Jägala jõgi weather today
Kehra — middle course, industrial heritage stretch
5-day forecast
River data
- Length
- 97 km
- Drainage basin
- 1893 km²
- Source
- northern edge of the Pandivere Upland (Lääne-Viru County)
- Mouth
- Jägala Bay (Gulf of Finland)
The Jägala River is a 97 km long, north-flowing river in Harju and Lääne-Viru counties, whose Jägala Waterfall near the mouth — 8 metres high and up to 50 metres wide — is Estonia's largest waterfall by volume. The river's catchment covers roughly 1,900 km² on the northern slopes of the Pandivere Upland. The river lies 35 km from Tallinn, which makes Jägala Waterfall one of the most visited natural landmarks in northern Estonia.
- Measurement point: 59,344° N, 25,340° E
History & culture
The Kehra paper mill, whose history dates back to 1882, was built to harness the water power of the Jägala River and remains a partly operating cultural site today. The Lehtse, Koeru and Ambla manors on the river's upper course used water mills to grind flour in the 18th and 19th centuries. An ancient stronghold stood near Jägala Waterfall, mentioned in 13th-century Livonian chronicles.
Seasonal changes
Jägala Waterfall is at its most impressive in March and April, when spring snowmelt swells the flow several times over; at its summer low in July and August the waterfall's flow is visibly reduced.
Local climate
| Month | Avg °C | Avg high °C | Avg low °C | Precip mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | -4.0 | -2.0 | -6.3 | 44.9 |
| Feb | -4.6 | -2.2 | -7.1 | 42.1 |
| Mar | -1.4 | 1.8 | -4.6 | 34.8 |
| Apr | 4.7 | 9.0 | 0.5 | 39.3 |
| May | 10.5 | 14.8 | 5.7 | 51.1 |
| Jun | 15.3 | 19.2 | 10.9 | 76.4 |
| Jul | 18.0 | 21.6 | 14.0 | 72.9 |
| Aug | 16.8 | 20.4 | 13.3 | 82.1 |
| Sep | 12.1 | 15.2 | 9.3 | 58.0 |
| Oct | 6.5 | 8.7 | 4.3 | 60.0 |
| Nov | 1.8 | 3.4 | 0.0 | 50.9 |
| Dec | -2.1 | -0.3 | -4.1 | 47.7 |
Frequently asked questions
When does the high water arrive?
Jägala Waterfall is at its most impressive in March and April, when spring snowmelt swells the flow several times over; at its summer low in July and August the waterfall's flow is visibly reduced.
When does Jägala jõgi freeze?
Jägala jõgi usually freezes in January, when the area's average January air temperature drops to -4.0°C. The ice typically lasts until March, when the spring thaw begins.
Is Jägala jõgi suitable for canoeing?
Jägala jõgi 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 Jägala jõgi begin and end?
Jägala jõgi begins northern edge of the Pandivere Upland (Lääne-Viru County) and flows into Jägala Bay (Gulf of Finland).
How long is Jägala jõgi?
The river is 97 km long.
Is Jägala jõgi good for fishing?
Jägala jõgi 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.