September Weather in Prague: What to Expect?
What is the Weather like in September in Prague?
September marks the beginning of fall, which officially starts on September 22nd with the Autumn equinox day. In the first half of the September, summer still lingers. The weather remains pleasantly warm, with temperatures around 22 °C (71 °F), but since the sun sets earlier, the temperature drops in the evening, especially in the shade. It’s no longer warm enough for just a light t-shirt and shorts or a summer dress in the evenings. By the second half of September, temperatures average around 19 °C (66 °F). The air starts to feel a bit cooler, with more cloudy days and occasional showers. Overall, there’s not much rainfall – only about 31 mm (1.2 inches) – but it rains at least part of the day on about 10 days during the month. By the end of September, the first trees, like birches, begin to show hints of yellow, and stronger winds may even bring down a few leaves.
The first half of September is still a lovely time to visit Prague, as it’s part of the shoulder season. In the evenings, Prague is bathed in a beautiful golden hue thanks to the low-lying sun. This creates stunning photo opportunities, and it’s something you’ll truly appreciate while sitting at an outdoor café or enjoying one of the city’s many scenic viewpoints. Watching the rooftops, including the golden roof of the National Theatre, take on this golden glow is especially enchanting. The golden reflections on the Vltava River and the sky’s warm tones make it a magical experience. I absolutely love this time of year.
My tip for early September: Grab a seat at an outdoor café or find a scenic viewpoint, and watch as the setting sun turns Prague, the Vltava River, the sky, and the rooftops into a golden masterpiece.
Temperatures
In early September, summer is still in full swing, though it’s slowly coming to an end. The weather remains warm, with average daily temperatures around 22 °C (71 °F). At the beginning of the month, it’s not uncommon for temperatures to even reach up to 30 °C (86 °F). However, once the sun sets, the temperature drops quickly, and it feels noticeably cooler. A light jacket or a sweater is a good idea for the evening.
From mid-September, the average daily temperature typically falls to about 19 °C (66 °F). September 22nd marks the autumn equinox, a day when daylight and nighttime are equal in length. This day also signals the official start of fall, and you can feel it in the air. When the sun is shining, it’s still quite pleasant during the day, but under cloudy skies, the temperature noticeably drops. By this time, it’s often cloudier, with more frequent showers.
Average Temperature in September in Prague (°C)
Average Temperature in September in Prague (°F)
Average Temperature by months in Prague (°C)
Average Temperature by months in Prague (°F)
Rainy Days
September doesn’t see a lot of rainfall – only about 1.2 inches (31 mm) – but it typically rains on about 10 days of the month. The rain is usually light and brief, with showers rather than all-day downpours. However, it’s often cloudy, and there are fewer sunny hours during the day, which aligns with the onset of autumn.
In September 2024, an unusual event occurred – major floods affected Prague and the rest of the Czech Republic. Fortunately, Prague is very well protected from flooding by a system of dams and flood defenses around the Vltava River. As a result, the city experienced minimal damage and avoided any extreme situations. There were some disruptions of course – certain metro entrances were temporarily closed, the riverbanks were shut down, boat cruises were canceled, and some vessels were relocated to other ports. Despite the heavy rain throughout several days, Prague remained visitable, and it was still possible to enjoy the city within these constraints.
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
At the beginning of September, the sun rises at 6:15 AM and sets at 7:45 PM, giving you about 13 and a half hours of daylight. However, the days quickly shorten. By September 22, the Autumn equinox day, the sun rises at 6:50 AM and sets at 7:00 PM, marking the day when daylight and night are equal. By the end of September, there’s only 11 hours and 40 minutes of daylight, with sunrise at 7:00 AM and sunset at 6:40 PM.
That’s not a lot of daylight, and with the added cloud cover, it can feel even shorter.
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 September?
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:
Try Burčák at the Grape Harvest Festivals
The Czech Republic has a strong wine culture, particularly with white wines. With the first grape harvests of the season, Prague hosts a series of grape harvest festivals, known as “vinobraní,” to celebrate the season. On weekends, you’ll find wine stalls and booths offering traditional Czech products and food at a few locations around the city, such as Grébovka Park, Troja Chateau, and Jiřího z Poděbrad Square. There are often live performances as well. Czechs love vinobraní and enjoy strolling between stalls, sampling burčák (a young, partially fermented wine) and more mature wines presented by local vendors. While you might get a bit tipsy after a few stops, that’s part of the charm. Drinking and enjoying life is a key part of Czech culture, and we embrace it.
Celebrate Saint Wenceslas at the St. Wenceslas Celebrations
On September 28th, the Czech Republic celebrates Czech Statehood Day, which also commemorates the martyrdom of Saint Wenceslas, the country’s patron saint who defended and strengthened the early Czech lands in the 10th century. During the weekend around September 28, several cities – including Kutná Hora, Stará Boleslav, and Český Krumlov – host large celebrations in his honor. These events often feature historical programs reflecting the era of St. Wenceslas, stalls with traditional Czech food and drink, performances in period or traditional costumes, religious services, and more. These are truly beautiful celebrations worth attending.
Top-Tier Food and Drink at Beer and Food Festivals Around Prague
Throughout September, Prague hosts a variety of markets, food festivals, and beer events. The schedule and locations of these festivals change, so it’s best to check the kudyznudy.cz website for the latest details on where and when these festivals will take place. You’ll find everything from local brews to gourmet bites.
Czech Crown Jewels Exhibition
In September, you can usually see the famous Czech crown jewels at Prague Castle. Admission is free, but you’ll need to arrive early and wait in line. Though it can be a time investment, the reward is seeing the stunning St. Wenceslas Crown, the royal orb, the royal scepter, and the coronation robe. These treasures are priceless and absolutely breathtaking.
Enjoy Czech Beer at a Famous Beer Garden
In early September, it’s still a great time to visit the iconic beer garden at Letná. With enough space for around a thousand people, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a cold beer while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Prague. This lively spot is popular with both locals and tourists, and you’ll likely hear a mix of languages, especially English.
Another excellent choice is the large beer garden in Riegrovy Sady, offering a similar laid-back experience.
Sip a Cocktail and Relax at a Rooftop Bar
If the September evenings are still warm enough, treat yourself to one of Prague’s rooftop bars. Great options include Cloud9 at the Hilton Hotel, Střechy Lucerny, Duplex on Wenceslas Square, Terasa u Prince on Old Town Square, and the Glass Bar atop the Dancing House. These venues offer stylish cocktails, lounge music, and breathtaking views of the city under the night sky.
Catch a Movie at an Outdoor Cinema
Even in early September, Prague’s outdoor cinema scene is still alive, with around 50 pop-up cinemas across the city. Whether you prefer themed screenings or mainstream films, there are plenty of options to enjoy a movie night under the stars.
Romantic Evening Boat Cruises
For a truly romantic evening, take a boat cruise on the Vltava River. Some cruises even offer dinner, providing a relaxed way to experience the city’s sights after a long day of exploring.
Stargazing and City Views on Petřín Hill
For stargazing with a touch of romance, head to Petřín Hill on a warm September evening. While the city’s lights can make star visibility a bit tricky, you’ll still enjoy stunning views of the illuminated city below, making it a magical spot for a peaceful evening.
Rose Gardens on Petřín Hill
In September, Petřín Hill’s rose gardens are in full bloom, with vibrant red roses creating a picturesque scene. Take the funicular to the top and enjoy a quiet moment or a romantic photo opportunity among the flowers.
Watch the Sunset from Riegrovy Sady or Letná
For a perfect sunset, bring a blanket and a picnic to Riegrovy Sady, especially at Pawla Adamowicze Promenade, where you’ll get an incredible view of Prague Castle and Malá Strana. Letná Park is another fantastic spot to watch the sun set, offering stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere.
Ride a Pedal Boat on the Vltava River
For a fun way to experience Prague from the water, rent a pedal boat on the Vltava River. It’s perfect for couples or small groups looking for a different perspective of the city. You’ll find rentals near Charles Bridge, by the National Theatre, and on Slovanský Island. Starting from Slovanský Island is a good option, as there’s usually less boat traffic, allowing for a more peaceful ride.
Events to Visit in Prague in September
Ongoing Events: September in Prague is a month filled with festivals, markets, and outdoor events. As locals return to the city after the summer holidays, Prague comes alive again, especially on weekends. In addition to the smaller events, here are some of the major happenings in September:
Discover Czech Classical Music Live at Dvořák’s Prague
From the second to the fourth week of September, one of Prague’s largest classical music festivals takes place – Dvořák’s Prague. Many of the live music performances are held in the stunning Rudolfinum, a venue you’ll surely appreciate for its beauty. This festival is a celebration of Czech classical composers, with a special focus on Antonín Dvořák.
Experience World-Class Classical Music at the Prague Proms
Following its first part in June, the Prague Proms continues into September. This festival presents a series of world-class classical music concerts featuring top musicians, orchestras, and conductors. Many performances are by the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, playing both international compositions and film scores. Most concerts are held in the magnificent Smetana Hall at the Municipal House.
Discover What’s Trending at Prague Fashion Week
Explore Czech and global fashion during Prague Fashion Week. This event, held over one weekend in early September, showcases fashion shows and a variety of related activities, offering a glimpse into the latest trends in the world of fashion.
Holidays and Vacations in September
In September, school starts for children, and most families with kids return from vacations abroad, countryside cottages, or visits with grandparents, resuming their regular routines in Prague. As a result, the city feels a bit busier than in the summer. During the first two to three weeks of September, traffic tends to increase, with more congestion as parents drive their children to schools and kindergartens. Additionally, some of the summer roadworks extend into September, further impacting traffic.
A significant public holiday in September is:
September 28th – St. Wenceslas Day (Czech Statehood Day)
In the Czech Republic, this day honors St. Wenceslas, a 10th-century king who solidified the sovereignty of the Czech state and became the patron saint of the nation. His statue stands prominently in Wenceslas Square, named after him. September 28th is a public holiday, meaning most people have the day off (though essential services and businesses often remain open). However, stores larger than 200 square meters and major shopping centers will be closed, so it’s important to plan ahead and avoid scheduling a shopping day on this date.
If the holiday falls on a weekday, many employees take advantage of it by extending the weekend, often making the city quieter than usual.