Narva jõgi weather today
City of Narva — the stretch where the border river runs through the city, regulated
5-day forecast
River data
- Length
- 77 km
- Drainage basin
- 56200 km²
- Source
- Vasknarva (outflow of Lake Peipus)
- Mouth
- Narva Bay (Gulf of Finland)
The Narva is a 77 km long border river that flows from Lake Peipus to the Gulf of Finland and separates Estonia from Russia. The river's natural flow regime was altered by the dam of the Narva Hydroelectric Power Station, completed in 1956; the Narva Reservoir behind it is one of the largest artificial lakes in Estonia. The river's discharge — averaging more than 400 m³/s — is the highest in Estonia.
- Measurement point: 59,383° N, 28,207° E
History & culture
Narva Castle was built in the 13th century and, together with the Ivangorod Fortress on the opposite bank, forms a unique ensemble of twin fortresses that reflects the border tension between Western and Eastern Europe. The Battles of Narva in 1944 were among the bloodiest clashes on the Eastern Front of the Second World War on Estonian territory. The 1920 Treaty of Tartu set the Narva River as the Estonian–Russian border — a border status that has held through various state formations.
Seasonal changes
Because of regulation by the Narva Hydroelectric Power Station, the discharge is more stable year-round than on natural rivers; there is no significant high water, but ice forms above the dam in January and February.
Local climate
| Month | Avg °C | Avg high °C | Avg low °C | Precip mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | -4.5 | -2.7 | -6.5 | 45.2 |
| Feb | -5.1 | -2.8 | -7.4 | 42.4 |
| Mar | -1.6 | 1.5 | -4.5 | 37.4 |
| Apr | 4.8 | 8.7 | 1.0 | 38.6 |
| May | 10.8 | 14.7 | 6.6 | 54.4 |
| Jun | 15.6 | 19.1 | 11.7 | 79.2 |
| Jul | 18.5 | 21.8 | 15.0 | 73.0 |
| Aug | 17.2 | 20.4 | 14.1 | 81.5 |
| Sep | 12.4 | 15.2 | 9.8 | 61.0 |
| Oct | 6.4 | 8.4 | 4.5 | 65.3 |
| Nov | 1.4 | 2.9 | -0.1 | 56.8 |
| Dec | -2.5 | -0.9 | -4.3 | 51.9 |
Frequently asked questions
When does the high water arrive?
Because of regulation by the Narva Hydroelectric Power Station, the discharge is more stable year-round than on natural rivers; there is no significant high water, but ice forms above the dam in January and February.
When does Narva jõgi freeze?
Narva jõgi usually freezes in January, when the area's average January air temperature drops to -4.5°C. The ice typically lasts until March, when the spring thaw begins.
Is Narva jõgi suitable for canoeing?
Narva 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 Narva jõgi begin and end?
Narva jõgi begins Vasknarva (outflow of Lake Peipus) and flows into Narva Bay (Gulf of Finland).
How long is Narva jõgi?
The river is 77 km long.
Is Narva jõgi good for fishing?
Narva 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.