The climate of Prague
Prague, the capital city of
Czech Republic, sits in the heart of Europe. The city's climate aligns with the Köppen climate classification of 'Cfb', also recognized as the Marine West Coast Climate with warm summers. The parameters of weather vary significantly throughout the year, with each season characterized by distinct weather conditions.
Average high temperatures in a calendar year fluctuate from a chilly 0.4°C (32.7°F) in the height of winter to a temperate 24°C (75.2°F) at the peak of summer, creating a contrasting, dynamic climate. On the other hand, the low temperatures change from as frigid as -5.4°C (22.3°F) in winter to a milder 11.9°C (53.4°F) in summer, underlining the vast temperature ranges the city experiences.
Relative humidity in Prague slightly varies over the year, remaining between 70% to 85%. The city experiences its highest rainfall in
May at 77mm (3.03"), being the wettest month, while the driest is
February with 23mm (0.91"). Rainfall days range from 5.5 days to 10.3 days monthly, pointing towards a well-distributed precipitation pattern throughout the year.
Snowfall is quite significant in Prague, especially during the winter months. The highest snowfall level of 179mm (7.05") is typically recorded in
January, while months from May to
October do not experience any snow. The city soaks in daylight from 8.2 hours to a well-lit 16.3 hours daily, with the longest days in
June. Sunshine hours peak during June and
July with 7.3 hours daily, while
December records the lowest at 1.5 hours.
The best time to visit Prague
The optimal time to witness
Prague in all its glory would be late spring and early autumn. These seasons showcase milder temperatures and lower rainfall, making them ideal for outdoor activities. Specifically,
May flaunts warm temperatures range from 7.1°C (44.8°F) to 18.3°C (64.9°F), a relative humidity of 70%, and the longest days, with 15.4 hours of daylight.
The worst time to visit Prague
For travellers not accustomed to harsh winter conditions,
January and
February could prove challenging. These months record some of the lowest temperatures, ranging from -5.4°C (22.3°F) to 2.7°C (36.9°F), along with significant snowfall at 179mm (7.05") and 159mm (6.26") respectively. The days are also shorter with limited daylight, with only 8.6 hours in January.
Spring weather in Prague
Spring in
Prague, beginning from
March and lasting till
May, experiences a steady warming trend with temperatures rising from an average low of -1°C (30.2°F) to 7.1°C (44.8°F) and an average high of 7.7°C (45.9°F) to 18.3°C (64.9°F). The rainfall also increases, recording the highest level in May at 77mm (3.03"). Despite the rainfall, with longer daylight hours up to 15.4 hours in May, Spring emerges as an attractive season for visitors.
Summer weather in Prague
Summers in
Prague, from
June to
August, showcase a pleasant and moderate climate. The average high temperatures linger around 21.5°C (70.7°F) to 24°C (75.2°F), while the lows remain between 10.5°C (50.9°F) to 11.9°C (53.4°F). With long days reaching up to 16.3 hours of daylight in June and relatively less rainfall in comparison to spring, summers here are an enticing prospect for tourists.
Autumn weather in Prague
Autumn, stretching from
September to
November, witnesses a gradual dip in temperature from an average high of 19°C (66.2°F) to 6°C (42.8°F). Rainfall decreases to 31mm (1.22") in
October after a wet September. Autumn in
Prague, especially October, is well-known for its stunning and vibrant foliage, making it a particularly picturesque time of the year.
Winter weather in Prague
Winters in
Prague, from
December to
February, are characterized by very low temperatures, with average highs ranging from 0.4°C (32.7°F) to 2.7°C (36.9°F), and lows dipping further to between -5.4°C (22.3°F) and -3.3°C (26.1°F). Snowfall is a common phenomenon during these months, creating a scenic, winter wonderland. While cold, the winter months provide a distinct charm to the historic city. With shorter days around 8.2 to 10.1 hours and reduced sunshine hours of about 1.5 to 2.6 hours daily, Prague in winters offers a unique, magical ambiance.
Weather in January
The weather in
Prague during
January ventures into the chilling extremes of winter with average highs reaching only 0.4°C (32.7°F) and lows cascading down to -5.4°C (22.3°F). The city, mantled in a thick layer of winter white, experiences the maximum snowfall compared to any other month.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Moving onto
February,
Prague witnesses a slight - yet highly welcomed - rise in temperature, offering a relative relief from
January's intense cold. Although it still snows, the fall lacks in intensity compared to January with a winter landscape less vigorous than the preceding month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March ushers in the earliest murmurings of spring with the temperature escalating to 7.7°C (45.9°F) even as the lowest plunges only to -1°C (30.2°F). The snow surrenders to a significant increase in rainfall, much to the delight of those weary of the winter.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Prague indicates the official arrival of spring with temperatures oscillating from 2.6°C (36.7°F) to 13.3°C (55.9°F). This change is coupled with the highest level of rainfall at 38mm (1.5") seen in the first half of the year.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May brings a marked increase in temperature, scaling up to 18.3°C (64.9°F), asserting the dominance of Spring in
Prague. The high level of rainfall observed in
April subsides marginally but is still significant enough to sustain the verdant greenery.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June heralds the start of summer in
Prague with the mercury soaring up to 21.5°C (70.7°F). Despite the increase in temperature, it is a month of substantial rainfall of 73mm (2.87") adding an element of freshness to the warm summer.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July showcases the peak of summer in
Prague, hosting a day-time temperature of 24°C (75.2°F). As this time is devoid of any snowfall, the city is bathed in brilliant sunlight. The combination of high temperature and humidity makes it the warmest month in Prague.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August brings along a continuation of the summer spell from
July, although the mercury drops slightly, reaching 23°C (73.4°F) at maximum. The evenings offer a certain appeal as the temperature dips, creating a pleasing contrast to the day's warmth.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September signifies the gradual transition from summer to autumn, with temperatures dropping to 19°C (66.2°F). This month is characterized by declining rainfall levels to 40mm (1.57"), marking a pattern of reduced precipitation.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October,
Prague dons a classic autumn appearance with the temperature dipping to 13.1°C (55.6°F). The decrease in rainfall and rapid fall in daylight hours confirm the departure of summer. The city streets are strewn with the fall foliage creating a picturesque scene.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November faces a significant drop in temperature to 6°C (42.8°F), signaling the advent of winter in
Prague. The sharply reduced daylight hours, coupled with the diminishing warmth of the sun, bring along a distinct chill. The landscape starts to shed its autumnal hues as winter preparations commence.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Prague is a period of intense cold with temperatures sinking to 2°C (35.6°F) amid 25mm (0.98") of rain and snowfall. The city becomes an epitome of wintry grandeur, offering stunning views especially under fresh snow.
Weather in December »