Keila jõgi water level & weather
The town of Keila — middle reaches, old-town setting
Current conditions
Hourly forecast
7-day forecast
Forecast model comparison
Loading data…
River data
- Length
- 60 km
- Drainage basin
- 607 km²
- Source
- The Keava area (Rapla County)
- Mouth
- The Gulf of Finland (near Keila-Joa)
The Keila is a 60 km long north-flowing river in Harju County that empties into the Gulf of Finland near Keila-Joa. The river's most famous natural landmark is the Keila-Joa waterfall — a 6-metre-high and up to 20-metre-wide cascade that takes on an especially photogenic look in its winter ice cover. The compact catchment means the river's discharge fluctuates very strongly from spring to summer.
History & culture
The Keila-Joa manor was built in 1832 for the Duke of Leuchtenberg, and a landscape park was laid out around the waterfall, becoming one of the first tourist destinations in Harju County in the 19th century. The river's water power was used by Keila's paper and textile mills until the early 20th century. Near the Keila-Joa falls lies a protected Devonian-era rock outcrop.
Seasonal changes
The Keila-Joa waterfall is at its most powerful in March and April, when snowmelt quickly fills the short catchment; in summer the flow over the falls drops to a minimum, and in some dry summers the cascade seems almost to stand still.
Local climate
| Month | Avg °C | Highest °C | Lowest °C | Precip mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | -2.9 | 5.0 | -17.0 | 56.1 |
| Feb | -3.6 | 4.8 | -16.3 | 40.1 |
| Mar | -0.6 | 9.9 | -12.6 | 36.8 |
| Apr | 4.8 | 19.3 | -5.4 | 35.1 |
| May | 10.2 | 24.7 | -1.4 | 36.8 |
| Jun | 14.5 | 26.2 | 3.9 | 68.1 |
| Jul | 17.6 | 28.9 | 8.0 | 82.0 |
| Aug | 16.5 | 27.5 | 6.1 | 84.9 |
| Sep | 12.0 | 22.6 | 1.8 | 58.2 |
| Oct | 6.5 | 15.5 | -3.7 | 77.8 |
| Nov | 2.0 | 9.8 | -7.9 | 65.5 |
| Dec | -0.9 | 6.3 | -12.3 | 58.6 |
Frequently asked questions
When does the high water arrive?
The Keila-Joa waterfall is at its most powerful in March and April, when snowmelt quickly fills the short catchment; in summer the flow over the falls drops to a minimum, and in some dry summers the cascade seems almost to stand still.
When does Keila jõgi freeze?
Keila jõgi usually freezes in January, when the area's average January air temperature drops to -2.9°C. The ice typically lasts until March, when the spring thaw begins.
Is Keila jõgi suitable for canoeing?
Keila 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 Keila jõgi begin and end?
Keila jõgi begins The Keava area (Rapla County) and flows into The Gulf of Finland (near Keila-Joa).
How long is Keila jõgi?
The river is 60 km long.
Is Keila jõgi good for fishing?
Keila 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.