WINTER/SPRING/SUMMER/FALLBest Time toVisit Prague

Prague, Czech Republic is lucky in that it experiences all 4 seasons fairly equally and without any extremes on any end. Due to its location in Bohemia and its average elevation of 235 meters above sea level we see fairly mild winters and summers that are hot but without the humidity and heat that effect so many other cities. And we do not experience any major natural climatic occurrences such as tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes or volcanoes, so travel here is very safe.

Each time of year also offers different experiences, whether indoors or outdoors, there is something unique and incredible to see and do in Prague or just outside Prague during each of the four lovely seasons.

Best time to visit Prague:

Depending on what you are looking for, when you have time to travel and what sort of trip best suits you, you can easily find the ‘right’ season to come visit Prague, Czech Republic. Learn about what each season can offer you and your travel companions as you plan you trip to visit Prague, Czech Republic.

Winter:

The winters in Prague, which cover December to February, are mild with temperatures usually just below freezing throughout most of the winter months, only occasionally dipping much lower. There is also usually a light dusting of snow several times throughout these months. It is enough to make a lovely scene as you walk around the city, across the Charles Bridge or through Old Town Square, but does not effect transportation or make it impossible to be outside.

The winter also offers one of the most popular reasons to visit Prague: the Christmas Markets! Christmas Markets are a long tradition in this part of the world. Small booths selling hot wine, steaming sausages, traditional Christmas ornaments and decorations start popping up in late November and are around till New Years Eve. Nearly every neighborhood square, plaza and empty space will have their own Christmas Markets and as the sun goes down, locals and visitors flock to the markets to find something new to add to their Christmas tree or to enjoy a delicious hot honey drink or some grilled cheese with jam.

Winter is also the perfect time to visit Prague if you are not a fan of crowds and lines. Due to Prague’s enormous popularity in recent years, most of the warmer months mean that Prague is quite full. This can mean higher prices at hotels, longer lines for entrances and crowds around the most famous sites.

So if you prefer to have the streets and restaurants with less people, come visit Prague in the winter!

Spring:

Spring issues in a whole other set of reasons in which to visit Prague. Spring means that the temperature is warming up, trees are blooming and the grass in the many green spaces around Prague are coming to life.

Usually during these months of March, April and May the temperature is getting gradually warmer, making it ideal for walking around with a light jacket, but without feeling cold or hot during your time outside.

One of the best parts of spring is that there are two significant cultural events that happen during this time of year: Masopust and Easter. Masopust is similar to Carnaval, Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday. It is the celebration of the end of the winter and the start of Lent (the 40 days before Easter). Each small town or neighborhood holds its own Masopust celebration which includes locals dressing up in costumes and parading through the streets or from one village to another. And 40 days later, they celebrate Easter, when the kids come tramping through the streets with their baskets asking for a treat or else – watch out!

Summer:

It is easy to know when summer has hit Prague because suddenly all of the outdoor cafes, bars, restaurants, parks and riverfronts are completely crowded with families, coworkers and travelers. June, July and August mean warmth and summer – guaranteed.

Naplavka (the riverfront promenade just a bit south of the Charles Bridge, is streaming with people of all ages strolling up and down, throwing a picnic blanket on the ground or climbing many of the boats which are outfitted as bars and restaurants.

Summer is the perfect season to see Prague as you know that you’ll be comfortably warm, you’ll have lots of sun and lots of hours of sunlight. Plus there are lots of outdoor activities like outdoor concerts, outdoor food markets, and movies in the park.

Autumn:

When autumn comes around, the pretty pastel colors of the buildings facades which line the Vltava River stand out against the orange, yellow and red leaves. The view from Prague Castle is stunning with the new vibrant colors. September, October and November bring in slightly cooler temperatures, but ones which still allow you to enjoy your time outside and make that hot coffee or hot wine that much more enjoyable once you sit down to rest in a restaurant or cafe.

The fall is also Burčák season! This translates to ‘young wine’ because it is the first wine produced after the grape harvest. Moravia, which is the southern portion of the Czech Republic is famous for their wine and they start to produce new wine at this time of year and wine festivals and markets pop up all over the city, in squares, plazas and parks. Grebovka Wine Festival and Vinohrady Wine Festival are just two of them. It’s the perfect time to rub elbows with local families as they all head out to sip and eat away all day in the sun.

Best Time to Visit Prague by Season

an autumn view of Prague, the Charles Bridge and the Vltava River.

Winter:
Pros: Christmas Markets, less crowds, cheaper prices
Cons: Colder temperatures, less sunlight
Spring:
Pros: Spring festivals and cultural events, warm weather
Cons: Can be a bit rainy
Summer:
Pros: Warm weather, outdoor events, markets, nature trips
Cons: Crowds, higher prices
Autumn:
Pros: Food and cultural festivals, less crowds
Cons: Less hours of sunlight, slightly colder temperatures

Best Time to Visit Prague?

All Year Round!

So as you can see, there is NOT a bad time of year to visit Prague, only a more ideal time depending on what you are looking to do and what sort of weather you prefer when you are exploring a city. Crowd sizes and prices might cause you to choose one season or over another as well. But know that no matter which month or season you come to visit Prague in, you’ll be sure to have the trip of a lifetime. 

Important Note: Prague is located in the Schengen Zone, which is a free-travel zone within the European Union. It includes 26 countries in total. Depending on where you are coming from, you might need to secure a visa for the Schengen Zone before visiting the Czech Republic. Please be sure to consider this fact before making plans to visit Prague so that you do not experience any problems upon arrival. Also be be aware that the Czech Republic uses the Czech Korona (czk) rather than the euro since we are not in the eurozone. We look forward to your visit!

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