Pirita jõgi weather today
Kloostrimetsa — lower reaches, a near-urban stretch
5-day forecast
River data
- Length
- 107 km
- Drainage basin
- 799 km²
- Source
- Pususoo bog, ~20 km north-west of Paide (Järvamaa)
- Mouth
- Gulf of Finland (Pirita marina, Tallinn)
The Pirita is a 107 km long, north-flowing river that begins at Pususoo bog in Järvamaa and runs through Järva and Harju counties, emptying into the Gulf of Finland in Tallinn's Pirita district. It is the nearest navigable canoeing river to Tallinn — from Kose to the sea there are roughly 70 km of water passable by boat. The forests of the Pirita's upper reaches form one of the most natural river corridors in Harjumaa.
- Measurement point: 59,466° N, 24,880° E
History & culture
In 1407 the Pirita Convent (the convent of the Order of Saint Birgitta) was founded, and its ruins stand beside the river mouth — in its day the largest Bridgettine convent in Northern Europe. The sailing and rowing events of the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games were held at Pirita marina, which was built next to the river mouth. In Estonian the river's name is linked to Saint Birgitta, whose name in medieval Estonian was pronounced 'Pirita'.
Seasonal changes
The Pirita's spring high water in March–April is noticeable in Tallinn's Pirita district; in summer the flow is low and the shallow water favours canoe landings.
Local climate
| Month | Avg °C | Avg high °C | Avg low °C | Precip mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | -3.2 | -1.5 | -5.0 | 43.9 |
| Feb | -3.9 | -2.0 | -6.0 | 40.1 |
| Mar | -1.0 | 1.5 | -3.5 | 32.4 |
| Apr | 4.3 | 7.6 | 1.1 | 36.7 |
| May | 9.8 | 13.1 | 6.2 | 44.5 |
| Jun | 14.6 | 17.6 | 11.3 | 68.5 |
| Jul | 18.0 | 20.8 | 15.1 | 68.9 |
| Aug | 17.3 | 20.0 | 14.5 | 78.7 |
| Sep | 12.8 | 15.2 | 10.6 | 62.7 |
| Oct | 7.3 | 9.1 | 5.5 | 67.1 |
| Nov | 2.7 | 4.1 | 1.2 | 56.7 |
| Dec | -1.1 | 0.5 | -2.7 | 49.4 |
Frequently asked questions
When does the high water arrive?
The Pirita's spring high water in March–April is noticeable in Tallinn's Pirita district; in summer the flow is low and the shallow water favours canoe landings.
When does Pirita jõgi freeze?
Pirita jõgi usually freezes in January, when the area's average January air temperature drops to -3.2°C. The ice typically lasts until March, when the spring thaw begins.
Is Pirita jõgi suitable for canoeing?
Pirita 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 Pirita jõgi begin and end?
Pirita jõgi begins Pususoo bog, ~20 km north-west of Paide (Järvamaa) and flows into Gulf of Finland (Pirita marina, Tallinn).
How long is Pirita jõgi?
The river is 107 km long.
Is Pirita jõgi good for fishing?
Pirita 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.