Estonia, Prangli Island is one of the top 10 islands to visit in summer, but its charm goes beyond the warm months. Each season brings a new perspective and rhythm to island life. The small islands near Prangli are also definitely worth a visit. Prangli Island – The Only Inhabited North Estonian Island With 600 Years of History Prangli Island is located in Northern Estonia, in Viimsi Municipality, as part of the Kolga Bay archipelago. The island covers an area of 6.4 km². People have lived here continuously for centuries. Prangli is the only island in Northern Estonia with an indigenous population. During the Soviet era, it was part of a border zone, yet life continued under the protective wing of the Kirov fishing collective farm. The island’s charm is undeniable—with its beautiful sandy beaches, mossy pine forests, juniper groves, colorful fishing villages, and unforgettable sunsets. Getting around by old trucks adds to the fun, and local fish dishes taste different than anywhere else. Here, you can experience a slower island rhythm and enjoy the humorous tales of the locals. To support year-round living, the island has a school, community center, shop, library, and post office.

Your feedback helps us grow and serve our guests better. Sharing your thoughts with us is easy! You can leave us a review on TripAdvisor and/or Google. If you'd like to leave a review via e-mail, send it to info@tallinndaytrip.com We appreciate your time and honest feedback. Thank you for helping us improve!

Spending a night on the island in Estonia? Prangli is a small island and a natural oasis between Estonia and Finland that has been inhabited for many hundreds of years and has its own traditions and culture. The island has around 70 people living there all-year round and many more visitors in the summer season that are attracted to sail to the island or simply take a ferry to visit its pristine beaches, pine forests, and majestic boulders and learn more about its curious history. ©Meeli Laidvee. Spending a night on the island in Estonia Prangli island has been inhabited throughout its long history, even during the Soviet occupation, the people of Prangli are warm and hospitable towards everyone and you can learn a lot about their unique culture and traditions during a few days on the island. Prangli is definitely worth visiting for more days than one, for a long weekend or why not even a full week to be able to relax completely! After taking the ferry for an hour from Tallinn, you can start by exploring the harbour which is the heart of the small island where you will be greeted by locals and visitors alike. The harbour boasts small cafes, a house of local handicrafts and information. A short walk away, the Prangli restaurant on the seaside offers delicious food and a comfortable atmosphere in the pine forest with a sea view, open in the summer season. The villages of Idaotsa and Lääneotsa (East End and West End, respectively) offer a peek into the local lifestyle that has maintained many of its traditions through hundreds of years, with a touch of modern now as well. Not a long walk away is the Prangli Church with its own legends and traditions to discover, as well as many