So you’ve decided to travel to the Czech Republic’s capital but are unsure when to travel to Prague. Planning a vacation may be complicated, with so many things to consider.
Prague is a stunning destination known as the ‘city of a hundred spires.’ This is because of its many cathedrals’ pointy spires and its beautiful architecture. It’s home to exquisite Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque architecture, to name a few. The city features art from various periods and styles. It also happens to be one of the safest capital cities in the world, with millions of people visiting every year.
Your trip may depend on the weather or seasonal events and activities. If your budget is tight, but you still wish to spend time in Prague, consider specific seasons. You’ll find cheaper rates in the off- and shoulder- seasons, while June to August has peak prices and tourism.
Perhaps you’re a history fanatic, or you’ve always wanted to try a boat cruise in Prague on the Vltava River. Whatever the reason for visiting this culturally rich capital city, this guide has everything you need to know about when to go.
Best Time of Year to Visit Prague | Seasons
The best months to visit Prague are subjective and depend on you and your preferences. Choosing when to visit the city may be based entirely on the weather.
If you’re dead set on visiting Prague in summer, you might need to consider the higher costs of accommodation and activities. However, if you’re on a tight budget, you may need to choose the cheapest season which is winter.
Then again, costs and activities might not factor into your journey at all. The capital is beautiful all year round, but it can be uncomfortably cold in the winter. For some people, that’s a deal breaker, but it’s not a concern for others.
Prague’s climate consists of rain all year round in varying amounts. The temperature never reaches above 86°F (30°C) and can get humid sometimes. But there are plenty of indoor and outdoor events to keep you busy no matter the season.
Each season has pros and cons, this section breaks down the seasons and their activities to help you plan your trip.
Spring in Prague
Springtime in Prague is between March and May. Although some argue March is still too cold to be considered the beginning of spring. Nevertheless, March slowly defrosts in anticipation of the gorgeous cherry blossoms that bloom until April.
You can expect average temperatures for March to sit at an average high of 46°F (8°C) and an average low of 32°F (0°C). There are about five hours of sunlight, and it always rains, no matter the time of year. Some significant events for March include Febiofest and the European Festival of Accordion Orchestras.
Between March and April, you will also find Easter celebrations happening around Prague. The Easter markets sell seasonal delights and create a beautiful sight at the Old Town Square, which makes up part of Prague’s historic center. The whole center is officially a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its gorgeous mix of architecture dating back to the Medieval period.
In April, the weather gets significantly warmer, with an average high temperature of 57°F (14°C) and an average low of 39°F (4°C). One of the biggest events held on the 30th of April is the Burning of Witches festival. This festival is a tradition upheld by the people of Prague to ward off evil and welcome the bounty to come after winter.
May is the warmest month in spring and is enjoyably temperate with eight hours of sunlight and average high and low temperatures of 64°F (18°C) and 46°F (8°C), respectively. This month’s events include the Prague International Marathon, Book World Prague, and the Folk Song Festival.
Summer in Prague
If you’re visiting Prague in the summertime, be prepared to pack your raincoat wherever you go. Even though this is the hottest time in Prague, rain and humidity are always features of the season.
June begins the peak tourist season with average high and low temperatures of 70°F (21°C) and 52°F (11°C), respectively. July and August follow with a marginal increase, both sharing average high and low temperatures of 73°F and 54°F (23°C and 12°C).
From June to August, you’ll find a plethora of activities to do, come rain or shine. Just note that everything will be at its most expensive at this time. Prices for food, curiosities, and even events are hiked up for the mass of tourists visiting Prague in the summer.
Some key events you don’t want to miss in summer include the Prague Writers Festival, the Mystic Skate Cup, and Prague Proms. You can also venture out to the National Museum and the Prague Zoo, as the summer rains don’t affect these landmarks.
Fall in Prague
Fall spans from September to November and is still comfortably warm until November’s temperatures drop dramatically. As one of the shoulder seasons, prices also drop as the peak season of summer ends.
At this time, the price drop applies to accommodation, food, and activities. Landmarks and events are less crowded during fall, making visits to historical landmarks much more accessible.
Prague’s Astronomical Clock is a must-see in the less-packed shoulder season. The clock is the third oldest astronomical clock in the world and chimes every hour on the hour from 9:00 to 23:00.
Other key activities in this season include The Strings of Autumn Festival, Halloween, and the Anniversary of the 1805 Battle of Austerlitz.
The average high and low temperatures for September are 66°F (19°C) and 48°F (9°C). October’s averages lie at 55°F (13°C) and 41°F (5°C), while November’s averages lie at 43°F (6°C) and 33°F (1°C).
Winter in Prague
Winter spans from December to February and is Prague’s off-season. Most visitors focus on December for Christmas-related tourism, but The Ball Season, Prague Winter Festival, and Saint Valentine’s Day are other events in January and February worth visiting.
The average temperatures for December to February have slight variations. The highest temperature for the season is 39°F (4°C), and the lowest is 25°F (-4°C).
Winter starts with the St. Nicholas’s Eve celebrations from the 5th to the 6th of December. You’ll find a person dressed as Santa Claus walking around town, giving children gifts, and drinking beer all day.
He finally ends his appearance at the fireworks at Charles Bridge in the evening. This event is also named ‘Little Christmas’ as the event before the proper celebrations begin near the end of the month.
Following St. Nicholas’s Eve, the Christmas markets open for an entire month, and tourists gather for live classical music, festive treats, mulled wine, and hot chocolate. You can also go ice skating and watch Christmas carols while you’re there.
If you’re a Christmas fanatic, you might enjoy some of Europe’s best Christmas markets.
Activities in Prague: Best Time to Visit
Sometimes the activities you wish to do when visiting a city might be the only factor to consider when planning your trip. Prague has plenty of seasonal events and activities happening year-round.
If there is something specific you’re aiming to see or do, the weather shouldn’t be an issue. However, if you can’t decide which activities suit you, you must see some famous historical landmarks.
Prague Castle
Prague Castle is a castle complex built in the ninth century. It is also the largest ancient castle in the world, occupying 70 000 square meters. The president of the Czech Republic uses the space as his official office today. Historically, however, great kings and royal dynasties have sat at this seat of power for hundreds of years.
The area has countless buildings worth viewing, so you can spend a whole day exploring the castle complex. The most popular sites within the complex include St. George’s Basilica, St. Vicus Cathedral, and the Golden Lane.
While in the area, you can sample food at local eateries, drink beer, and shop at the surrounding stores. Prague Castle is a must-visit when you come to the city.
Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge is another must-visit location in Prague. It was built over the Vltava River in 1357 by King Charles IV after floods destroyed the previous bridge. The bridge was initially named “Stone Bridge” but was renamed Charles Bridge in 1870 and was the only way to cross the Vltava until 1841.
The bridge’s adornment of 30 massive Baroque statues and decorative lamps makes it unique. While these statues have been replaced with replicas, the bridge is still awe-inspiring.
When you visit Charles Bridge, you’ll find street performers, locals, and tourists enjoying the beautiful structure. You can view the bridge at any time of year and day, and the entrance is free. Don’t miss this glorious sight when in Prague.
Best Time to Go to Prague | Final Thoughts
Prague is a beautiful, rainy, culturally rich city with many activities and events to enjoy year-round. The primary considerations for visiting are really up to you. Whatever your budget, preferences, and interests suggest, there will likely be something for you each season.
Now that you know everything, pack your bags confidently and embrace Prague’s stunning landscape.
Last updated on October 2nd, 2023 at 02:28 pm
