March Weather in Prague: What to Expect?
What is the Weather like in March in Prague?
March is the first month of spring, but the weather truly starts feeling springlike in the last third of the month, closer to the astronomical beginning of spring on March 21st. In early March, it’s still common to experience cold temperatures and even frost. Occasionally, you might see snow falling, but it usually doesn’t stick around for long, melting away quickly. Temperatures at the start of March range between 1 and 11°C (34 – 52°F), but in the second half of the month, they begin to rise to around 3 to 14°C (37 – 57°F). Frost typically doesn’t return after this point, although it might make a brief appearance on rare days. By now, you can swap your winter coats and boots for lighter spring attire, though it’s still wise to dress warmly and layer your clothes.
As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, nature begins to awaken from its winter slumber. The grass starts to grow and turn green again, and the first spring flowers, like crocuses and snowdrops, begin to bloom. However, most deciduous trees are still bare.
March also brings the switch to daylight saving time, but more on that later. I’ll write about it later.
My tip: The main themes of Prague in March are the early signs of spring and the preparations for Easter.
Temperatures
In March, winter in Prague comes to an end, with freezing temperatures fading away and gradually rising from 1 to 11°C (34 – 52°F) at the beginning of the month to 3 to 14°C (37 – 57°F) by the end of it.
If you’re planning to explore Prague by foot, it’s better to choose the end of March, when the weather is warmer and there’s more daylight. I particularly enjoy the weather in the second half of March because the plants and trees in Prague are starting to bloom, the cold of February is gone, there’s not much rain, and the increased daylight offers plenty of opportunities to explore and enjoy the city.
Average Temperature in March in Prague (°C)
Average Temperature in March in Prague (°F)
Average Temperature by months in Prague (°C)
Average Temperature by months in Prague (°F)
Snowy and Rainy Days
March isn’t particularly rainy in Prague; you can expect rain on about 10 days throughout the month, totaling only around 23.5 mm (0.98 inches) of precipitation. It’s a good idea to bring an umbrella, but you might find that after checking a weather app with radar in the morning, you’ll likely leave it in your hotel room.
There’s still a chance of some snow, but it usually melts as soon as it touches the ground or lingers as a light dusting for a few hours since temperatures are generally above freezing by this time.
Sunset, Sunrise and Shining Hours
March 21st marks the official end of winter and the beginning of astronomical spring. This day is also the Spring Equinox Day, when daylight and darkness are evenly split, with the sun shining for 12 hours and night lasting for 12 hours.
The last weekend of March brings the switch from standard time to Daylight Saving Time. On the final Sunday of March, clocks move forward from 2:00 AM (02:00) to 3:00 AM (03:00). This means that on Saturday, sunrise is around 5:50 AM (05:50) and sunset at 6:30 PM (18:30). After the time change, when you wake up on Sunday, sunrise will be at 6:50 AM (06:50), and sunset will be extended to 7:30 PM (19:30). Be ready for this change so it doesn’t surprise you! Personally, I prefer daylight saving time because it gives us longer evenings, but it might not suit everyone.
Sunset and Sunrise throughout the Year
Our Weather Data Research
We conducted our own research using data from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, which measures temperature, precipitation, and other weather-related data at several locations in Prague and Czech republic. Our focus is on weather conditions in the city center, as this is where most tourists spend their time. Weather data from other areas might distort the forecast and statistics relevant to tourists.
We also found that climate change has altered Prague’s weather patterns in recent years. If we relied on the historical statistical data used by other websites and even Google, we would be looking at averages spanning the past 30 or even 100 years. This would significantly distort the current weather situation in Prague over the last 11 years.
Therefore, after careful consideration and study, we base our data on measurements from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, specifically from the Prague Klementinum meteorological station. This station is located just a few meters from the Charles Bridge, right in the heart of the city, providing the most relevant data for tourists. Our statistics cover the past 11 years, offering a sufficiently large sample size considering global climate changes. This gives a reliable statistical overview of the weather you can expect in Prague today.
Things to Do in Prague in March?
By March, the weather is noticeably warmer with more sunlight, allowing you to spend much more time outdoors. While there might be some rain – about 10 days of rainfall on average – it’s usually quite light.
Be sure to pack comfortable shoes, though. The entire city center of Prague is paved with cobblestones, which aren’t ideal for high heels.
Besides the usual must-see attractions like the Old Town Square with its Astronomical Clock, Wenceslas Square with the statue of Saint Wenceslas, Prague Castle with St. Vitus Cathedral, Charles Bridge, the National Museum, and the National Theater, you can also experience the following in Prague during March:
Easter Markets
The Easter markets in Prague typically begin about four weeks before Easter. Easter is a moveable feast, meaning its date isn’t fixed in the calendar. It falls on the Sunday following the first full moon of spring. If the first spring full moon falls on a Sunday, Easter is celebrated the following Sunday. This usually means the markets start around mid-March and end a few days after Easter Monday.
The Easter is one of the most important holidays for Christians, and the Easter markets in Prague are a small celebration of this holiday in the city. You’ll find markets on most of the main squares, with stalls showcasing traditional crafts, customs, and traditions, all creating a peaceful and happy holiday atmosphere. I highly recommend trying the typical Easter foods at the markets such as mazanec (a sweet bread), vánočka (a braided bread), beránek (a lamb-shaped cake), as well as roasted ham, sausages, and cheeses. You can also find and purchase items closely associated with Easter, like pomlázka (a traditional Czech whip made from willow branches), painted Easter eggs, wooden toys, and decorations.
As you wander through Prague, you can stop at the markets for a warm alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink (like punch or mulled wine) before continuing your exploration of the city.
At the markets, you’ll experience a friendly and cheerful atmosphere, full of peace and relaxation. Be sure not to miss them, because they’re a must on your list of things to do in Prague.
Additionally, most Czechs in Prague are atheists, so they often use these holidays as extra vacation time and usually travel to the countryside or mountains. As a result, Prague is much less crowded with locals during this period.
St. Patrick’s Day
March 17th is a special day for all the Irish in Prague, but it’s a celebration for anyone who loves the color green, Ireland, and beer! There are a few Irish pubs in Prague that host special events on this day – at the very least, you can expect green beer, traditional Irish music, Irish food, and plenty of beer, especially Guinness. It’s a lively and fun way to join in the St. Patrick’s Day festivities, even if you’re far from Ireland.
Early Spring Flowers Exhibitions
As the flowers begin to bloom, the botanical gardens in Prague start opening their outdoor spaces, allowing you to stroll through beautiful gardens that are slowly waking up after winter, revealing the first stunning blossoms. If you’re looking for gorgeous plant photos for your Instagram, I highly recommend a visit to the Botanical Garden in Troja. It’s the perfect spot to capture the vibrant colors and natural beauty of early spring.
Bohemian Carnival / Masopust
This event takes place on the weekend at the end of February or early March, 40 days before Easter. It is an outdoor festival filled with stalls selling food and traditional products made from pork. The carnival is often accompanied by artistic and musical programs that reflect old Christian customs and the preparation for Lent before Easter. You’ll often see horses, children’s activities, and have the chance to try traditional Czech pig-slaughter dishes.
Events to Visit in Prague in March
In March, St. Matthew’s Funfair (Matějská pouť) continues in Prague – an outdoor amusement park with carousels and rollercoasters that began in February. As spring approaches, more and more farmers’ markets start popping up across the city on Saturdays. Among cultural events, the Febiofest film festival is a highlight, along with various classical music concerts that are also an important part of the cultural scene in Prague during this time.
Holidays and Vacations in March
In March, there are no public holidays or days off in Prague.