Are you questioning when the perfect time to go to Prague and the remainder of the Czech Republic is?
In the event you’re having hassle deciding when to go to Prague, worry not. The simplest reply is “at any time when you’ll be able to”! Whether or not it’s the useless of winter or the canine days of summer time, there’s at all times one thing attention-grabbing to do and see within the Czech Republic and the “Metropolis of 100 Spires”.
Relying on the time of yr, guests can look ahead to experiencing a variety of festivals, occasions, traditions, and celebrations. That’s why it’s vital to contemplate your private pursuits, in addition to the professionals (and cons) of every season when planning your journey.
That will help you select the perfect time to go to Prague and the Czech Republic, we’ve created a useful information to the seasons, issues to do in Prague, and what to anticipate from our pricey buddy, mom nature.
We’ve lived in Prague, and the Czech Republic, for over two years as expats and have skilled each season right here a number of occasions. Right here’s a breakdown of what you’ll be able to count on in your go to to Prague, primarily based on the seasons. For a month by month break down of the local weather take a look at our article on the climate in Prague.
Finest Time to Go to Prague and the Czech Republic
Prague within the Spring
In the event you’re trying to beat the warmth (and the crowds), spring could also be the perfect time to go to Prague. Off-season within the metropolis usually lasts from January to March. Usually, by mid to late spring, the primary waves of vacationers start flooding again into town middle.
“March is available in like a lion and goes out like a lamb”. Because the previous saying goes, after a protracted winter, spring often reveals her fairly face within the Czech Republic throughout the second half of March. The temperature lastly raises above zero and snow within the mountains begins to soften – and possibly a flower or two bloom.
Too heat for mulled wine, and too chilly for beer gardens, March, and infrequently the higher half of April, are a bit unpredictable climate clever. Early spring can both be stuffed with sunshine and lazy afternoons within the park, or wet weeks with the occasional pull-out-the-winter-coat, snow-on-the-ground sort of day.
Fortunately, by Could, issues heat as much as a cushty 60-77°F (15-25°C) and many of the nation is in full bloom, making late spring a stunning time to go to. That stated, put together for the occasional chilly morning, and ensure to pack your rain gear!
Issues to See and Do in Prague in Spring and the Czech Republic
Easter Markets in Prague
In the event you’re contemplating when to go to Prague and the Czech Republic and in spring, take into consideration scheduling it across the Easter (Velikonoce) festivities. Extra of a toast to spring than something, Czech cities, and villages all through the nation rejoice with superbly embellished Easter markets and a few fairly distinctive traditions. Let’s simply say, one custom includes gently spanking ladies with a stick constructed from pussy-willow twigs and ribbon.
So far as Easter markets go, the most important is ready up in Prague’s Previous City Sq. (Staroměstské náměstí) and Wenceslas Sq. (Václavské náměstí). Within the a number of weeks main as much as the vacation, guests can get pleasure from day by day leisure and an array of distributors serving up previous Czech classics and promoting hand-painted eggs, amongst of different seasonal crafts and souvenirs.
Witches Evening within the Czech Republic
Talking of distinctive traditions, yearly on April thirtieth, locals collect round a bonfire at nightfall to burn an effigy of a witch. The celebration, often known as Čarodejnice, is alleged to characterize the tip of winter and to push back any evil spirits.
Regardless of the way it sounds, Witches Evening is a household affair akin to Halloween. Youngsters gown up as witches and warlocks, play video games and dance across the hearth whereas adults get pleasure from ingesting beer, roasting sausages and catching up with associates.
Though occasions usually are not geared towards vacationers, guests are welcome to hitch within the free festivities that are held at parks all through town. The biggest celebration is in Ladronka Park (Prague 6).
Petřín Hill in Prague
In the event you take a look at Prague’s cityscape, you could discover a “Mini Eiffel Tower” perched excessive above the Vltava River. That is the Petřín Lookout Tower and it’s the highest level in Prague.
On Could 1st, Czech {couples} rejoice their model of Valentine’s Day and are obligated by custom to kiss for good luck below the blossoming cherry timber on Petřín Hill (or wherever within the nation). If romance isn’t your factor, guests can climb Petřín Tower and expertise a birds-eye-view of Prague from one among its two remark platforms.
Petřín Hill is serviced by its personal funicular, which is a part of town’s public transport system. In the event you don’t really feel like ready in line, you’ll be able to get pleasure from a brief hike to the highest.
Earlier than we proceed listed below are another Prague associated articles that ought to turn out to be useful!
When to Go to Prague – Summer time
As you’ll have guessed, summer time is fingers down the busiest time to go to Prague. From June to August, town’s historic metropolis middle is among the hottest locations in Europe.
In case your touring to Prague and the Czech Republic in summer time, ensure you plan a number of months prematurely, as lodging books up rapidly and costs soar. Additionally it is value noting that town middle, although stunning, is teeming with vacationer traps and overpriced menus. In the event you’re on the lookout for cheap locations to eat throughout summer time, we suggest getting off the overwhelmed path in Prague and exploring the encompassing neighborhoods.
The Czech Republic is understood for having comparatively gentle summers. From June to mid-September, you’ll be able to count on temperatures wherever between 70-80°F (20-27°C), with the occasional warmth wave in July or August. Additionally, hold an umbrella useful for the occasional thunderstorm or afternoon bathe.
Take a look at our full information to visiting Prague Citadel for every thing you want to find out about exploring this wonderful work of surprise!
Issues to See and Do in Summer time Prague and the Czech Republic
Beer Gardens and Festivals
In the event you’re visiting the Czech Republic in summer time, or any season for that matter, you might be in all probability conscious of the nation’s hottest commodity – beer. A number of the finest locations to get pleasure from Czech beer and beat the warmth embody Prague’s two largest beer gardens, Letná Beer Backyard and Riegrovy Sady. Letná is definitely the most well-liked place to drink beer in the summertime months and is located excessive above the banks of the Vltava River. Guests can sit back with a refreshing Czech beer beneath a shady cover of timber and revel in panoramic views of town.
Reverse the Vltava, in Prague’s widespread Vinohrady district, is Riegrovy Sady Beer Backyard. Riegrovy is a favourite hangout for locals and expats and offers candy aid from the busy metropolis middle.
Late spring by means of summer time is the perfect time to go to Prague for beer and meals festivals. The biggest annual beer pageant within the nation is the Czech Beer Pageant (Český pivní pageant). It’s held for 17 days each Could in Prague and options over 120 totally different beers from the Czech Republic and world wide. Different widespread beer festivals embody Pivo na Náplavce and the Pageant of Microbreweries at Prague Citadel, that are held in June and entice massive crowds from throughout Europe.
Naplavka (Vltava Riverside)
Hanging out at Naplavka is among the hottest issues to do in Prague throughout summertime. This lengthy stretch of pavement alongside the Vltava River is regularly occupied by bikers, runners, hipsters and younger lovers getting cozy by the water.
All summer time lengthy it’s residence to a slew of outside concert events, meals and beer festivals, and one of many metropolis’s largest farmers’ markets. Guests also can get pleasure from a drink or chunk to eat on one of many many transformed boat bars and eateries docked alongside the riverside.
Colors of Ostrava Music Pageant
Colors of Ostrava, typically known as “Colors”, is the Czech Republic’s largest worldwide music pageant and one of many largest musical occasions in Central Europe. Since its conception in 2002, Colors has been yearly held within the Moravian metropolis of Ostrava throughout mid-July.
The four-day pageant options a number of open-air levels and a novel lineup of multi-genre performers. Concertgoers usually camp out close to the pageant grounds or keep within the metropolis middle. Tickets and lodging promote out quick, so be sure you ebook prematurely!
When to Go to Prague and the Czech Republic – Fall/Autumn
Deciding when to go to Prague will be tough, however we occur to assume that fall could also be the perfect season. By early September, the crowds start to skinny and the temperature begins to drop as the ultimate days of summer time fade away. Possibly it’s the leaves turning shade and chill within the air, however there’s one thing that makes fall in Prague really feel further magical.
Very similar to spring, fall climate within the Czech Republic will be unpredictable. Usually, after August, issues start to steadily quiet down. Though, from mid-September, and typically stretching into early October, you could end up having fun with a babí léto or Indian Summer time.
Come mid-October, fall is often in full swing with temperatures averaging between 48-57°F (10-14°C). October can be the perfect month to get pleasure from some significantly beautiful foliage round Prague, different cities like Cesky Krumlov, and within the Czech countryside.
By mid-November, winter begins to creep in and in keeping with conventional Czech lore, it’s unhealthy luck if the mountains haven’t gotten their first snowfall by November eleventh, St. Martin’s Day.
Issues to See and Do in Fall in Prague and the Czech Republic
Burčák And Wine Festivals
Wine lovers could discover September to be the perfect time to go to Prague. One of many first indicators that summer time is coming to an finish is the arrival of Burčák. In any other case often known as the younger wine of the harvest season, Burčák is freshly pressed, partly fermented grape juice that’s historically served all through autumn. Sometimes it’s low in alcohol, about 4 p.c to six p.c, however pageant distributors and native wine retailers typically promote it in massive, one-liter bottles. That stated, after opening your bottle, its finest to drink inside 1-2 days.
All through September, the Czech Republic is filled with full of life wine festivals celebrating the yr’s harvest. In Prague, widespread free festivals embody Vinohradské Vinobraní at náměstí Jiřího z Poděbrad and Vinobraní na Grébovce, within the park Havlickovy Sady.
In South Moravia, the Czech Republic’s largest wine area, quite a few festivals are held throughout early autumn, together with the historic Palava Wine Harvest, which takes place within the UNESCO protected city of Mikulov.
SIGNAL Pageant in Prague
Each October, Prague lights up for a four-day pageant of sunshine artwork and otherworldly installations all through town. SIGNAL pageant is free to the general public (except for some displays) and showcases the work of lighting designers from the Czech Republic and overseas all throughout town.
Installations vary from interactive, hands-on items in streets and public parks and squares, to hypnotizing music and light-weight reveals displayed throughout the facades of well-known historic landmarks.
Favourite SIGNAL pageant installments embody Charles Bridge, Previous City Sq., the Rudolfinum, and the Church of St. Ludmila at Náměstí Míru (Peace Sq.). Free metropolis maps of the pageant can be found on-line and on the SIGNAL pageant app.
Fall Foliage within the Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has no scarcity of charming, historic cities and pristine nature. Now mix these two issues collectively and throw in some fall foliage and also you’ve acquired your self an actual stunner. For these trying to expertise the true great thing about autumn, think about a day journey to the historic, UNESCO-protected city of Cesky Krumlov.
Situated in Southern Bohemia, it is among the finest day journeys from Prague. Though Cesky Krumlov is gorgeous yr spherical, October has the fairytale-town and surrounding nature bursting with shade. Fall additionally marks the tip of excessive season, which generally lasts from Could to September, so guests can benefit from the medieval streets and picturesque views with out the crowds.
St. Martin’s Day
On November eleventh, the Czech Republic celebrates St. Martin’s Day, often known as Martinmas. In accordance with Czech folklore, St. Martin arrives in early November on a white horse, signifying the primary snowfall of the yr. Celebrations embody the sampling of younger wines and a standard feast of roasted goose, which is served in most Czech eating places with a aspect of crimson cabbage and dumplings.
In Prague, guests can pattern St. Martin’s wine (svatomartinské) at numerous festivities all through town. Probably the most conventional spot to get pleasure from the brand new classic and rejoice with locals is the wine store in St. Clare’s Winery in Havlickovy Sady. That stated, the day’s festivities usually are not restricted to Prague. Concert events, culinary occasions, and wine-tasting happen throughout the nation together with a big wine pageant in Cesky Krumlov and parade in Brno- each widespread and simple days journeys from Prague. Historically, most celebrations kick off at 11:00 am.
When to Go to Prague – Winter
Second to summer time, December and is among the busiest, and finest occasions to go to Prague. It’s arguably one of the vital stunning occasions to go to Prague, since a snowfall on this metropolis is a fully breath taking occasion. Don’t consider our phrase, take a look at our mini picture essay on a snowfall in Prague to see for your self.
Annually, guests from world wide flock to the Czech capital for town’s well-known Christmas markets and vacation celebrations. After the New Yr, town stays comparatively empty till the primary indicators of spring.
Like in A Music of Ice and Fireplace (the books HBO’s Sport of Thrones relies on, that are waaaaay higher than the present btw), Czech winters are notoriously lengthy, darkish and chilly. Starting in mid-November and lasting by means of mid-March, temperatures and snowfall all through the Czech Republic differ relying on elevation. In low-land areas, akin to Prague, snowfall is mostly mild and lows hover round 20°F to 10°F (-5°C to -10°C). In greater elevations, temperatures drop even decrease and reasonable to heavy snowfall is widespread.
The typical time of sundown within the winter in Prague and the Czech Republic is 4:30ish, so understand that day mild hours are additionally restricted within the winter.
Generally, December is the mildest month of winter, whereas January and February are the coldest. In the event you’re considering when to go to Prague and the Czech Republic, ensure you don’t thoughts the chilly if visiting throughout the winter months.
Issues to Do and See in Winter in Prague and the Czech Republic
Christmas Markets in Prague and the Czech Republic
In the event you don’t thoughts the chilly, December stands out as the most stunning, and finest time of yr to go to Prague. Town spares no expense in relation to exhibiting off their Christmas spirit, throughout the metropolis right into a literal winter wonderland.
All through town, guests can get pleasure from festive Christmas Markets, which run from December to early January, and serve up seasonal favorites akin to Prague Ham and mulled wine. After all, the prize jewel is an enormous Christmas tree erected in Previous City Sq. (Staroměstské náměstí).
Each December 1st, 1000’s collect within the historic sq. to observe the lighting of the tree and rejoice the start of the vacation season. Different widespread Christmas markets embody Wenceslas Sq. (Václavské náměstí), Namesti Miru and the Havel Market (Havelské tržiště).
Throughout this time you may additionally see large tanks of stay fish set-up all through town middle. These distributors promote Kapr, or Carp, which is the normal Czech dish on Christmas.
For rather more info take a look at our mega information to Prague’s Christmas markets!
New Yr’s Eve in Prague
New Yr’s Eve (Silvestr) is extensively celebrated all through the Czech Republic with fireworks, music, and loads of spirits to go round. Probably the most spectacular firework present is held annually in Prague on December thirty first at midnight.
The fireworks are usually launched on the Vltava River between Střelecký Island and Charles Bridge. Though they are often seen and heard everywhere in the metropolis, the perfect vantage factors embody the bridges, Naplavka, Petřín Hill, and Prague Citadel.
The Czech Mountains
The Czech Republic is residence to 2 major, mid-sized mountain ranges- the Krkonoše Mountains to the North, and the Šumava Mountains to the South. Through the winter months, many locals flee the frigid streets of Prague and head to the mountains for his or her favourite winter sports activities together with downhill snowboarding, cross-country snowboarding, and snowboarding.
Whereas the neighboring Alps entice a bigger worldwide crowd, the Czech mountains, and small mountain villages, supply a particular, much less business ambiance and stress-free getaway from metropolis life.
So there you have got it guys. We hope to have impressed a few of you to go to Prague and the Czech Republic throughout any season. As at all times joyful travels, and we are going to see you on the street!
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