When is the best time to visit the Czech Republic? From May to September, to enjoy Prague, Bohemia and Moravia in pleasant temperatures (21 to 26 °C (70 to 79 °F) in the afternoon), with May, June and September offering the best compromise between weather and crowds. December is the other highlight, for Prague’s Christmas markets, despite the cold. January to March are the coldest and quietest months. Prague and the country’s other regions appear on our map of the Czech Republic.
The country has a temperate climate with a continental tendency: hot, sometimes stormy summers, and cold winters around 0 °C (32 °F), with frequent frosts. Rain is concentrated in summer, in the form of showers and thunderstorms, while winter is rather dry. Here is how to choose your time, based on the normals of the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute.
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When to go to the Czech Republic at a glance
- Best times May–June and September
- Hottest July and August, about 26 °C (79 °F) in the afternoon in Prague
- Coldest January, about 4 °C (39 °F) in the afternoon and nights below freezing
- Driest winter (16 to 23 mm (0.6 to 0.9 in) a month in Prague from December to February)
- Wettest May to August, mostly in stormy showers
- Highlights Easter markets in spring, Prague Spring festival in May–June, Christmas markets in December
- Avoid if possible summer weekends and the year-end holidays if you dislike crowds in Prague
When to go to the Czech Republic by priority
- Best weather: May–June and September
- Cheapest: January to March and November
- Fewest crowds: January to March; in summer, avoid weekends in Prague
- Events: Easter markets (March–April), Prague Spring (from May 12), grape harvest in South Moravia (September), Christmas markets (late November to early January)
Czech Republic: the calendar at a glance
✅ Best months: April, may, June, July, August, September, October
❌ Period to avoid: January
Czech Republic weather and climate month by month
The table below gives the normals for the Clementinum station, in the heart of Prague’s historic center, the city where almost every trip begins. The city center, sheltered in the Vltava valley, is slightly milder and drier than the Bohemian countryside.
| Month | Avg. max | Avg. min | Rain | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3.9 °C (39 °F) | -0.5 °C (31 °F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | Low | Low | Cold, short days, low prices ❌ |
| February | 5.6 °C (42 °F) | 0.0 °C (32 °F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | Low | Low | Cold but dry, quiet city ⚠️ |
| March | 10.0 °C (50 °F) | 2.9 °C (37 °F) | 26 mm (1.0 in) | Low to moderate | Low to moderate | End of winter, changeable weather ⚠️ |
| April | 16.1 °C (61 °F) | 6.9 °C (44 °F) | 25 mm (1.0 in) | Moderate (Easter) | Moderate | Spring, Easter markets ✅ |
| May | 20.9 °C (70 °F) | 11.3 °C (52 °F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | High | Moderate to high | Mild and in bloom, Prague Spring festival ✅ |
| June | 24.4 °C (76 °F) | 14.8 °C (59 °F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | High | High | Long days, storms possible ✅ |
| July | 26.5 °C (80 °F) | 16.6 °C (62 °F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | Very high | High | The hottest month, but crowded in Prague ✅ |
| August | 25.9 °C (79 °F) | 16.3 °C (61 °F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | Very high | High | Hot, terraces and rivers ✅ |
| September | 20.4 °C (69 °F) | 12.2 °C (54 °F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | Moderate to high | Moderate | The best compromise ✅ |
| October | 14.4 °C (58 °F) | 7.9 °C (46 °F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | Moderate | Moderate | Autumn colors, cooler ✅ |
| November | 8.5 °C (47 °F) | 3.9 °C (39 °F) | 26 mm (1.0 in) | Low | Low | Gray and cool, Christmas markets at the end of the month ⚠️ |
| December | 4.8 °C (41 °F) | 0.6 °C (33 °F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | High (Christmas markets) | High over the holidays | Christmas atmosphere, cold ⚠️ |
Note: the Clementinum station, in the city center, records lower rainfall than the national average. In the countryside and in the mountains (Giant Mountains, Šumava), it rains and snows more, and it is colder. Summer heat waves can push temperatures above 30 °C (86 °F) for several days in a row, and winter nights regularly drop below -5 °C (23 °F) during cold spells.
The Czech Republic’s seasons: pros and cons
Spring (April–May): the city in bloom
Spring is one of the best seasons. In April it is 16 °C (61 °F) in the afternoon in Prague and Easter markets set up on Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. In May the fruit trees on Petřín Hill are in blossom, it is about 21 °C (70 °F) and the Prague Spring classical music festival begins on May 12. Nights remain cool, especially in April.
- Pros: pleasant temperatures for walking, parks in bloom, crowds still reasonable outside long weekends
- Cons: changeable weather in April, crowds around Easter and the May holidays
- Our tip: pack layers; book early if your stay falls at Easter
Summer (June to August): the high season
Summer is hot (24 to 26.5 °C (75 to 80 °F) in the afternoon on average, more during heat waves) and bright, with very long days. It is the ideal season for Bohemian castles, walks along the Vltava, canoeing in Český Krumlov or hiking in Bohemian Switzerland National Park. It is also the wettest season, with stormy showers in the afternoon, and the busiest: Charles Bridge and Prague Castle are packed during the day. To plan your visit, see our guide to Prague Castle.
- Pros: warmth, open-air terraces and beer gardens, outdoor activities, all sites open
- Cons: crowds and high prices in Prague, thunderstorms, sometimes strong heat in the city
- Who is it for? Families, nature and canoeing lovers, itineraries combining Prague and the countryside
Autumn (September–October): the best compromise
September is arguably the most balanced month: still 20 °C (68 °F) in the afternoon, little rain (34 mm (1.3 in) in Prague) and fewer visitors than in summer. It is grape harvest season in the vineyards of South Moravia. In October the forests and parks take on their autumn colors, but temperatures drop (14 °C (57 °F)) and some castles reduce their hours or close from the end of the month.
- Pros: mild and fairly dry weather, autumn colors, wine festivals in Moravia
- Cons: shorter days in October, seasonal closures of some castles
- Who is it for? Travelers who want to visit in peace, wine lovers
Winter (November to March): Christmas and a quiet city
Winter is cold: around 4 to 5 °C (39 to 41 °F) in the afternoon in Prague in December–January, with nights close to or below 0 °C (32 °F). Snow is possible but does not necessarily settle in the city. From late November to early January, the Christmas markets on Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square draw large crowds. January, February and March, by contrast, are the quietest and cheapest months. In the Giant Mountains (Krkonoše), in the north, it is ski season.
- Pros: Christmas markets, Prague under snow on some days, low prices in January–February, few tourists
- Cons: cold, short days, many provincial castles closed in winter
- Good to know: many state-run castles and sites are open to visitors only from April to October; check opening dates before planning an off-season excursion
When to go to the Czech Republic by region
The country is divided between Bohemia in the west (Prague, Český Krumlov, Karlovy Vary) and Moravia in the east (Brno, Olomouc, southern vineyards). Moravia has a slightly more continental climate. Comparison of the normals of two ČHMÚ stations:
| Month | Prague (Clementinum) | Brno (Tuřany airport) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3.9 °C (39 °F) / 18 mm (0.7 in) | 1.9 °C (35 °F) / 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| February | 5.6 °C (42 °F) / 16 mm (0.6 in) | 4.5 °C (40 °F) / 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| March | 10.0 °C (50 °F) / 26 mm (1.0 in) | 9.7 °C (49 °F) / 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| April | 16.1 °C (61 °F) / 25 mm (1.0 in) | 16.1 °C (61 °F) / 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 20.9 °C (70 °F) / 58 mm (2.3 in) | 20.4 °C (69 °F) / 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| June | 24.4 °C (76 °F) / 69 mm (2.7 in) | 24.1 °C (75 °F) / 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| July | 26.5 °C (80 °F) / 67 mm (2.6 in) | 26.5 °C (80 °F) / 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| August | 25.9 °C (79 °F) / 62 mm (2.4 in) | 26.4 °C (80 °F) / 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| September | 20.4 °C (69 °F) / 34 mm (1.3 in) | 20.5 °C (69 °F) / 51 mm (2.0 in) |
| October | 14.4 °C (58 °F) / 30 mm (1.2 in) | 14.1 °C (57 °F) / 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| November | 8.5 °C (47 °F) / 26 mm (1.0 in) | 7.7 °C (46 °F) / 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| December | 4.8 °C (41 °F) / 23 mm (0.9 in) | 2.6 °C (37 °F) / 30 mm (1.2 in) |
Prague and central Bohemia
Prague enjoys a slightly milder climate than the rest of the country thanks to its position in the Vltava valley. The city can be visited year-round, but May–June and September are the most pleasant. Excursions to Kutná Hora or Karlštejn Castle are best made from April to October, when opening hours are longest.
South Bohemia (Český Krumlov, České Budějovice)
Higher and more wooded, South Bohemia is cooler than Prague, especially at night. May to September is the best time for Český Krumlov, canoeing down the Vltava and the Šumava forest. In winter, the town is very quiet and the castle closes its interiors.
West Bohemia (Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně)
The spa towns can be visited year-round, since the treatments and baths operate in winter. To enjoy the colonnades and forest walks, aim for May to September. The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival takes place every summer.
Moravia (Brno, Olomouc, South Moravia)
Brno is slightly colder than Prague in winter (1.9 °C (35 °F) in the afternoon in January) and just as hot in summer. South Moravia, the wine region around Mikulov and the Lednice-Valtice complex, is at its best from May to October, with the grape harvest and wine festivals in September.
The mountains (Giant Mountains, Šumava)
The Giant Mountains (Krkonoše), in the north, have the country’s main ski area, generally from December to March depending on snow cover. In summer they become a hiking destination, from June to September. Bohemian Switzerland National Park, in the northwest, is best explored from spring to autumn.
When to go to the Czech Republic by trip type
| Your trip | Best time | Where? |
|---|---|---|
| City break in Prague | April–June, September–October | Prague |
| Christmas markets | Late November to December | Prague, Brno, Český Krumlov |
| Bohemian castles and towns | May to September | Český Krumlov, Kutná Hora, Karlštejn |
| Hiking and nature | June to September | Bohemian Switzerland, Giant Mountains, Šumava |
| Canoeing on the Vltava | June to August | South Bohemia |
| Wine and vineyards | September–October | South Moravia (Mikulov, Lednice-Valtice) |
| Spa towns | Year-round, ideally May to September | Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně |
| Skiing | January to March | Giant Mountains |
| Budget | January–March, November | Prague outside the holidays, Brno, Olomouc |
Major events to plan your trip around
| Period | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| March–April (depending on the date of Easter) | Easter markets | Prague (Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square) |
| From May 12 | Prague Spring classical music festival (Pražské jaro) | Prague |
| June | Five-Petalled Rose Festival (Renaissance festival) | Český Krumlov |
| Summer | Karlovy Vary International Film Festival | Karlovy Vary |
| September | Grape harvest and wine festivals | South Moravia, Mikulov |
| October 28 | National holiday (founding of Czechoslovakia in 1918) | Nationwide |
| Late November to early January | Christmas markets | Prague, Brno and most towns |
The Czech Republic month by month: what to expect
January: The coldest month: about 4 °C (39 °F) in the afternoon in Prague, nights below freezing. Quiet city and low prices, skiing in the Giant Mountains.
February: Still cold but very dry (16 mm (0.6 in)). Few tourists outside school holidays.
March: The end of winter: 10 °C (50 °F) in the afternoon, changeable weather. Easter markets when the holiday falls in March.
April: Spring sets in (16 °C (61 °F)). Easter markets, reopening of many castles in the provinces.
May: One of the best months: 21 °C (70 °F), parks in bloom, start of Prague Spring on May 12. Showers become more frequent.
June: Long days, 24 °C (75 °F) in the afternoon. Ideal for combining Prague and South Bohemia. Storms possible.
July: The hottest month (26.5 °C (80 °F)). High season: crowds at the castle and on Charles Bridge.
August: Close to July, hot and lively. A good month for canoeing and nature, less so for visiting Prague in peace.
September: The best compromise: still 20 °C (68 °F), little rain, fewer crowds. Grape harvest in South Moravia.
October: Cooler (14 °C (57 °F)), autumn colors in parks and forests. National holiday on the 28th. Seasonal closures of some castles from the end of the month.
November: Gray and cool (8.5 °C (47 °F)). A quiet month until the Christmas markets open at the end of the month.
December: Cold (about 5 °C (41 °F) in the afternoon), but very lively with the Christmas markets. High prices around the holidays and New Year.
When to book your trip to the Czech Republic
For a weekend in Prague in spring, in summer or during the Christmas markets, book your accommodation 1 to 3 months ahead, more for New Year, which is in high demand. Guided tours of some castle interiors in the provinces and the Prague Spring festival also call for early booking. Off-season, a few weeks is generally enough. Prague’s Václav Havel Airport is the main international gateway; compare flight offers when you book.
Planning your trip to the Czech Republic
- Entry requirements: see our page with the entry requirements for the Czech Republic.
- Time difference: the Czech Republic is on Central European Time (UTC+1, UTC+2 in summer): 1 hour ahead of London and usually 6 hours ahead of New York.
- Currency: the Czech koruna (CZK), not the euro. Pay by card or withdraw koruna; when a terminal or ATM offers conversion into your home currency, choose payment in koruna. Our currency converter helps you estimate prices.
- Health: the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 11 August 2026) advises appropriate travel insurance covering your itinerary, planned activities and emergency expenses, and says UK travelers need a GHIC or EHIC for medically necessary state healthcare, which is not an alternative to travel insurance. The U.S. State Department (travel.state.gov, last updated December 11, 2025) notes that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas.
- Weather: in winter, pack warm clothes and shoes suited to cobblestones, which can be slippery.
To go further, see our complete Czech Republic travel guide. Undecided between several destinations? See our ideas for where to go in May and where to go in December.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Prague?
May and September are the most balanced: about 20 to 21 °C (68 to 70 °F) in the afternoon, the city is green and crowds are more reasonable than in July–August. June is also a very good choice, with very long days.
Is Prague cold in winter?
Yes: in January, average highs are about 4 °C (39 °F) at the Clementinum, in the city center, and average lows slightly below 0 °C (32 °F), according to the 1991–2020 normals of the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute. Cold spells can bring temperatures much lower.
When are the Christmas markets in Prague?
Usually from late November to early January, on Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square in particular. Exact dates change every year: check them before booking.
What is the wettest month in the Czech Republic?
Summer. In Prague, June and July receive the most rain (67 to 69 mm (2.6 to 2.7 in)), in the form of showers and thunderstorms. Winter is the driest season, with 16 to 23 mm (0.6 to 0.9 in) a month from December to February.
When is the cheapest time to visit Prague?
January, February and early March, as well as November before the Christmas markets open. Accommodation prices rise sharply for Easter, summer weekends, the Christmas markets and New Year.
Can you visit Czech castles in winter?
Those in Prague, yes. In the provinces, many castles are open only from April to October, or with reduced hours off-season. Check opening times before planning an excursion between November and March.
Should you go to Prague in December?
Yes, if you come for the Christmas atmosphere: the markets are set up from late November to early January. It is cold (4.8 °C (41 °F) in the afternoon and 0.6 °C (33 °F) at night on average at the Clementinum, 1991–2020 ČHMÚ normals) but the air is fairly dry (23 mm (0.9 in)). Book early, as prices rise around the holidays and New Year.
When should you visit Prague to avoid the crowds?
Aim for September–October or late April–early May, outside Easter and holidays, on weekdays. For total calm, January–February and November are the least busy months, at the price of the cold. Avoid summer weekends and the Christmas period.
Extending your trip to neighboring countries? See also when to go to Austria, when to go to Hungary, when to go to Poland and our ideas for where to go in September.
Our sources
- Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ): 1991–2020 normals for the Prague-Clementinum and Brno-Tuřany stations (the latter published by the World Meteorological Organization and distributed by NOAA)
- Information read on 26 October 2026: UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Czechia (GOV.UK, updated 11 August 2026), and U.S. Department of State, Czechia country information (travel.state.gov, last updated December 11, 2025)
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.
