Czech Republic Weather Guide: Year-Round Climate Insights

The Czech Republic experiences a temperate continental climate, characterized by four distinct seasons with significant temperature shifts through the year. Being landlocked in Central Europe, the country serves as a meeting point between the damp maritime influences of the Atlantic and the dry, thermal extremes of the Russian steppes.

Typical Weather Patterns

Weather in the Czech Republic is famously shifty. A bright morning can quickly transition into a convective afternoon thunderstorm, especially in the summer.

• Winter (December–February): Dominated by grey skies and a low sun. While cities like Prague often see a mix of rain and "slushy" snow, the surrounding mountain ranges maintain a stable snow cover.
• Spring (March–May): Known for its rapid awakening and high variability. It is common to experience "April weather," where sunshine, rain, and even a late snow flurry can occur within the same hour.
• Summer (June–August): The warmest and rainiest season. Afternoon heat is often broken by heavy thunderstorms, which provide necessary relief from occasional heat waves.
• Autumn (September–November): Starts with the "Babí léto" (Old Ladies' Summer), a period of dry, golden days, before turning to the damp, misty "Dušičky" weather of November.

Daily Climate Behavior

In the lowlands and cities, the day typically starts with a crisp, cool air. Throughout the summer, daily temperatures often peak around 3:00 PM, while in winter, the short daylight hours (sunset as early as 4:00 PM in December) mean temperatures drop sharply by late afternoon. Night-to-day temperature swings are most pronounced in the Moravian lowlands and Bohemian valleys, where clear nights lead to significant cooling.

Regional Variations and Microclimates

The Czech Republic’s hilly terrain creates distinct local pockets:

• The Bohemian Basin: Encircled by mountains, Prague and its surroundings often sit in a "rain shadow," making them drier than the border regions.
• Moravia: Generally warmer and more sun-drenched than Bohemia, making it the country's primary wine-growing region. Summer temperatures here frequently reach several degrees higher than in the north.
• Mountain Rims (Krkonoše, Šumava, Jeseníky): These areas experience a vastly different climate, with heavy snow from November to April and significantly lower averages. Winds can be fierce at higher altitudes, particularly on the highest peak, Sněžka.

Historical Context and Phenomena

Historically, the Czech Republic is prone to periodic flooding, particularly in the Vltava and Elbe (Labe) river basins during rapid spring thaws or heavy summer rains.

A specific local phenomenon is the "St. Martin’s Snow." According to local lore, St. Martin arrives on a "white horse" on November 11th, marking the traditional first snowfall of the season. Another notable event is the "Frozen Saints" (Ledoví muži) in mid-May—three days of potential late-spring frost that locals historically used to guide their planting.

How Residents Experience the Weather

Locals have a deep cultural connection to the changing seasons. In winter, the concept of "Ladovská zima" (a picturesque, snowy winter depicted by artist Josef Lada) is the ideal, though modern winters are increasingly becoming a damp, foggy obleva (thaw).

Summer is lived outdoors in "garden restaurants" and by lakes. When the first heat waves arrive, people adapt by seeking shade in the high-ceilinged, thick-walled historic buildings or the "cool caves" of traditional pubs. In the autumn, the foggy, damp weather is often embraced as a time for houbaření (mushroom hunting) in the humid forests.

The Feel of the Climate

• Humidity: Summer can feel heavy and humid just before a storm. In contrast, winter humidity often makes a temperature of 0°C (32°F) feel much colder due to the "damp chill" that settles in the bones.
• Wind: Most of the country is not excessively windy, but the wide plateaus of the Vysočina region can feature persistent, biting winds during winter months.
• Air Quality: In deep winter, especially in industrial areas or deep valleys, "smog situations" can occur when a temperature inversion traps cool, still air near the ground.