Prague in winter 2025/2026 – is it worth going? Weather in December, January and February, reviews, air temperature, how to dress, prices in hotels and excursions. What to see in Prague in winter, where to go with children, trips in the surrounding area and in the Czech Republic – says Eurotraveler.
Winter is the time to make, not implement, travel plans. In any case, this is what most tourists believe (and Russians are no exception), accustomed to the fact that vacation “comes only once” a year. And therefore, those who are planning to go to Prague, usually do this in the warm season.
Naturally, this leads to obvious overcrowding in the Czech capital in June-August. Many tourists come to see Prague in May and also in September.
A brief surge in popularity is traditionally recorded on Catholic Christmas and New Year. The rest of the time the city can still rest and put itself in order.
That is why we recommend that you not be “like everyone else.” And go see Prague in winter. But on unpopular dates!
We’re sure you’ll be shocked, or at least… fascinated
And you will return from the trip, if not a “different person,” then clearly filled with impressions (positive, of course).
However, you also need to prepare for the perception of culture shock. And not only morally.
Winter in Prague and in the Czech Republic in general is cold enough for you to have time to freeze before you admire. Which requires an attentive attitude towards yourself and the “correct” clothing.
Weather in Prague in winter
Can’t really be called warm. And it doesn’t abound on sunny days – you’ll have to see it much more often cloudy, or even “crying” sky.
However, it should be noted that winter weather in Prague is significantly different from the same, say, in Stockholm. First of all, because you can expect snow here, but not expect it.
Snowfalls, which turn Prague into a fairy-tale kingdom, are not so frequent. And if the white blanket does not melt in a week, consider – you are very lucky.
We were surprised and upset because we thought that the New Year in Prague was celebrated in absolutely magical, Christmas environment? There is no need to be upset – during the first 5-6 weeks of winter, a truly festive mood reigns in the capital of the Czech Republic. Regardless of whether it snows!
December
At the beginning of winter, the weather in Prague seemed to have not yet decided: is it time to freeze or wait a little? Therefore, the air temperature likes to move over a wide range from -5 to even +10-14 °C.
In most cases, street thermometers show something from 0 to +5 °C during the day; at night, rarely, frosts down to -7-10 °C are recorded. On New Year’s Eve it could easily warm up to +10 and above degrees Celsius.
In view of this, calling December in Prague the coldest month of the year is incorrect. But we hope you understand this – it’s worth dressing generously and preferably in layers.
They will be absolutely in place waterproof and windproof windbreakers with hoods, sweatshirts and sweatshirts, thermal underwear.
As well as insulated rubber (or at least waterproof) boots and umbrellas.
We advise you not to forget about the cobblestone streets, which in winter in the mornings in Prague turn into skating rink branch. And those who are planning to travel to the Czech Republic by car at this time should remember about icy roads.
Frankly few bad daysbut clear ones are rare, and the winds are starting to get noticeably angry. Trying to rip a frilly hat or cap from a frivolous foreign head.
Rain or snow spoils the mood not too oftenbut dankness and bone-chilling dampness in December Prague are a common occurrence. Therefore, a rare ray of sun falling on some smoky wall looks like an exquisite and generous gift from nature.
The mood immediately lifts, and any gloomy medieval stories begin to be perceived in a much more optimistic light.”
- Weather forecast for 5 days – worldweather.wmo.int/en/city.html?cityId=197
| Average daytime air temperature, °C | +3 |
| Average air temperature at night, °C | 0 |
| Precipitation amount, mm | 40 |
| Average humidity, % | 85 |
| Probability of a clear day, % | 15 |
Prague in January
Becomes a little cooler placethan at the beginning of winter. At the same time, the chances of walking on a freshly fallen snow-white blanket and looking at the old city that has suddenly become even more magical than before are growing.
It is far from certain that this will happen during your visit – in early January in Prague Now it rains more often than it snows
But no one can cancel the luck factor, right?!
The air temperature is increasingly trying to huddle close to zero (usually +1-4 °C). But both at the beginning and even at the end of the month, periods of much warmer weather may well occur, with temperatures up to +7-9 °C.
At night it sometimes gets cold to -6-8 °C. But in general, such frosts are not typical for the central month of winter in Prague. And the air temperature tries not to drop below -4-5 °C.
Cloudy days traditionally remain in the vast majoritybut rains and snowfalls are rare. This does not change the traditional high humidity for this city and the frequent desire to warm up.
Clear days are still perceived literally like a gift. Daylight hours increase from about 8 hours in January to more than 9 hours as February approaches.
Prague in February
There is a little more sunlight. And in the air there spreads that elusive thing that is commonly called waiting for spring. And she, a sorceress, is early in the Czech Republic!
The length of the day is growing rapidly and by the end of winter it reaches 11 o’clock. You can also see the sun not covered by clouds in the sky.
As for temperatures, on some days it is already pulls open his jacket or take it off completely… staying in just a sweater. However, most often you don’t want to do anything like that, since the air warms up well if it reaches +8-10 °C.
Usually everything is much more modest, around +4-6 degrees Celsius. But the good thing is that frosts are practically a thing of the past – even at night in Prague in February subzero temperatures are rarely recorded!
| Average daytime air temperature, °C | +4 |
| Average air temperature at night, °C | +1 |
| Precipitation amount, mm | 30 |
| Average humidity, % | 80 |
| Probability of a clear day, % | 20 |
Prices 2025/2026
Almost certainly you you can save moneyhaving decided to personally check whether it is as cold and dank in winter in Prague as everyone says. Unless, of course, you go on a trip between December 24 and January 6-7.
The rest of the time, prices in hotels are reduced to a reasonable level. Although you can call them short only with a certain stretch.
Surprisingly, but true: in mid-December you will have to pay for accommodation much morethan in mid-January!
In particular, after January 10, for only 60 € per day, a couple of travelers will rent a room at Hotel Atos (taxes and breakfast included). It is located in the very center of the city, in the Lesser Town, about 10 minutes walk from Prague Castle.
Surprisingly, it costs much more (from 90-100 € per night) to stay at the Vienna House by Wyndham in the Smichov area. This is not the city center, but not far from it – it’s convenient to get there.
From a tourist’s point of view, the location of this hotel can be called “ideal”. After all, nearby there is a large shopping center with a grocery supermarket, and a metro station (Andel).
Prices for excursions in Prague, as well as for cruises on the Vltava, are at minimum levels in winter. For example, for a boat trip along the main Czech river they charge only 15 €. A long tour of the old city with a guide will cost 25-30 €.
Things to do
Again, from December 5 to 6, the Czech Republic celebrates “Little Christmas” or St. Nicholas Day. Who is not only Santa Claus, but also the patron saint of children – so the younger Czech generation receives some of the gifts at the beginning of winter.
However, these are only good children. The bad ones are threatened meeting Krampusthe antipode of good Santa Claus. According to legends, people also take to the streets on the night of December 6th.
Citizens dressed up as disgusting creatures with fangs and horns, and you, for sure meet you on the Prague streets at the very beginning of winter. But closer to Christmas (December 24-25), they seem to disappear – who knows, perhaps under the influence of the bright and joyful beginning that this Christian holiday brings with it.
We have already written about what you can do in Prague on New Year’s Eve, so we won’t repeat it!
Rollers
Naturally, in winter it will turn out ice skating in Prague. This entertainment is very popular among the Czechs themselves, so you can find functioning indoor skating rinks in the city even in the summer.
In particular, it works all year round ICE ARENA Letňanywhere you can reserve your visit online!
Of course, an indoor ice stadium will not give the same emotions as its open counterpart.
This is why you will find temporary open-air skating rinks in Prague during the winter. They are filled for the period from the end of November to mid-late February, so this entertainment is guaranteed to be at your service.
Excellent views of Prague Castle will delight you small skating rink “Chapadlo” on the Smetana embankment. Ice is traditionally poured at the Žižkov TV Tower, and spacious skating areas are installed in Grebovka Park and Letna.
What to see
We discussed in detail the question of where to go as a tourist in Prague in the corresponding review. You can check it out if you’re interested!
Here we just emphasize that making significant changes to the walking route due to the cold season hardly reasonable.
You should also take into account that some Czech castles are near Prague (Karštejn, Konopiste) or at a certain distance from it (Cesky Krumlov, Hluboka) switch to winter operating mode. That is, they will be closed more often than open – before your visit, be sure to check the information on the official websites.
A good option is to take part in an organized bus tour. But an even better option is to rent a car (or maybe you can bring your own) and go see Karlovy Vary or Kutna Hora, Pilsen or Brno.
Well, or even to the German Dresden – in this case, you will be filled with unforgettable impressions on the way! Because you will see such an incredibly beautiful region as Czech Switzerland.
During the winter months, don’t forget about the opportunity to spend a day on the slopes Krkonoše massifwhich is located just 150 km north of Prague. There you can go skiing or sledding, even dog sledding, which will especially delight children.
It seems natural to want to do slalom and get on a snowboard. For those who know how to do this, it is clear.
Get to Spindleruv Mlyn or Harrachov, the most famous ski resorts in the Czech Republicit is quite possible by public transport – the bus from Prague Florenc station takes about 2 hours. And rent all the equipment necessary for skiing on the spot!
© Eurotraveler
