Prague’s climate is classified as humid continental with moderate influences from the Atlantic. This results in four distinct seasons, each offering a vastly different sensory experience of the city’s mediaeval architecture and rolling hills. Because the city is situated in a basin surrounded by mountains, it benefits from a slight rain-shadow effect, making it drier than many other Central European capitals.
Seasonal Breakdown
Spring (March - May)
Spring in Prague is a period of rapid and often unpredictable transition. While March can still feel like an extension of winter with occasional bursts of sleet or "Siberian" winds, by late April, the city transforms into a vibrant green.
- The "Feeling": Crisp mornings that give way to warm afternoons. The air often carries the scent of blossoming cherry trees from Petřín Hill.
- Phenomena: Localized frosts can occur as late as mid-May (traditionally associated with the "Ice Saints" days), which can briefly drop temperatures back toward freezing.
Summer (June - August)
Summers are generally mild and pleasant, but the city has seen a significant increase in "tropical days" (temperatures exceeding 30°C/86°F) over the last decade.
- Daily Rhythm: Sunny mornings are frequently followed by sudden, intense late-afternoon thunderstorms. The Vltava River provides a cooling effect, making riverside walks significantly more comfortable during heat waves.
- The "Feeling": Stuffy in the cobblestone-heavy Old Town, but refreshing in the city's extensive park systems like Letná or Stromovka.
Autumn (September - November)
September is often considered the "Golden Autumn," characterized by stable weather and soft sunlight. However, by November, the atmosphere shifts significantly as the city enters its cloudiest period.
- Phenomena: Widespread fog and low-lying gray stratus clouds often settle over the Vltava, creating the moody, gothic atmosphere for which Prague is famous.
- The "Feeling": Damp and chilly by late October. The wind begins to pick up, making the perceived temperature feel several degrees lower than the thermometer suggests.
Winter (December - February)
Prague winters are characterized by persistent overcast skies and temperatures that hover just around freezing. Stable snow cover is rare in the city center compared to the surrounding highlands, though it creates a picturesque "fairytale" look when it does stick.
- Temperature Inversions: This is a key local phenomenon where cold air gets trapped in the Prague basin under a layer of warmer air, leading to stagnant, gray conditions and misty days.
- The "Feeling": A biting damp cold (the "Wind Chill") that permeates layers. Locals typically combat this with hot mulled wine (svařák) found at outdoor markets.
Microclimates and Variations
Prague’s topography creates distinct weather variations within the city limits:
- The Urban Heat Island: The densely packed stone and asphalt of central districts like Smíchov or the Old Town can be up to 4°C (7°F) warmer at night than the greener, higher-altitude neighborhoods like Prague 6 (Dejvice) or the parks in Vinohrady.
- Elevated Hills: Neighborhoods on the hills (such as Petřín or Vítkov) often experience stronger winds and slightly higher snowfall persistence than the riverbanks.
- The Vltava Effect: During the height of summer, the river corridor acts as a natural air conditioner, with temperatures near the water being up to 8°C cooler than the sun-exposed concrete squares nearby.
Historical Context
Prague has a long history of meteorological recording, centered at the Klementinum observatory, which has tracked data since 1775. Historically, the city has faced extreme flooding (most notably in August 2002) caused by heavy summer rains in the Vltava catchment area. While winter temperatures used to stay below freezing for weeks, modern trends have led to much milder winters and more frequent summer heatwaves, shifting the traveler experience toward a more Mediterranean summer and a damp, misty winter.