Pärnu jõgi weather today
Tori — middle course, sandstone gorge
5-day forecast
River data
- Length
- 144 km
- Drainage basin
- 6920 km²
- Source
- Southern slopes of the Pandivere Upland (Albu Parish)
- Mouth
- Pärnu Bay (Gulf of Riga)
The Pärnu River is a 144 km long river that rises in the Pandivere Upland and empties into Pärnu Bay. Near Tori the river passes through a narrow sandstone gorge known in folklore as 'Tori Hell' (Tori põrgu) — a deep ravine with crumbling, unstable banks that is a natural landmark in Pärnu County. The river is the main source of fresh water for the town of Pärnu.
- Measurement point: 58,799° N, 25,477° E
History & culture
The Tori Stud Farm, founded in 1856, stands on the riverbank and is one of the oldest still-operating breeding studs in Europe. Over the centuries numerous flour mills worked on the river, the ruins of which can still be found along its banks; until the early 20th century the river was also used for log driving from Pärnu deeper inland. The Tori gauging station is one of the oldest river-gauging sites in Estonia with a continuous record of observations.
Seasonal changes
The Pärnu River's spring high water arrives in March and April, and floods regularly affect the areas on the edge of the town of Pärnu; at the summer low in August and September some stretches are impassable by small boat.
Local climate
| Month | Avg °C | Highest °C | Lowest °C | Precip mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | -3.9 | 4.5 | -19.8 | 56.5 |
| Feb | -4.5 | 4.8 | -19.5 | 44.2 |
| Mar | -0.9 | 10.6 | -14.3 | 38.3 |
| Apr | 5.2 | 20.5 | -6.1 | 38.3 |
| May | 11.0 | 25.9 | -2.3 | 44.5 |
| Jun | 15.1 | 27.1 | 2.3 | 78.5 |
| Jul | 17.8 | 29.2 | 6.8 | 69.1 |
| Aug | 16.2 | 27.9 | 4.4 | 91.0 |
| Sep | 11.4 | 22.7 | -0.5 | 61.8 |
| Oct | 5.7 | 15.8 | -5.8 | 74.3 |
| Nov | 1.2 | 9.5 | -9.6 | 66.9 |
| Dec | -1.9 | 5.9 | -14.4 | 62.1 |
Frequently asked questions
When does the high water arrive?
The Pärnu River's spring high water arrives in March and April, and floods regularly affect the areas on the edge of the town of Pärnu; at the summer low in August and September some stretches are impassable by small boat.
When does Pärnu jõgi freeze?
Pärnu jõgi usually freezes in January, when the area's average January air temperature drops to -3.9°C. The ice typically lasts until March, when the spring thaw begins.
Is Pärnu jõgi suitable for canoeing?
Pärnu 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 Pärnu jõgi begin and end?
Pärnu jõgi begins Southern slopes of the Pandivere Upland (Albu Parish) and flows into Pärnu Bay (Gulf of Riga).
How long is Pärnu jõgi?
The river is 144 km long.
Is Pärnu jõgi good for fishing?
Pärnu 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.