Suvekuud

Suvekuud is the Estonian term for the summer months, typically June, July and August. The word is formed from suvi, meaning summer, and kuu, meaning month, with suvekuud serving as the plural. It is used in weather reports, calendars and everyday speech to denote the warmest part of the year.

In meteorology, suvekuud correspond to June, July and August, the period when average temperatures are highest. In astronomical terms, summer lasts from the solstice in late June to the autumn equinox in late September, so the calendar months labeled as summer can vary by year and latitude. The concept of suvekuud is therefore partly climate-based and partly cultural.

Estonian summers are noted for long daylight hours, especially as one moves north. Near the solstice, nights are short and, in northern areas, can be very light even after midnight. The weather during suvekuud is typically mild, with moderate rainfall and occasional heat waves, though conditions vary from year to year.

Culturally, suvekuud are associated with outdoor life and holidays. Midsummer, or Jaanipäev, on June 23, is a major festival that marks the heart of the season. Many people take holidays, travel to the countryside, and engage in outdoor activities such as sauna visits, hiking and cycling during this period.

See also: Estonian seasons, List of Estonian months, Climate of Estonia.