Winter in Prague is one of the best times of the year for travelers. December marks the beginning of the Christmas season, January is welcomed with thunder and fireworks lights, and February brings Valentine’s Day to make a romantic city even more enticing for lovers.
Although the weather is cold, visitors to the City of a Thousand Towers can warm up in pubs, cafes and museums, and the evening concerts offer plenty to do once the sun goes down.
Weather
Winter weather in Prague is cold, often below zero. Snow is possible, although on average, the city sees an inch or less of precipitation in the months of December, January, and February. Visitors to the city during this time of year should group together. Many sights are best viewed on foot, and a tour of the grounds of Prague Castle, for example, will require warm shoes, gloves, scarf, and hat.
What to pack
Layers are your best bet for clothing options. Shirts under sweaters, warm socks under boots, and a long windbreaker coat will help keep you warm and cozy while shopping at the Christmas markets or enjoying the Christmas lights after sunset. If you are prone to cold hands, you should wear warm gloves. You don’t want your hands in your pockets in case sidewalks freeze or slide in snow or rain; You’ll need them to break your fall
Seasonal events
The Prague Christmas Market is a favorite event for winter travelers to the city. It serves as a month-long cultural experience for visitors, who shop for handmade decorations and gifts, sample Czech holiday cakes, and enjoy outdoor musical performances.
Other events and holidays include Saint Nicholas’ Eve on December 5, New Year’s Eve, the procession of the Magi on January 5, Valentine’s Day on February 14, and the Czech winter farewell festivals. in the form of Masopust and Bohemian Carnevale in late February or early March.
Other things to do
Prague offers a lot to see and do during December, January and February. Daily activities that are perfect for traveling in winter weather include going to museums (Prague has more than just art museums, although art from all eras is well represented) and relaxing in historic cafes. In the evening, enjoy the music that fills the concert halls and churches in the historic district. You can also see Christmas decorations, go ice skating, or visit special holiday exhibits.
Seasonal activities include Christmas-related events, markets and concerts, and the city-wide celebration on New Year’s Eve. If you are going to be in Prague for Valentine’s Day, look for romantic hotel packages or special dinners that offer the best restaurants in the city.
Tips for traveling to Prague in winter
December attracts a good number of travelers who know that Prague’s Christmas market is one of the best in Europe, so plan ahead if you want to travel during this month. If you visit the city especially for the Christmas market, it makes sense to reserve a room near the Old Town Square, which will make it easier to get to the Christmas market.
A similar warning may be issued for New Years Eve. Tickets for parties and events go on sale early and sell out in advance. Consider how you would like to spend New Year’s Eve in Prague and look for tickets that you can buy online. Of course, you can always head to Old Town Square or Charles Bridge to watch the fireworks outside. Or, if your hotel has a good view, you can keep warm inside or step out onto a balcony to ring in the new year.
January and February see fewer tourists, but Valentine’s Day weekend will see an increase in visitor numbers. If you see a hotel package that you really like, snag it before it runs out. Some of these will put you in the heart of the city, allow you to take advantage of the charm of a low-cost boutique hotel, or offer services that will make your visit to Prague relaxing and romantic.
Also remember that the hours of operation for some attractions in the city, as well as attractions in destinations outside of Prague, may be shortened during the winter months. It’s smart to check the operating hours of museums and other sights that you are interested in seeing, especially if you will have to walk around Prague (or even across the country) to see them.
