Skip to main content

When is the best time to visit Czech Republic?

Travel advisory

The info on this page is based on historical averages and might not reflect current conditions. Check with local authorities for the latest travel advice.

Read more

The best time to visit the Czech Republic is either during spring (early April to mid-May) or autumn (late September to mid-November). Generally, these seasons can be relied on for mild temperatures and thinner crowds.

In the spring, the days are long, sunny, and often quite dry until late May. Temperatures can vary anywhere between 48º and 68°F, so pack clothes that will keep you both warm and cool. However, by sticking to destinations like Prague, Pilsen, and Český Krumlov, you can rest assured that you won’t get too hot or too cold. May is the busiest and most beautiful month of the year, with flowers in full bloom and festivals like thePrague Spring Festival and Czech Beer Festival taking place.

After a hot summer, the warm weather (57–66ºF) tends to last until the beginning of October. This is a great time to relax in old spa towns like Karlovy Vary and explore ancient forests in West Bohemia. Autumn also sees important events like Dvorak’s Prague Festival and wine harvest festivals in several locations. After mid-October, you’ll notice a sharp drop in temperature and more frequent rainy days, so take a raincoat and lots of layers.

Monthly weather and travel tips for Czech Republic

If you don’t mind shorter days and biting cold, visiting the Czech Republic in January can be a rewarding experience. First of all, the streets in major cities like Prague and Brno will be relatively crowd-free after the Christmas holidays. This means you can expect to get into top attractions without much of a wait and take advantage of discounted rates. However, be mindful of closures on January 1, which is a national holiday.

The Winter Festival of Bohemia—a celebration of opera, ballet, and classical music—takes place over the first few days of the month in ornate opera houses around the capital, including The National Theater and the famous Dvorak Hall of the Prague Rudolfinum. You could also time your visit to coincide with Three Kings’ Day on January 6, which brings the Christmas season to a close with carol-singing, bell-ringing, and gift-giving to the poor. But don’t underestimate the cold. Average temperatures of 30°F mean you’ll definitely need to bring a heavy waterproof coat and lots of warm layers.

36°F

High

28°F

Low

15 days

Rainfall

By February, snowfall can expected anytime, anywhere. Temperatures won’t have changed much from the below-freezing lows of January and there won’t be much sunshine, so bringing warm winter clothing is essential. If you’re the outdoorsy type, February is arguably the best time to go skiing or snowboarding in the Czech Republic, with ski resorts such as Špindlerův Mlýn and Keilberg catering to beginners and intermediate skiers. If skiing isn’t your thing, then soaking in the hot springs of spa towns like Karlovy Vary and Marianske Lazne (both short day trips from Prague) might be a more tempting alternative.

The big event of the month is Bohemian Carnevale, also known as “Masopust.” Celebrating the start of Lent, the carnival involves masked marches, live music, and all-day drinking, eating, and dancing. It takes place over 5 days in Prague and other destinations across the region of Bohemia, such as Český Krumlov. Besides this, Prague is also host to The International Festival of Wind Orchestras on varying dates in mid-February.

36°F

High

27°F

Low

13 days

Rainfall

With the arrival of spring, patches of green begin to appear in the Czech countryside. That said, you’ll still feel the chill well into the second half of March, when temperatures can creep up to 52°F during the day and higher-altitude areas can still get plenty of snow. Don’t forget to pack a thick coat and sweater to keep you cozy, as well as sunglasses for when the clouds occasionally part.

March also coincides with not one but two film festivals that take place in the Czech capital. Febiofest showcases new works by international filmmakers, whereas the One World International Human Rights Film Festival screens documentaries on social issues, lifestyles, and the environment. Both festivals kick off in Prague before continuing in locations throughout the rest of the country.

48°F

High

34°F

Low

14 days

Rainfall

Longer, warmer, and sunnier days lead to a steady incline in tourist numbers throughout the month. But April showers are frequent in the Czech Republic—and snow isn’t entirely off the table—so it’s still a good idea to bundle up when exploring outdoors. Temperatures can reach up to 59ºF towards the end of the month, with lows rarely dipping below 41°F.

Easter weekend also occurs in April, culminating in family games and activities on Easter Monday. This is a great time to go souvenir hunting in Prague’s Easter markets and try international food at the annual Street Food Festival. Or you could visit at the end of the month for the ancient Pálení čarodějnic, or “Burning of Witches” festival, which takes place on hilltops across the country on April 30. Today Czech people gather to watch witch-like effigies burning on bonfires while enjoying hearty food and family-friendly activities.

57°F

High

41°F

Low

13 days

Rainfall

May is the busiest month of the Czech Republic’s calendar year. It brings warmer weather, blooming flowers, and a string of major festivals to Prague. You can wear a light jacket or just a t-shirt on the warmest days, but be prepared for spells of cooler weather – especially in high-altitude regions like Pilsen.

A cluster of high-profile events kicks off with the Prague National Marathon in early May. You can participate yourself or cheer with the crowd, then hang out for the onset of the year’s highlight – Prague Spring Festival, which runs from mid-May to the beginning of June. This international music festival showcases the best in classical music at different theaters and churches across the capital. It overlaps with the theater and comedy shows of the Prague Fringe Festival, Czech Beer Festival, and Prague Food Festival around the last weekend of May.

64°F

High

48°F

Low

14 days

Rainfall

If you want to enjoy warm weather without the crowds, then visiting the Czech Republic in June is your best bet. May’s festival crowds will have left, and the influx of student backpackers have yet to arrive. Temperatures hover around 59ºF during the day, so you can comfortably explore beautiful cities like Brno, Olomouc, and Prague, or sit out in beer gardens and take in the scenery. However, rain and thunderstorms can roll in at any time, so it’s best to keep a light waterproof jacket on you just in case.

Compared to May, June is a relatively festival-free month in Prague after the Spring Festival winds down. Nevertheless, there’s plenty going on elsewhere, giving you several great reasons to explore beyond the capital. In Český Krumlov, the medieval-themed Celebration of the Rose takes place over three days with costumed parades, traditional music, street theater, and fencing duels. It also hosts the Festival of Chamber Music on the grounds of its spectacular Renaissance castle at the end of the month.

72°F

High

54°F

Low

15 days

Rainfall

The Czech Republic’s hottest month of the year falls in the middle of high season, so you can expect high temperatures and lots of other tourists in places like Prague and Brno. That’s why July is the perfect time to explore the Czech Republic’s less crowded destinations like Ostrava, Telč, and Krkonose National Park – plus all the amazing natural beauty found in between. Daytime highs typically reach the mid-70s but can occasionally creep even higher to 85ºF, so sunglasses and sunscreen are essential items.

National holidays are observed on July 5 and 6, so expect some shops to be closed. Local events take place all over the country, some lasting a few days, while others go on for weeks. Český Krumlov's three-week-long International Music Festival features classical music concerts and live acts spanning folk, soul, and jazz. Colors of Ostrava is a multi-genre music festival headlined by international acts, while Karlovy Vary International Film Festival draws huge numbers and well-known movie stars to watch over 200 new movies in the first week of July.

79°F

High

59°F

Low

15 days

Rainfall

August is a hot and humid month, with daytime temperatures sitting in the mid-70s and highs above 85ºF at times. Expect crowds in Prague and other popular destinations around Bohemia. For a quieter escape, your best bet is to explore the eastern region of Moravia. Home to Brno, the second most populated city in the Czech Republic, the historical region is peppered with beautifully preserved castles, churches, and chateaux.

If you time your visit right, you can also experience one of many festivals held across the Czech Republic during August. In Prague, there’s only a few days between the colorful parades of Pride Festival and the acrobatics, cabaret, and comedy of the International Festival of New Circus and Theater, which lasts until the end of the month. In Moravia, the two-week Moravian Castles Music Festival offers the chance to watch classical music concerts in medieval castles and drink locally produced wine. In early August, Brno also hosts the annual Motorcycle Grand Prix.

77°F

High

59°F

Low

14 days

Rainfall

After 3 months of heat and humidity, September brings cooler temperatures and lower chances of rain. It’s also much quieter since many of the visiting backpackers, students, and school groups have left. That way you won’t have to wait as long to get into top attractions in the major cities, and it won’t be too hot either.

The drier weather gives you a great reason to travel outside of Prague. Renting a car is the easiest option, putting you within easy reach of spa towns like Karlovy Vary— famous for its mineral-rich hot springs and thermal spas—and national parks like Bohemian Switzerland National Park known for its arching rock formation, Pravcicka Gate. Meanwhile, it’s wine harvest season in Moravia, celebrated in style with medieval-themed parades, jousting tournaments, live music, and (of course) wine tastings in the towns of Mikulov and Znojmo. Back in Prague, 2 weeks are dedicated to the classical works of Antonín Dvořák for the Dvořák Prague International Music Festival.

66°F

High

50°F

Low

12 days

Rainfall

Autumn doesn’t last long in the Czech Republic. First you’ll notice the leaves changing colors, then the morning frost, and temperatures as low as 40°F by the end of the month. However, most days are warmer, with average highs of 52ºF. Bring a waterproof jacket if you visit in October when rainy days are more common.

Prague’s parks and gardens are bursting with deep autumn colors during this time of year. Spend the afternoon exploring them before taking in the colorful canopy from the top of Petřín Lookout Tower. While you’re in the capital, soak up some culture at the Strings of Autumn Festival or Signal Light Festival, when Prague’s most famous landmarks are beautifully illuminated. The only major event in the national calendar is October 28, which is the day Czechoslovakia (as it was known then) became independent in 1918 and is now a national holiday.

55°F

High

43°F

Low

13 days

Rainfall

In November, the chilly autumn weather gives way to much more wintry weather. If you can brave temperatures of 30–40°F, it’s a great time to take advantage of a quiet, romantic city break. Rain and snowfall are almost guaranteed, so bring waterproof clothing and a pair of sturdy boots.

Plenty of snow means plenty of picturesque scenery, especially in small towns like Kutna Hora, Karlovy Vary, and Český Krumlov – all a couple of hours’ drive from Prague. The first day of the month is All Saints’ Day, so expect some closures wherever you go, while the final day marks the grand opening of the capital’s charming Christmas markets. Squares across the city fill up with timbered stalls selling traditional crafts, festive food, and mulled wine. Speaking of wine, Český Krumlov celebrates its own wine festival on November 11 in honor of St. Martin.

46°F

High

37°F

Low

14 days

Rainfall

By December, the Czech Republic transforms into a winter wonderland. The days are colder, darker, and snowier, but sparkle under a backdrop of magical Christmas markets in cities across the country. Wrap up in lots of layers to take the sting out of below-freezing temperatures, and warm yourself up with a glass of svařák (mulled wine) while browsing the stalls.

There are Christmas markets in Brno, Olomouc, and Český Krumlov, but Prague’s are the most impressive. You’ll find them in central squares all wreathed in traditional décor, selling cute Christmas crafts as well as hot food and drinks. You could time your visit with Prague Christmas when an international choir sings in the Old Town Square, or St. Nicholas Eve (December 5) when men dressed as saints, angels, and devils wander the streets handing out sweets to children who have been good and lumps of coal to those who haven’t. After the Christmas break (December 24–26 is a national holiday), the year culminates with a spectacular fireworks display held in Prague on December 31.

37°F

High

30°F

Low

16 days

Rainfall

Weather and temperature in Czech Republic

Given its small size, the Czech Republic has one broad climate zone that shares the same seasonal patterns. Springtime is mild and sunny, while early autumn is a few degrees warmer. Only in late October do temperatures begin to drop noticeably around the country. Surrounded by low-lying mountains, Prague and other destinations in West Bohemia experience a lot of rainfall in late autumn, so packing a raincoat and extra layers is a good idea.

On sunny days, the best way to appreciate the natural landscape is with a day trip to the countryside. If you’re short on time, then stick to the green gardens and medieval streets of Prague, taking in the Gothic facades of landmarks like St. Vitus Cathedral. The city of Český Krumlov, famous for its hillside Renaissance castle, is also worth a visit if you can fit it into your itinerary.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Prague High 38°F 38°F 50°F 59°F 66°F 72°F 79°F 78°F 67°F 56°F 48°F 41°F
Low 30°F 27°F 34°F 41°F 48°F 54°F 59°F 58°F 51°F 43°F 38°F 33°F
Rainfall 15 days 14 days 14 days 13 days 15 days 15 days 16 days 14 days 13 days 13 days 15 days 16 days
Brno High 36°F 37°F 49°F 59°F 65°F 73°F 80°F 77°F 66°F 56°F 47°F 37°F
Low 29°F 27°F 34°F 41°F 49°F 55°F 60°F 59°F 51°F 44°F 38°F 31°F
Rainfall 15 days 14 days 14 days 13 days 15 days 15 days 16 days 14 days 13 days 13 days 15 days 16 days

Weather data provided by Forecast.io

Cost of stay in Czech Republic

Want to travel smart? Here you can check out the average cost of accommodations per night in the Czech Republic.

    0 53 106 159 212
  • $99 Jan
  • $102 Feb
  • $114 Mar
  • $118 Apr
  • $141 May
  • $122 Jun
  • $119 Jul
  • $118 Aug
  • $122 Sep
  • $126 Oct
  • $112 Nov
  • $149 Dec
    0 53 106 159 212
  • $91 Jan
  • $96 Feb
  • $99 Mar
  • $107 Apr
  • $125 May
  • $110 Jun
  • $114 Jul
  • $112 Aug
  • $102 Sep
  • $105 Oct
  • $94 Nov
  • $141 Dec
    0 53 106 159 212
  • $25 Jan
  • $25 Feb
  • $34 Mar
  • $34 Apr
  • $48 May
  • $39 Jun
  • $41 Jul
  • $38 Aug
  • $34 Sep
  • $36 Oct
  • $31 Nov
  • $47 Dec
    0 53 106 159 212
  • $167 Jan
  • $175 Feb
  • $147 Mar
  • $140 Apr
  • $151 May
  • $137 Jun
  • $148 Jul
  • $146 Aug
  • $137 Sep
  • $144 Oct
  • $149 Nov
  • $220 Dec
    0 53 106 159 212
  • $79 Jan
  • $82 Feb
  • $86 Mar
  • $86 Apr
  • $93 May
  • $90 Jun
  • $96 Jul
  • $95 Aug
  • $89 Sep
  • $94 Oct
  • $85 Nov
  • $100 Dec

The best places to visit in Czech Republic

Check out some of the most popular cities, places to visit, and things to do in Czech Republic!

What other travelers say about their trips to Czech Republic