Winter in Prague hits with cold air, short days, and frequent snowfall that really shapes the city’s feel. You’ll see average highs hovering near freezing, and lows that often dip below -5°C (23°F), with snow sticking around for much of the season. It’s a combination that feels both tough and kind of magical, especially when you’re walking those historic streets and taking in the architecture.
You’ll get fewer daylight hours, not much sunshine, and that crisp, damp chill in the air. Snow shows up a lot, especially in January and February. Rain isn’t as common, but it can still surprise you. These details set the pace for daily life and really change the way you plan time outside.
Knowing what winter usually brings helps you get ready for both the cold and the beauty. From average temperatures to snow, daylight, and humidity, each piece shapes your experience in Prague.
Overview of Prague’s Winter Climate
Winter in Prague means cold temperatures, regular snowfall, and short days with limited sunshine. The city sits inland in Central Europe, so the climate flips quickly from autumn’s mild colors to the darker, colder season. These shifts affect the weather and how you spend time outside.
Typical Winter Weather Patterns
From December through February, you’ll usually see average highs between 0°C and 3°C (32°F–37°F). At night, lows often hit -3°C to -6°C (21°F–27°F), so warm clothes aren’t really optional.
Snow falls often, especially in January—the snowiest month. Sometimes it covers the city for days. Rain isn’t as common as in spring, but you might still run into light rain or sleet.
Daylight is short, just 8 to 10 hours per day. You won’t get much sun, maybe 1.5 to 2.5 hours daily. Most days stay cloudy, so expect a lot of gray skies.
Humidity is pretty high—usually 75–85%—which makes the cold feel sharper. Winds blow at moderate speeds, but along the Vltava River, gusts can feel much stronger.
Climate Classification and Location
Prague sits in the Cfb classification in the Köppen climate system, called oceanic or temperate. Winters are cold, but not as brutal as in the more continental east. Summers stay mild to warm, and rain spreads out over the whole year.
The city’s spot in the Czech Republic, right in the middle of Central Europe, really affects the weather. Prague lies inland, far from the sea, so winter temperatures drop lower than you’d get in Western Europe’s coastal cities.
The Vltava River runs through Prague and changes things up a bit. Cold air settles in the valley at night, leading to frost and fog. That’s part of what creates the crisp, chilly winters that are so typical here.
Seasonal Changes from Autumn to Winter
By late November, you can really feel the shift from autumn to winter in Prague. Highs fall from about 10°C (50°F) in October to 6°C (43°F) in November, then drop close to freezing by December.
Rain slows down after the wetter autumn, but snow starts to take over as temperatures fall. Early December often brings sleet or wet snow before the colder air settles in.
Daylight shrinks fast. December brings only about 8 hours of daylight, compared to over 11 hours in October. With more clouds, the season feels even darker.
Wind and humidity don’t change much, but the cold makes being outside less comfy. As winter settles in, snow covers the streets and the air stays crisp.
Average Temperatures in Prague During Winter
Winter in Prague is cold, with long nights and short days. Mornings start below freezing, afternoons are chilly, and after sunset, temperatures often drop even more.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
Daytime highs in winter usually land between 33°F and 39°F (1°C to 4°C). Sometimes afternoons feel a touch warmer, but you won’t mistake it for spring. Nights are colder, dropping to 25°F to 28°F (-4°C to -2°C).
January usually brings the coldest temperatures, with some nights dipping below 20°F (-7°C). No matter the day, you’ll notice cold mornings, a slight midday bump, and freezing evenings.
The difference between day and night isn’t huge, but you’ll feel it. Layered clothing is your friend, since midday can bring a short-lived warm-up before temps fall again.
Monthly Temperature Breakdown: December, January, February
December: Highs average 36°F (2°C), and lows drop to 28°F (-2°C). Early December can be a bit milder, but by the end, it’s pretty much winter.
January: The coldest month. Highs stay near 36°F (2°C), and lows fall to about 26°F (-3°C). Clear nights can get even colder.
February: Things warm up just a little. Highs average 39°F (4°C), and lows hover near 28°F (-2°C). It’s still cold, but February doesn’t sting quite like January.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 36°F/2°C | 28°F/-2°C | Frosty mornings common |
| January | 36°F/2°C | 26°F/-3°C | Coldest, longest nights |
| February | 39°F/4°C | 28°F/-2°C | Slightly milder trend |
No matter the day, the pattern is steady: cold days, colder nights, and that persistent winter chill.
Rainfall and Snowfall in Winter
Winter in Prague brings short days, damp air, and a mix of light rain and snow. The season isn’t especially wet, but low temperatures and clouds make it feel colder and wetter than it actually is.
Average Rainfall in Prague
Rainfall in Prague during winter stays pretty moderate compared to other European cities. Each month from December to February, you’ll see 28 mm to 53 mm of precipitation. January is usually the wettest, and February a bit drier.
Most of the rain comes as light showers or drizzle, not heavy downpours. You’ll get about 10 to 12 days with measurable precipitation each month, so it’s smart to expect damp weather even if totals aren’t high.
Winter rain is steady and not intense, unlike summer thunderstorms. So, you’re more likely to get gray, misty days than sudden downpours. A waterproof jacket or umbrella is usually all you need to stay comfortable.
Snowfall Frequency and Accumulation
Snow falls pretty often in Prague during winter, but some years are snowier than others. Typically, you’ll see 8 to 12 snowy days per month from December to February. Sometimes it’s just flurries, but a few centimeters can pile up when it gets colder.
January and February are the most reliable months for snow. Lows near -3°C to -4°C help snow stick around for days, especially outside the city center. When it warms up, snow melts fast, leaving slush on the sidewalks.
Usually, snow depth in the city stays low—just a few centimeters. In colder winters, you might see more, especially in the hills. Warm, waterproof shoes are a must since icy streets and cobblestones are pretty common.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Winter in Prague means short days and not much sunshine. You won’t get many bright hours, and clouds often block the sun. This limits how much daylight you have for sightseeing or being outside.
Average Daily Sunshine
Prague averages only 1.5 to 2.6 hours of sunshine per day during winter. December is the gloomiest, with just about 1.5 hours. By February, things brighten a bit, with closer to 2.5 hours.
Most days stay overcast or mostly cloudy, so you won’t see much direct sunlight. Even when the sun comes out, it hangs low in the sky and casts long shadows. That’s just winter in Central Europe.
If you want to do things outside, midday is your best bet. That’s when the sun is highest and visibility is best. For photos, the soft winter light can be really nice, though you shouldn’t count on clear skies for long.
Day Length and Sun Position
Day length in Prague runs from about 8.2 hours in December to 10.1 hours in February. Sunrise can be as late as 8:00 AM, and sunset often comes before 4:30 PM. With such a short window, you’ll need to plan your day.
The sun sits low on the horizon all season. Even at noon, it barely climbs high, so you notice both the cool temps and the mellow lighting around the city.
By late February, you get almost two extra hours of daylight compared to December. That’s a welcome change, though evenings still come early until spring.
Humidity, Wind, and Other Weather Factors
Winter in Prague brings high humidity and steady winds that make the cold bite a little more. These factors affect how comfortable you’ll feel outside and what you’ll want to wear.
Humidity Levels in Winter
Humidity stays high in Prague during winter, often hitting 80–87%, especially in December. The air holds a lot of moisture even when it’s freezing.
High humidity in cold weather makes it feel colder than the numbers suggest. For example, 2°C with humidity can feel much damper and chillier, especially if the wind picks up.
Snow falls pretty often, but it doesn’t pile up as much as in northern Europe. The moisture does make sidewalks icy and streets slippery, so walking takes a bit more care.
Indoors, you might notice the air feels stuffy since buildings trap moisture. Packing breathable layers helps you stay comfortable both inside and out.
Typical Wind Speeds and Directions
Winds blow steadily through Prague in winter, adding to the cold. Average speeds run 10 to 20 km/h, but storms can bring stronger gusts.
Winds usually come from the west and northwest, pulling cold air from the Atlantic and northern Europe. This can make Prague feel harsher than the temperature alone would suggest.
Wind chill really matters. A day at 0°C with a 15 km/h wind can feel much colder. That’s why locals bundle up with scarves, hats, and gloves, even if the forecast doesn’t look too bad.
The city center’s buildings block some wind, but open spots like bridges and riverbanks feel much colder. Choosing your route with that in mind can make walking easier.
Winter Weather by Day of the Week
Winter in Prague stays pretty steady throughout the week. You might notice small shifts in temperature, clouds, or wind, but the main difference is how your own plans and the daylight hours shape your experience.
Weekly Weather Trends
From Monday through Wednesday, mornings kick off cold, hovering near -3 °C. Highs usually reach just 2–3 °C.
You’ll probably notice heavier cloud cover on these days. The sky tends to stay gray until midweek, which, honestly, isn’t the most inspiring start.
By Thursday and Friday, things start to shift a little. It still feels cold, but there’s a slightly better shot at some sunshine poking through.
Daylight grows bit by bit, adding a few minutes every day. You might not notice at first, but it does help.
On Saturday and Sunday, highs stick close to 3 °C. Mornings often feel damp or even a bit icy, so watch your step.
Rain or light snow showers show up more often on weekends, though they don’t usually last all day.
Winds blow steadily from the west, averaging about 17 km/h through the week.
| Day | Avg High | Avg Low | Cloud Cover | Precipitation Chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | 2–3 °C | -3 °C | Heavier | Moderate |
| Tue | 2–3 °C | -3 °C | Cloudy | Moderate |
| Wed | 2–3 °C | -2 °C | Cloudy | Slightly lower |
| Thu | 2–3 °C | -2 °C | Partly clear | Lower |
| Fri | 2–4 °C | -2 °C | Partly clear | Moderate |
| Sat | 2–3 °C | -2 °C | Mixed | Higher |
| Sun | 2–3 °C | -2 °C | Mixed | Higher |
Notable Differences on Weekdays and Weekends
During weekdays, you’ll probably notice steadier patterns in cloud cover. Monday and Tuesday mornings can feel colder and gloomier, but by Thursday or Friday, brighter skies usually show up.
These differences aren’t huge, but if you spend any time outside, you’ll pick up on them.
On weekends, precipitation tends to make itself known. Saturday mornings sometimes bring light snow or a bit of drizzle. Sunday? That one often starts off icy, especially early on.
Temperatures stick pretty close to what you get during the week, though travel and walking can definitely feel trickier.
If you’re thinking about outdoor plans, weekdays generally stay drier. Weekends, on the other hand, feel a bit more unsettled.
So, sightseeing or walking tours usually feel more comfortable midweek. Weekend outings might need warmer layers and waterproof shoes.