Best Time to Visit Prague, Czech Republic

There’s no bad time to visit Prague, with this city that feels like an open-air museum always stunning, from its magnificent Charles Bridge to the grand castle. Early autumn is especially lovely, particularly from mid-September to mid-October, with the season’s golden glow providing an even more romantic feel. Along with the flashes of brilliant orange, crimson and copper that provide postcard-perfect photo-ops. Spring can also be a good time to come for sightseeing, and either season tends to bring mild weather with temperatures ranging in the upper 50s to mid-60s. While there may be some rainfall, you won’t have to deal with the high humidity or soaring heat of summer. Even better is that spring and fall often mean discounted accommodation rates.

Against, there’s no “wrong” time to come, but to help you make the best possible decision, we’ll take a look at what each season has to offer.

High Season/Summer (June, July and August)

Summer coincides with the high season in Prague. June, July and August are the months that bring the most tourists, the longest lines, and highest accommodation rates. You’ll need to make your reservations well in advance if you plan to come now. And it’s unlikely that you’ll find any bargains on tours or airfares. The major attractions like Charles Bridge and Prague Castle will be jam-packed. But if you visit early in the morning, it will help. This is when the city experiences mostly dry, sunny weather with temperatures in the low- to mid-80s Fahrenheit. You’ll still want to plan for some rain, however, with around 18 wet days in July.

There are many fun festivals to attend now. Like the Microbrewery Festival in June and July’s Bohemia Jazz Fest, one of the largest of its kind in Europe. In mid-August, the International Festival of New Circus and Theater showcases music performances, cabaret, theater, acrobatics, art workshops and more. Summer is also a great time for concerts in the park and riverboat cruises on the Vltava River.

Shoulder Seasons/Spring and Fall (mid-March through May and September through October)

The shoulder seasons, basically spring and early fall, can be a great time to visit Prague. You’ll often get the best of both worlds. With fewer crowds, discounted room rates and reasonable airfare. With the influx of tourists relatively low, airlines and hotels often offer great deals to entice more visitors to come. The exception is the week around Easter when many visitors arriving from Europe. With spring the renewal season, there’s an excitement in the air, with many locals taking to the streets. Flowers beginning to bloom in the parks, and by the middle of April, the city is blanketed in green. Pleasant daytime temperatures ranging from the low to mid-60s Fahrenheit. Nights do tend to get a bit chilly, dipping down to the low 40s. During the second half of May, the Czech Beer Festival will celebrate the country’s famous product with over 70 different types of brews, hog roasts and live music in Letna Park.

In Autumn, the weather will be cool and crisp, with temperatures in the upper 50s and low 60s. If you don’t mind a bit of a bite in the air, Prague will be especially lovely now. Pruhonice Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just a short drive from the center of the city. Is filled with trees that will be transformed into beautiful reds and golden yellows in October. With school back in session, you may be able to find good deals on hotel rooms and airfare. The St. Wenceslas Festival is held in late September. Commemorating the death of the Czech prince, St. Wenceslas with celebrations throughout the country, including Prague.

Low Season/Winter (November through mid-March)

Late fall and winter are generally the low season in Prague. However, the period around the Christmas holidays, mid-December through early January, is the exception. Many are coming to enjoy the Christmas markets. The rest of the season is rather quiet, with smaller crowds,. Meaning no having to push and shove to capture fabulous pictures from the bridge, and you’ll find the best deals on accommodation now too. While it won’t be bitterly cold, you will need to bundle up. Wearing a warm winter coat, hat, gloves and winter boots, as temperatures often dip well below freezing. The average daytime temperature is just above freezing at 33 degrees Fahrenheit in January. With a dusting of snow, Prague looks even more enchanting.

The top thing to do in the winter is to visit the Christmas markets that will be open from late November until the first week of January. If you’re here on New Year’s Day, you can witness the annual Winter Festival of Bohemia. Focused on the classical arts, such as classic music, opera and ballet, with concerts typically hosted at the National Theatre.