Traveling to Prague in winter is an incredible experience that you will remember for years to come! If you are considering a trip to the capital of the Czech Republic during the coldest season you undoubtedly have some questions about how to navigate winter in Prague. We have all the answers for you and can help you plan an amazing trip in the snowy season.
Is Prague Cold in Winter? The weather during winter in Prague will be a bit cold. Prague has an average temperature of 35°F in January and 36°F in February. With the right preparations, you won’t mind the chilly air. Use our packing list to ensure you can focus on creating magical moments in the City of a Hundred Towers!
Is Prague worth visiting in winter? Even as a Florida girl, I love visiting Prague at Christmas or in the winter. There is no wrong weather, only wrong clothes! So make sure you pack something cozy and warm and you will enjoy it. There are plenty of special winter activities in Prague to help you have a memorable trip!
In this post, I am going to tell you exactly what I would tell a close friend, my Mom, or a family member about traveling to Prague in December or any other time during the winter.
Winter in Prague is generally defined as December to February. The months of November and March can experience winter weather in Prague as well.
December in Prague means you will see cheerful Christmas decorations hanging from every street, plus the chance of snow and fewer crowds to wade through. A huge bonus? The Christmas Markets in Prague stay open past Christmas, often until the 6th of January. This gives you plenty of time to experience Christmas cheer in the city.
With a few tips and this handy guide by your side, you will be off to a great trip in this historical, beautiful city during the winter months.
Prague in Winter
Average Prague Weather In Winter
Winter in Prague can be very chilly. You can expect cloudy skies for the most part, and some days can bring light rain or snow. Prague in December tends to be slightly warmer over January and February, and January is when the most snowfall is likely.
Prague has much shorter daylight hours in the winter months, with the sun rising about 9 am and setting around 5 pm or earlier. That makes for 8 hours of proper daylight, after which the night air starts kicking in and colder temperatures are more likely.
If you plan on exploring Prague once it’s dark out (which is a great way to see all the bright holiday decorations!) then plan on wearing extra layers and making sure you stay warm enough. Always check the weather forecast before going outdoors so you know what Prague in winter has in store for you!
Average Winter Temperatures in Prague:
- Prague In December: 36-40F high, 28-32F low
- Prague in January: 34-37F high, 25-27F low
- Prague in February: 35-37F high, 27-30F low
This might seem pretty cold but winter in Prague is actually very doable in this weather as long as you pack the necessary clothing.
As January is the coldest month in Prague, it also means far fewer tourists are around in that timeframe. If you’re itching to go to this lovely city but can’t stand being around crowds of tourists, consider going to Prague in January and saving yourself the trouble of waiting in long lines and dodging strangers congregating in the streets.
Things to do in Prague in Winter
Wondering what to do in Prague in the winter? There are so many places to see and great things to try during the winter season. Whether you stick to outdoor sightseeing or go inside to take refuge from the cold, Prague in winter will not disappoint! Here are a few suggestions to kick off the festivities during winter in Prague.
Shop at the Christmas Markets
If you looking for places to visit in Prague in December, you won’t want to miss the Prague Christmas Markets all around the city! The Christmas markets in Europe are truly a one-of-a-kind experience. From December 1 to January 6, Prague holds two main Christmas markets in the big city squares for people all around the world to come together and share in the holiday spirit. The Christmas Markets in Prague are renowned for selling local handmade goods and treats and are open every day, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
The best and most well-known Christmas markets in Prague are held in Old Town Square and Wenceslaus Square. Smaller Christmas markets are also held around key places in Prague, such as the St. George’s Basilica area at Prague Castle, Peace Square, and Republic Square. The Christmas Markets are typically open from 10 am to 10 pm, so plan accordingly. These Christmas markets are at everyone’s top of the list of things to do in Prague during Christmas.
When you visit these Christmas markets you will be greeted with squares filled with festive décor. Many markets have a centerpiece of a beautiful giant Christmas tree covered in twinkling lights. You can buy amazing handmade goods such as fine jewelry, wooden toys, Christmas ornaments, handmade soap, or scented candles at the Christmas markets. Make sure you try some of the traditional Christmas market foods as well. Tourists and locals alike come back to Christmas in Prague year after year for the tasty spit-roasted ham, amazing sausages, gingerbread, pastries known as trdelník, hot mulled wine, and hot chocolate.
Prague Castles and Palaces
Prague is steeped in incredible architecture and legends from ages past. One of the best ways to learn more about the history of Prague is to visit Prague Castle, a place with a vital role in how Prague has defined itself over the years. Dating back to the ninth century, Prague Castle has served as the residence of Bohemian kings, Holy Roman Emperors, and even Czech presidents. Take a tour of the Old Royal Palace and see official rooms where major historical events took place, such as the Defenestration of Prague in 1618, and venture up and down winding sets of stairs for amazing views of the city.
Prague Castle is the largest castle complex in the world and is truly extraordinary to look at. The winter season means Prague Castle will be much less crowded than the summer, but it never hurts to get there early to have the complex all to yourself. Visiting Prague Castle is one of the best activities to do during winter in Prague.
Another must-see royal residence in Prague is the Colloredo-Mansfeld Palace. This palace was once home to Prince Heinrich Paul Mansfield in 1735. The palace features a glorious ballroom and several grand official rooms that you can walk through on your own, and a special art gallery is open on the top floor. Mozart is also said to have played numerous times at the palace! These Prague winter activities will keep you inside and exploring some of the most beautiful architecture in the world.
Prague Museums
Looking to get out of the cold as you traverse around Prague in the snow? Then check out the many museums Prague has to offer! Prague has some very interesting museums that cater to everyone’s different tastes and interests. If you enjoy art museums and beautiful architecture, check out the Museum of Decorative Arts and the Colloredo-Mansfeld Palace. The Museum of Decorative Arts has several different exhibits ranging from glassware to fashion. Additionally the building’s interior décor is simply stunning to explore and photograph.
If you’re looking for something a little different, then head on down to some more unique museums in the city center. The Illusion Art Museum in Prague is great for people of all ages! Walk through rooms of full-scale artwork that make for some pretty cool (and sometimes head-scratching) pictures, as you interact with the displays and see how the illusions work! Also in the area is the Museum of Communism. That museum offers an in-depth look at what life was like in Czechoslovakia under Communist control, from 1948-1989. These museums are both great learning experiences and efficient ways to dodge the cold temperatures of Prague in winter!
Delicious Czech Food
Ready to warm up your belly with some delicious Czech winter cuisine? Look no further! Czech cuisine is the perfect comfort food for those cold winter days.
Rich soups made with peas, lentils, and beans are a must-try, especially the traditional thick potato soup called bramboračka. For the main course, roasted goose with dumplings and red cabbage is a popular dish. Other popular dishes include gingerbread, žemlovka (a Czech take on apple pie), meatloaf, and roasted pork with dumplings and sauerkraut. Don’t forget to try the Czech dumplings called knedliky. They are perfect for mopping up all those thick sauces that Czech cuisine is famous for.
Experiencing the traditional cuisine of a country is a great way to get to get to know the local history and culture, while sampling some delicious flavors you might not be able to find at home. One of the best things to do in Prague in December is try all the amazing restaurants and Christmas market street foods during the festive season.
How to Get Around Prague in Winter
The best and cheapest way to get around Prague is to walk! Prague is a city designed for walking. If you have a specific destination in mind, it always helps to have either a map or directions on your phone handy.
Walking during winter in Prague is also the best way to see the gorgeous historical buildings. It’s also a great way to take in the pretty seasonal décor around you. A note of caution—a vast majority of Prague’s sidewalks are made of cobblestone. This means the sidewalks have uneven and slippery surfaces. It’s very important to bring sturdy, comfortable shoes on your trip!
Since Prague in winter can be very cold, you might find the winter air too cold for walking for long periods. If that’s the case, don’t worry!
The tram and the metro are the most used methods of public transport around Prague in winter. Public transport in Prague is safe and reliable. As long as you follow basic safety procedures and exercise caution when necessary, you should be fine!
What to Pack for Prague in Winter
Visiting Prague in winter is quite enjoyable and magical, but you need to stay warm and dry. Dressing in layers is key! Don’t forget vital accessories like gloves and hats. Chances are you will be walking in the cold quite a bit.
We suggest packing:
• Fleece lined leggings you need to bring fleece lined leggings! Fleece lined leggings are the perfect thing to add to your winter packing list for Prague. They don’t take up much space and they keep you warm under slacks, jeans, or dresses.
• Thin Long Sleeve Thermal Tops We recommend bringing 2-3 thin thermal tops for your winter trip to Prague. They are perfect for layering. Wear them underneath other tops or dresses to transform them from summer to winter wear.
• Waterproof Boots/Comfortable Walking Shoes. Prague is a very old city with cobblestone streets everywhere. Add to the fact that it’s very cold throughout winter in Prague and you should definitely pack winter boots or sturdy walking shoes that can withstand a bit of water. We recommend a pair of these Hunter Boots or these similar ones.
• Winter Jacket I have two winter jackets, one waterproof and one more stylish but not waterproof. You can’t go wrong by packing a jacket that is stylish AND waterproof like this one here!
• Warm Gloves Try to buy touchscreen gloves so that you can still use your devices without taking them off!
We hope you enjoyed this ultimate guide to Prague in winter! Whether you’re looking for the best things to do in Prague in January or the best things to do in Prague in February, there is something for everyone and every Winter month in this article. No matter what you choose to do or where you end up going, this city will amaze and delight you. We hope you keep these tips in mind as you journey to the remarkable city of Prague!
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