What Is the Best Time to Visit Prague?

Prague is beautiful in every season. When you visit depends on your priorities and what you want to experience. Consider the weather and season that best fits your plans, and let your personal preferences guide your timing. Do you prefer a specific season? What kind of weather and temperatures do you like? Do you enjoy a quieter city, or do you thrive in a bustling, lively atmosphere?

When is the Best Time to Visit Prague?

I absolutely love three seasons in Prague:

  1. In July, Prague experiences warm weather with temperatures averaging 28°C (82°F). The stunning blue skies and sunshine make the city look picturesque, like an Instagram photo. I can wander around in light clothing, enjoy lunch on restaurant patios, paddle swan boats on the Vltava River, and savor warm evenings with a cocktail in hand.
  2. May and September are my second favorite times. The weather is milder, around 18°C (64°F), making it comfortable for walking. There are fewer tourists, so you can find good accommodation and spend less time in queues.
  3. Prague is magical during Christmas. If it snows, you’ll experience the city at its most beautiful. The Christmas markets with mulled wine, decorated trees, carols, and the lovely snow create an enchanting atmosphere.
prague seasons when to visit
Collage for illustration

Prague Travel Seasons

High Season

The high tourist season is in June, July, and August. In my opinion, it’s one of the best times to visit Prague, although not everyone thinks so. Temperatures range from 16 to 28°C (60 to 82°F), occasionally exceeding 30°C (86°F), and very rarely reaching 35°C (85°F).

I love this kind of weather because I can wear light dresses and enjoy warm evenings and nights outdoors with glass of wine by the riverside, a drink at a rooftop bar, or on an open-air concert. On the other side, Prague is more expensive during this time – especially for accommodation and the main landmarks are crowded. You’ll likely have others in your photos and have to wait in queues a bit longer.

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Summer in Prague

December is another high season, particularly during Advent and Christmas. Prague boasts beautiful Christmas markets with nativity scenes featuring live animals, decorated Christmas trees and stalls with Christmas decorations, souvenirs and typical Czech food and drinks like mulled wine, sweet pancakes and roasted Prague ham. The biggest and most amazing market is on Old Town Square.

This is a period you’ll want to experience for two, or three days. After that, the magic usually wears off, and you’ll start to feel the reality of early sunsets and temperatures around 0°C (32°F). If you’re lucky and it snows during your visit, you’ll enjoy the most enchanting time possible. However, in the past 30 years, it has snowed on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day only five times, the last being in 2010.

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Christmas in Prague

Shoulder Season

May and September are recommended as the best times to visit Prague. These months were once less crowded and cheaper, but Prague’s popularity has changed that. Now, they are mini high seasons, busy with tourists but without the intense heat.

Nowadays, the real shoulder season months are late April or early October. If you’re looking for minimal crowds and a more affordable visit, I recommend this time. The weather is typically around 10°C (50°F).

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Shoulder season in Prague

Off Season / Low Season

The rest of the year is the off-season. Prague sees fewer tourists, but weekends can be busy.

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Early Winter in Prague

Prague’s Weather Seasons

Prague, located in the heart of Europe, enjoys a temperate climate with relatively mild weather, featuring winters in January and summers in July. The weather in Prague is generally calm and balanced, with rain occurring on average one day out of three. Severe storms and heavy rainfall are rare, happening about three times a year. You don’t have to worry about extreme weather phenomena like tornadoes, hurricanes, typhoons, monsoons, sandstorms, or tsunamis in Prague, as these do not occur here.

Average winter temperatures range between -2.9 to 11.3 °C (27 and 52 °F), but they can occasionally drop below -20 °C (-4 °F ). It is very rare for temperatures to fall below -10°C (14°F). Snow is not common in Prague, and when it does snow, it typically lasts only a few days before melting quickly.

Summers in Prague are beautiful, with average temperatures between 15.7 to 28.2 °C (60 and 83 °F). There are usually a few days when temperatures exceed 30 °C (86 °F), and very rarely, they can rise above 35 °C (95 °F) for a few days.

Spring in Prague

From March to May, Prague experiences spring, which officially begins on March 20th with the vernal equinox. During this time, temperatures rise from 5 to 20 °C (41 to 68 °F) as winter fades away. The daylight hours lengthen, and after the clock change at the end of March, the sun sets around 21:30 (7:30 PM), making the days feel longer. Early spring can still bring cold winds, but by the end of spring, the weather is usually pleasantly warm. Rainfall is relatively low, with about 10 rainy days per month.

At the beginning of spring, Prague isn’t very crowded with tourists, but as the season progresses, and given that many people recommend visiting Prague during the off-season, the city sees a significant increase in tourists by late spring. It is a bit similar to the summer months. Nature begins to bloom, and the gardens around the Prague Castle become filled with fragrant, beautiful flowers, such as magnolias, creating a picturesque scene.

Tips: Detailed Weather Report in March, Detailed Weather Report in April, Detailed Weather Report in May

Summer in Prague

From June to August, Prague enjoys summer. The summer officially begins on June 20th with the summer solstice, which is also the longest day of the year, with 16 hours and 22 minutes of daylight, from 4:52 to 21:14 (4:52 AM to 9:14 PM). Average summer temperatures range from 16 to 28°C (60 to 82°F). July typically brings the most stable summer weather with higher temperatures. The sun sets as late as 21:00 (9:00 PM), making for very long days.

In the Czech Republic, temperatures rarely exceed 35°C (95°F). There is no tradition of an afternoon siesta during the summer, so the city, shops, and restaurants remain open throughout the afternoon. The warm evenings are perfect for spending time outdoors, such as attending music festivals or concerts. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so you can expect crowds at major attractions and higher prices than during the off-season. There are 11 rainy days per month on average during the summer.

Tips: Detailed Weather Report in June, Detailed Weather Report in July, Detailed Weather Report in August

Autumn in Prague

From September to November, Prague experiences autumn. Early September still feels like summer, although temperatures start to drop quickly. By the end of September, there’s usually a warm week known as “Indian summer,” with temperatures around 20°C (68°F). However, temperatures rapidly fall towards November’s frosts. By late September, the leaves on the trees turn orange, red, and brown, and by mid-November, they have mostly fallen. This transformation gives Prague a beautiful array of colors, changing its usual appearance significantly. It rains typically about 10 days per month during this period.

In November, the first snow usually appears in the mountains, but snow in Prague during November is rare. Tourist numbers start to decline from October. September remains a busy tourist month because many websites and Instagram influencers recommend it as the best time to visit Prague. The days get shorter, and by the end of October, the clock changes, and the sun sets before 17:00 (5:00 PM), making the days feel quite short.

Tips: Detailed Weather Report in September, Detailed Weather Report in October, Detailed Weather Report in November

Winter in Prague

From December to February, Prague experiences winter. It officially begins with the winter solstice on December 21st, the shortest day of the year, with only 8 hours of daylight. Average temperatures range from -3 to 11°C (27 to 52°F). Snow is not common in Prague, but when it does snow, the city becomes breathtakingly beautiful, making it a must-see. Temporary ice rinks are often set up at major shopping centers and some Prague squares for those who want to skate.

On the downside, when the snow starts to melt and turns to slush, Prague can be less picturesque, but this typically only lasts a day or two. Winter is a quieter time for tourist attractions, as people are busy shopping before Christmas and then prefer to stay indoors, using public transport and cars to avoid the cold. By late February, temperatures begin to rise, the first plants start to grow, and some trees begin to leaf out, signaling the approach of spring.

Tips: Detailed Weather Report in December, Detailed Weather Report in January, Detailed Weather Report in February

Average Temperature and Precipitation in Prague

Based on data from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, I conducted an analysis of the weather in Prague over the past 11 years. I chose this 11-year period because it provides a sufficiently long timeframe for a statistical sample and reflects the current climate change trends, which have resulted in higher temperatures in Prague in recent years. A 30-year or longer average would be entirely irrelevant to the temperatures we’ve been experiencing in Prague in recent years.

Average temperature, precipitation and count of rainy days in Prague by month

MonthAverage temperature (°C)Average rain precipitation (mm)Average temperature (°F)Average rain precipitation (inches)Rainy days
January-2.9 to 9.6°C13.8 mm27 to 49°F0.54 inches12
February-1.4 to 9.9°C14.4 mm29 to 50°F0.57 inches9
March1.8 to 14.1°C23.5 mm35 to 57°F0.93 inches10
April4.3 to 17.6°C24.8 mm40 to 64°F0.98 inches10
May9.6 to 22.6°C56 mm49 to 73°F2.2 inches11
June15.7 to 27.7°C77.4 mm60 to 82°F3.05 inches11
July16.8 to 28.2°C56.4 mm62 to 83°F2.22 inches11
August16.2 to 27.6°C76.1 mm61 to 82°F3 inches12
September11.7 to 22.6°C30.8 mm53 to 73°F1.21 inches10
October6.6 to 17.6°C36.4 mm44 to 64°F1.43 inches11
November1.5 to 12.7°C22.8 mm35 to 55°F0.9 inches10
December-1.7 to 11.3°C18.9 mm29 to 52°F0.74 inches11
Average temperature, precipitation and rainy days count in Prague ; Dated 2024; Source: CHMI

Monthly temperature ranges in Prague Celsius

Monthly temperature ranges in Prague Celsius

Monthly temperature ranges in Prague Fahrenheit

Monthly temperature ranges in Prague Fahrenheit

Average monthly precipitation in Prague in milimeters

Average monthly precipitation in Prague in milimeters

Average monthly precipitation in Prague in inches

Average monthly precipitation in Prague in inches

Average monthly number of rainy days in Prague

Average monthly number of rainy days in Prague

Sunset and sunrise times in Prague

Sunset and sunrise times in Prague

Most Important Events in Prague

Tourists also visit Prague for its important events, festivals, and holidays. Here are some key events:

Prague in January

  • New Year’s Day / Nový rok – January 1st
  • Three Kings Day / Tři králové – night of January 5th to 6th
  • Jan Palach Day / Den upálení Jana Palacha – January 19th

Tip: Detailed Guide: What to Do in Prague in January

Prague in February

  • St. Valentine’s Day / Den svatého Valentýna – February 14th
  • St Matthew’s Funfair / Matějská pouť – Begins the last weekend in February
  • Ball season / Plesová sezóna – Begins in February
  • Farmers’ Markets / Farmářské trhy – Start in February
  • Bohemian Carnival / Masopust – Takes place on the weekend at the end of February or early March, 40 days before Easter

Tip: Detailed Guide: What to Do in Prague in February

Prague in March

  • St. Patrick’s Day / Den svatého Patrika – March 17th
  • St. Joseph’s Day / Svátek Svatého Josefa – March 19th
  • Easter Markets / Velikonoční trhy – Start at the end of March, a few weeks before Easter
  • Film Festival One World / Jeden svět – Starts at the end of March

Tip: Detailed Guide: What to Do in Prague in March

Prague in April

  • Easter / Velikonoce – Usually in April, but it’s a movable feast and can sometimes start in March
  • Prague BeerFest – Typically held in mid-April
  • Cherry Blossom Viewing on Petřín – Depends on when the cherry blossoms bloom, usually late April
  • Febiofest – Starts at the end of April
  • Burning the Witches / Pálení čarodějnic – April 30th

Tip: Detailed Guide: What to Do in Prague in April

Prague in May

  • Labor Day / První Máj – May 1st
  • United Islands – Begins in early May
  • Prague International Marathon / Pražský maraton – First weekend in May
  • Victory Day / Den vítězství – May 8th
  • Prague Spring / Pražské jaro – Starts in mid-May
  • Open House Praha – Usually in mid-May
  • Mezi Ploty – Late May
  • Khamoro Gypsy Festival – Late May

Tip: Detailed Guide: What to Do in Prague in May

Prague in June

  • Tanec Praha Festival – Starts in early June
  • The Night of Churches / Noc kostelů – Early June
  • Open Gardens Prague / Otevřené zahrady Praha – Early June
  • Night of Museums Prague / Festival Muzejních Nocí – Mid-June
  • Mini-Brewery Festival at the Prague Castle – Mid-June
  • Metronome Festival – Mid-June
  • Respect Festival – Mid-June
  • Prague Ice Cream Festival – Mid-June
  • Prague Proms – Late June
  • The Summer Shakespeare Festival / Letní Shakespearovské Slavnosti Praha – Starts in late June

Tip: Detailed Guide: What to Do in Prague in June

Prague in July

  • Saints Cyril and Methodius Day / Den svatého Cyrila a Metoděje – July 5th
  • Jan Hus Day / Den upálení mistra Jana Husa – July 6th
  • Bohemia Jazz Fest – Early July
  • Prague Folklore Days – Mid-July
  • The Summer Shakespeare Festival / Letní Shakespearovské Slavnosti Praha – All of July (in czech mostly)

Tip: Detailed Guide: What to Do in Prague in July

Prague in August

  • Prague Pride – Early August
  • Letná Summer Festival / Letní Letná – Starts in mid-August
  • The Summer Shakespeare Festival / Letní Shakespearovské Slavnosti Praha – All of July (in czech mostly)

Tip: Detailed Guide: What to Do in Prague in August

Prague in September

  • Dvořák Prague International Music Festival / Dvořákova Praha – Starts in early September
  • Prague Proms – Mid-September
  • Prague Wine Festival / Vinobraní – Mid-September
  • St. Wenceslav Day / Day of Czech Statehood – September 28th
  • Prague Fashion Week – September

Tip: Detailed Guide: What to Do in Prague in September

Prague in October

  • Designblok – Early October
  • Signal Light Festival – Mid-October
  • Prague Coffee Festival – Mid-October
  • Czech Founding Day / Vznik Československa – October 28th
  • Halloween – October 31st / All Souls’ Day / Dušičky – November 2nd

Tip: Detailed Guide: What to Do in Prague in October

Prague in November

  • Saint Martin’s Day / Den Svatého Martina – November 11th
  • Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day / Den boje za svobodu a demokracii – November 17th
  • Advent and Christmas Markets / Vánoční trhy – November 30th
  • Lighting of the Christmas Tree / Rozsvícení Vánočního stromečku – November 30th

Tip: Detailed Guide: What to Do in Prague in November

Prague in December

  • Advent and Christmas Markets / Vánoční trhy – From early December
  • St. Nicholas Eve / Mikuláš – December 5th
  • Christmas Eve / Štědrý den – December 24th
  • Christmas Day / Boží hod Vánoční – December 25th
  • New Year’s Eve / Silvestr – December 31st

Tip: Detailed Guide: What to Do in Prague in December