October Weather in Prague: What to Expect?
What is the Weather like in October in Prague?
In October, Prague feels truly magical. Nature begins to prepare for winter, and the trees turn vibrant shades of red, yellow, and brown. The low evening sun bathes the city in a golden glow. In the mornings, you might catch a beautiful mist lingering over the Vltava River, creating a truly stunning scene. By this time, the tourist crowds have thinned out, making it a great time to explore the city without the usual hustle. The weather is still pleasant, though it’s starting to cool down. You can expect daytime temperatures around 61 °F (16 °C), dropping to about 55 °F (13 °C) by the end of the month.
At the start of October, you’ll likely still enjoy a decent amount of sunshine, with around six hours of daylight on average. However, as the month goes on, the days shorten, and cloud cover increases, so you’ll see about 3-4 hours of sunshine later in the month. Rainfall also picks up a bit compared to September.
My tip: The vibrant colors of the autumn sun on the horizon give the city’s historic buildings a golden glow, and as evening falls, Prague comes alive with the warm lights of street lamps and shimmering reflections from the river.
Temperatures
October in Prague tends to have fairly consistent temperatures, with daytime highs around 61 °F (16 °C). The exception is the very beginning of the month, which can be a few degrees warmer. This brief return of warmer days is often referred to as “Babí léto,” or Indian summer. Typically, this pleasant warm spell occurs between September 21st and October 3rd. By the end of October, temperatures drop slightly, but they still hover around 55 °F (13 °C).
By this time, the weather calls for warmer fall clothing to ensure you can enjoy your walks in comfort and warmth. You’ll likely need to layer up with some extra clothing, and a fall jacket or coat will come in handy. If you tend to feel the cold more easily, you might even want to consider wearing thermal clothes.
Average Temperature in October in Prague (°C)
Average Temperature in October in Prague (°F)
Average Temperature by months in Prague (°C)
Average Temperature by months in Prague (°F)
Rainy Days
You can expect about 11 rainy days throughout the month. However, the rain usually comes in short bursts and doesn’t last all day. On average, October sees around 1.43 inches (36 mm) of rainfall. It’s often cloudy, even when it’s not raining. It’s a good idea to bring a fall jacket or coat, and if you’re planning to explore the city during a rainy spell, an umbrella or raincoat will definitely come in handy.
To avoid getting caught in a sudden downpour, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the weather with apps like Windy or Meteoradar. These tools will help you adjust your plans and move outdoor activities indoors if needed.
Sunset, Sunrise and Shining Hours
Throughout October, the days steadily get shorter. At the start of the month, daylight lasts about 11 hours and 30 minutes, with the sun rising at 7:00 AM and setting at 6:30 PM. By the end of October, the day has shrunk to just 9 hours and 50 minutes, with sunrise at 6:50 AM and sunset at 4:40 PM. That’s not a lot of daylight, and with the added cloud cover, it can feel even shorter.
On the last weekend of October, the clocks switch from daylight saving time to standard time. On the final Saturday, the clocks are set back from 3:00 AM to 2:00 AM, giving you an extra hour of sleep. This shift also means the sun will rise and set an hour earlier than before.
With the end of daylight saving time at the end of October, the sun sets an hour earlier – around 4:40 PM. This shortens the time available for sightseeing and walking around the city in daylight. However, Prague is just as magical after sunset, when the street lamps and city lights illuminate the historic streets, giving the city a completely different, yet enchanting, atmosphere.
Sunset and Sunrise throughout the Year
You can observe how sunrise and sunset times change throughout the year. The noticeable jumps in April and October 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 October?
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 Czechoslovak Independence Day on October 28th
Czechoslovakia was founded in 1918, following World War I, with Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk as one of its key figures. The Czech government takes great pride in celebrating this day, offering special exhibitions, events, and reduced admission fees at museums to mark the occasion. While most Prague locals are aware of the holiday, they don’t typically celebrate it in a big way. Instead, many use the day off to extend their weekend and head out of the city. However, there’s still a fondness for the era of the First Republic, as we call it.
A quick note – Czechoslovakia no longer exists. On January 1st, 1993, the Czech Republic and Slovakia peacefully separated, becoming two independent nations.
Celebrate Halloween and “Dušičky” in Prague
Halloween, on October 31th, has become especially popular with families and children in recent years. Older generations, however, tend to observe the traditional Czech holiday of remembrance, known as “Dušičky” (All Souls’ Day), on November 2nd. The two holidays are similar only in that they both honor the dead. Halloween is celebrated with modest decorations (nowhere near as extravagant as in the U.S.), pumpkin carving, and the like. Throughout Prague, businesses embrace the season, adorning their spaces with orange decor, pumpkins, and seasonal market displays. Restaurants and cafes often add pumpkin-themed items to their menus, such as pumpkin lattes or pumpkin soups.
Dušičky, on the other hand, is a more solemn tradition. It’s a time when older generations visit cemeteries to light candles for loved ones and reflect on those they miss. All cemeteries in Prague are open to the public, except for the Jewish cemeteries in Josefov. If you enjoy a quiet, reflective stroll, the weekend around Dušičky is a wonderful time for it. Graves and tombs are typically well-maintained, adorned with fresh flowers, wreaths, and candles, which create a somber yet unique atmosphere. It’s also a great opportunity to visit the resting places of notable historical figures.
Events to Visit in Prague in October
What events are happening in Prague and the surrounding areas in October?
Enjoy International Design at Designblok
Designblok is the largest festival of Czech and international design, showcasing a wide array of exhibitions and design events. This major design event takes place at four locations across Prague, including Prague Castle. It usually runs from Wednesday to Sunday at the beginning of October, offering a perfect mix of creativity and inspiration for design lovers.
Horse Races in Velká Chuchle and Velká Pardubická
If you’re a fan of horse racing or steeplechase, take a short trip just outside Prague to the racecourse in Velká Chuchle. Here, you can enjoy a day filled with thrilling horse races, including the prestigious President of the Republic’s Prize. It’s a chance to experience the Czech version of the iconic Aintree races in Liverpool, with opportunities to place bets on your favorite horses.
For an even grander spectacle, head to Pardubice, about an hour by train from Prague, for the famous Velká Pardubická, the most iconic horse race in the Czech Republic.
Be Captivated by Light Installations at Signal Festival
Signal Festival is a weekend celebration of light art and creativity that transforms Prague’s buildings with mesmerizing video mapping. It’s a cozy weekend event where you stroll around the city with a warm drink, chat with friends or family, and enjoy world-class light projections on landmarks like Prague Castle, Klementinum, and the Clam-Gallas Palace. It’s a magical experience and highly recommended.
Try the Best Coffee at Prague Coffee Festival
Held in the Holešovice Market, this weekend-long celebration of coffee is a must-visit for coffee enthusiasts. Though it’s a bit outside the city center, if you’re a coffee lover, it’s worth the trip to enjoy tastings, workshops, and plenty of great brews.
Check Out Unique Cars at Prague Car Festival
With over 1,100 cars on display – including sports cars, vintage models, custom builds, and the latest automotive innovations – Prague Car Festival is a petrolhead’s dream. The event takes place at the Letňany Exhibition Grounds, a bit far from the city center, but easily accessible by metro. It’s packed with exciting programs and exhibits for car enthusiasts.
Holidays and Vacations in October
A significant public holiday in October is:
Czechoslovak Independence Day on October 28th
This is a significant public holiday in the Czech Republic, marked by a day off from work. Most stores are closed due to a law requiring businesses with more than 200 square meters of sales space, including shopping malls, to shut down. As a result, you’ll only be able to shop at gas stations, small convenience stores, or use delivery services like Rohlik.cz.
The state celebrates this day by promoting awareness of Czech and Czechoslovak history, often with special events and exhibitions. Many museums remain open on this holiday, and entry is often free, which makes them extremely popular. Be prepared for long lines, especially in the morning before opening, as Czech museums typically do not offer fast track tickets. It’s important to stay in line and be patient, as skipping ahead isn’t tolerated.
Prague locals tend to use the holiday either to visit museums for free or to take a short trip outside the city for a quiet break.