November Weather in Prague: What to Expect?
What is the Weather like in November in Prague?
November is the off-season, so Prague is relatively empty with very few tourists, however, public transportation remains crowded because the cold weather is setting in.
Autumn is in full swing, with trees losing their leaves and the first snow starting to fall. November in Prague has its own charm, though the weather can make it hard to fully appreciate. The city offers slow, gloomy mornings with a stunning, mystical fog hanging over the river, giving you a sense of mystery about what the day will bring. It’s the perfect time to capture Prague in a noir style – black and white tones, blurred silhouettes of buildings in the mist, and the river adding a melancholic, emo, and noir aesthetic all at once.
Then the first rays of sunlight break through the fog, and the city begins to come alive. Particularly when looking at the Vyšehrad Railway Bridge with the fog over the river and Prague Castle in the background, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into an industrial, sci-fi, or even slightly steampunk dream. By late morning, the city shifts back into its typical year-round rhythm, but those cold autumn mornings are truly one-of-a-kind.
November is also the month when average daily temperatures drop the fastest. Early in the month, you can still enjoy a pleasant 12°C (53°F), but by mid-November, temperatures hover around 10°C (50°F), and by the end of the month, it’s cold, with averages around 5°C (41°F). At night, it’s often just 1°C (34°F). The second half of November usually brings the first snow, though it’s often just a light dusting that melts by midday.
My tip: Head into the city around 7:00 AM and watch from spots like Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, or Petřín Hill as the first rays of sunlight pierce through the mist over the Vltava River.
Temperatures
Early November is still a beautiful autumn month with temperatures around 12°C (53°F), but these drop quickly throughout the month to an average of 5°C (41°F) by the end. At night, it gets even colder – early November nights are around 7°C (44°F), dropping to 1°C (34°F) by the end of the month. You can expect chilly mornings that improve slightly during the day but often stay near freezing.
It’s a good idea to layer your clothing, wear warm socks, sturdy shoes, sweaters, and winter jackets or coats. By late November, winter hats, scarves, gloves, thermal underwear, and anything else to keep you warm on your Prague walks will be handy. The wind along the Vltava River can be quite cold, especially when walking along the waterfront or across the bridges, so be prepared for that. A thermos or insulated travel mug with a warm drink could be a lifesaver too.
Average Temperature in November in Prague (°C)
Average Temperature in November in Prague (°F)
Average Temperature by months in Prague (°C)
Average Temperature by months in Prague (°F)
Rainy Days
You can expect around 10 rainy days in November, though these are mostly light showers – full days of rain are rare in Prague during this month. The total rainfall for November is about 23 mm (0.9 inches). Most days will have overcast skies, with clear or partly cloudy weather averaging only about two hours a day, so plan your outdoor activities wisely if you need to catch some sunshine.
In the second half of November, the first snowfalls usually occur. It typically falls at night, leaving just a light dusting that melts by midday.
To help plan your day and avoid rain or showers, check the current weather using apps like Windy or Meteoradar. If you’re visiting in the latter half of November, I recommend packing shoes with non-slip soles. Prague’s sidewalks are made of cobblestones, which become slippery when temperatures drop below 4°C (39°F), increasing the risk of slipping if your shoes have smooth soles.
Sunset, Sunrise and Shining Hours
As I’ve mentioned, in November you’ll only see the sun for about two hours per day on average. This is partly because the days are getting shorter and it’s often cloudy or overcast. At the beginning of November, the sun rises at 6:50 AM and sets at 4:40 PM, giving you about 9 hours and 45 minutes of daylight. By the end of the month, the days are even shorter – just 8 hours and 25 minutes of daylight, with sunrise at 7:40 AM and sunset at 4:00 PM.
Sunset and Sunrise throughout the Year
You can observe how sunrise and sunset times change throughout the year. The noticeable jumps in April and November mark the days when daylight saving time begins and ends.
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 November?
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 fully immerse yourself in Prague’s vibrant social and cultural evening life:
Celebrate Saint Martin’s Day at the St. Martin’s Festivities with Wine Tastings
During the weekend around Saint Martin’s Day (November 11th), St. Martin’s markets pop up in Prague’s squares. You can find these markets at spots like Náplavka, Jiřího z Poděbrad Square, Letná, and more. Here, you can taste traditional Czech foods like goose and duck dishes, pâtés, pastries, smoked meats, roast ham, and St. Martin’s wines. These wines are the first young wines of the season – light, fresh, and aromatic.
The Saint Martin’s festivities are beloved by locals, and Czechs enjoy celebrating them. Give it a try and experience this charming tradition for yourself.
Enjoy a Festive Saint Martin’s Menu with Roast Goose and Wine
The celebrations aren’t just limited to the squares; many restaurants across the city offer special St. Martin’s menus featuring festive feasts of roasted goose or duck. A typical menu starts with a creamy kaldoun soup, followed by a slow-roasted St. Martin’s goose served with red and white cabbage and a variety of dumplings and sides.
In many of the most popular restaurants, it’s needed to reserve a table in advance. This event is very special to us, and it’s common for families and close friends to gather for a celebratory lunch, often marking the first snowfall, which frequently arrives around Saint Martin’s Day. It’s a very significant social event.
Commemorate the Velvet Revolution and the End of Communism in the Czech Republic
On November 17th, we honor one of the most important dates in modern Czech history. On this day in 1989, the Velvet Revolution began. On the very first day, police brutally attacked protesting students with batons on Národní Street. The protests against communism grew until, on December 29, 1989, the Communist Party resigned and handed power to the Czech people.
Each year, many politicians and ordinary citizens come to lay flowers, wreaths, or light candles on Národní Street in remembrance. For most Czechs, this is a deeply patriotic holiday.
Experience Traditional Christmas Markets During Advent
Christmas in Prague kicks off with the first Sunday of Advent, which falls four weeks before Christmas Eve (December 24th). This is also when the city’s Christmas markets open. By this time, Prague is already adorned with festive decorations, and the markets add even more charm to the major squares. Each market has numerous stalls offering both Christmas treats and traditional Czech dishes, along with mulled wine and other seasonal drinks. To complete the Christmas spirit, the markets are centered around a beautifully lit Christmas tree, a wooden nativity scene, and, at some, a pen with sheep and a donkey. Larger markets often feature live music, from carolers to folk and popular bands, as well as performances of Christmas stories.
It’s a magical time to embrace the peace and joy of the season, and if it snows in Prague, it becomes the most enchanting period of the year.
Watch the Lighting of the Christmas Tree in Old Town Square
The lighting of the Christmas tree in Old Town Square is a major Christmas event that attracts tens of thousands of locals and tourists. To accommodate everyone, the tree is lit multiple times throughout the day, in 30-minute intervals. The ceremony begins with a countdown that everyone participates in, followed by a brief moment of silence before the tree lights up to the sound of traditional Czech Christmas carols or festive songs. The whole experience lasts about one to two minutes and is a beautiful moment to share with the entire square.
Events to Visit in Prague in November
What events are happening in Prague and the surrounding areas in November?
Prague Sound festival
A top-tier international music festival that focuses on modern classical music, jazz, hip-hop, and electronic music. If you’re a fan of modern classical sounds, you’ll love this gem of Prague’s music scene. The festival is a series of concerts running throughout November, offering a rich and diverse musical experience for enthusiasts of contemporary genres.
Holidays and Vacations in November
A significant public holiday in November is:
Velvet Revolution Commemoration
On November 17th, the Czech Republic commemorates the beginning of the fall of communism in Czechoslovakia and remembers how the communist State Security forces attempted to violently suppress the first student uprising on Národní Street. Their efforts failed, leading to the liberation of Czechoslovakia from communism and much of Soviet influence.
While November 17th is a public holiday, with many employees off work, shops generally remain open. If the holiday falls on a weekday, many people extend their weekend by traveling outside of Prague, making the city feel less crowded. However, Národní Street – the symbolic heart of this historic event – will likely be packed with people, politicians, and public figures commemorating the events of 1989. Demonstrations and marches may also be organized on this day, so some parts of the city could be crowded or temporarily inaccessible.