Emajõgi weather today
Tartu — town-centre stretch, navigable
5-day forecast
River data
- Length
- 218 km
- Drainage basin
- 9580 km²
- Source
- Rannu-Jõesuu (outflow of Lake Võrtsjärv)
- Mouth
- Mehikoorma (Lake Peipsi)
The Emajõgi is a 218 km long river connecting Lake Võrtsjärv with Lake Peipsi — a river that is rare in Europe, flowing between two large lakes. Tartu's town centre grew up on the banks of the Emajõgi; the river has been a navigable trade route since medieval times, and shipping reached from Tartu all the way to the port of Mustvee. In Tartu, the riverside recreation area along the Emajõgi is the city's most important green corridor.
- Measurement point: 58,380° N, 26,726° E
History & culture
The 1920 Treaty of Tartu, which granted the Republic of Estonia international recognition, was signed in the city on the banks of the Emajõgi. Steamboats operated on the river between Tartu and Lake Peipsi from the 19th century until the 1940s, carrying goods and passengers. The river's silting led to dredging works in the 20th century to keep the port of Tartu passable for small boats.
Seasonal changes
The Emajõgi's spring high water arrives in late March to April and raises the water level at the Tartu gauging station by an average of 1–1.5 m above the summer norm. In August and September the river drops to its lowest level, and in some dry summers navigation problems arise for small boats.
Local climate
| Month | Avg °C | Highest °C | Lowest °C | Precip mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | -4.1 | 4.8 | -20.1 | 48.2 |
| Feb | -4.4 | 4.7 | -19.4 | 39.1 |
| Mar | -0.5 | 10.9 | -13.3 | 35.7 |
| Apr | 5.9 | 21.1 | -5.4 | 35.4 |
| May | 11.5 | 25.6 | -1.4 | 54.0 |
| Jun | 15.5 | 27.4 | 3.2 | 87.5 |
| Jul | 18.0 | 29.2 | 7.4 | 66.7 |
| Aug | 16.7 | 28.5 | 5.4 | 78.6 |
| Sep | 11.8 | 23.1 | 0.6 | 55.2 |
| Oct | 6.0 | 16.1 | -4.6 | 67.5 |
| Nov | 1.2 | 9.7 | -9.4 | 54.8 |
| Dec | -2.1 | 5.8 | -14.2 | 50.8 |
Frequently asked questions
When does the high water arrive?
The Emajõgi's spring high water arrives in late March to April and raises the water level at the Tartu gauging station by an average of 1–1.
When does Emajõgi freeze?
Emajõgi usually freezes in January, when the area's average January air temperature drops to -4.1°C. The ice typically lasts until March, when the spring thaw begins.
Is Emajõgi suitable for canoeing?
Emajõgi is best for canoeing from May to September, when the water level is stable and the current moderate. During the April spring flood, expect a faster current.
Where does Emajõgi begin and end?
Emajõgi begins Rannu-Jõesuu (outflow of Lake Võrtsjärv) and flows into Mehikoorma (Lake Peipsi).
How long is Emajõgi?
The river is 218 km long.
Is Emajõgi good for fishing?
Emajõgi is rich in fish: common species are pike, perch and burbot. The best fishing is early spring (March–April) and autumn (September–October). Check the fishing rules on the Environmental Board website before you go.