Climate Czech Republic
If you are a fan of heat waves or extreme cold, welcome to the Czech Republic, where the continental climate, without being extreme, offers marked differences in temperature between the different seasons, without however closing one or the other to the exploration of the country. In summer, you can find coolness in the mountains and lakes. In winter, you will enjoy romantic sceneries, always very cold and snowy, which you will intersperse with comforting visits to the sources of warmth of the cities and villages: museums, literary cafés, craft stores... In spring or autumn, bright colors and low-angled lights illuminate the forests as well as the Secession facades of the most beautiful cities of the country and lend themselves wonderfully to sports activities. Whatever your travel schedule, the Czech Republic can be discovered in all seasons, beautiful, welcoming and warm.
A continental climate
Although the climate in the Czech Republic, like that of all of Central Europe, is characterized by a strong continental character, the variety of terrain and vegetation provides some important regional nuances. While the average annual temperature in the country is just under 8°C and remains positive even in the coldest month, February, at 0.5°C, it drops much lower in the mountainous regions and remains at much milder levels in the Moravian lowlands. Conversely, summers are mild, though sometimes a bit stifling in Prague, although the Vltava River and the large parks help to keep things cool. As for rainfall, it snows in winter and rains the rest of the year. Rainfall is heaviest in the spring and fall, while it is limited to a few showers in the summer. In any case, bring a light, waterproof garment for your excursions: if it never rains for long, it always rains a little!
Spring and fall: a fully accessible country
Traveling in the Czech Republic during these two seasons is a real treat. In Prague, the heat is not stifling, the rain is frequent but not excessive, and the temperature is ideal for exploring the city on foot. If summer comes early or lingers, you can quickly find cooler havens along the Vltava River or in the many parks in the capital, where the ever-popular beergardens open their doors throughout the summer. In the country, the days become longer and the colors invade the fields and the forests, which have become the perfect place for a multitude of sports: hiking, mountain biking, rafting or canoeing. The nickname of Eastern Bohemia, the "Czech Paradise", takes on its full meaning when one discovers the splendid towns, castles and other natural treasures. As the terrain rises towards the border, there are more and more opportunities for hiking in the mountains, offering a different face of the Czech Republic.
In summer, moderate heat
Prague experiences a serious dip in visitors during the summer season, when the temperatures in the city become a little too stifling. The city's altitude does not exceed 400 meters and the wind weakens, causing temperatures to rise without becoming excessive. Nevertheless, the Czechs, less used to the heat, often take the opportunity to leave the capital and go to the mountains or along the rivers. Here again, sports activities are in the spotlight, especially when they are as refreshing as canoeing, canyoning or rafting. Prague has a small drop in visitors, which makes it more intimate and enjoyable to visit.
In winter, under the white coat of snow
Prague is a very romantic city in winter, and it's no coincidence that hotel room rates are set around New Year's Eve. The Charles Bridge under the snow, free of its hordes of tourists, with the illuminated castle as a backdrop, is a spectacle that has nothing to envy the most beautiful cities in Europe. Night falls between 4 and 4:30 pm in Prague in winter, but we advise you to stay outside and brave the cold to celebrate New Year's Eve on the Charles Bridge! This is a rare opportunity to stroll through the deserted streets of Prague, which you may be lucky enough to discover under the snow. All over the country, Christmas markets are flourishing and there is stiff competition to set up the largest nativity scene at the foot of the inevitable Ferris wheel, where you can wait while sipping mulled wine or looking for a free spot on the outdoor ice rinks, which are also very popular. A freezing temperature, but a warm atmosphere.
Beware of flooding
In spite of rather low rainfall, the Czech Republic was plagued by numerous floods in the early 2000s, the most dramatic of which, in August 2002, was caused by flooding of the Elbe, Vltava and Berounka rivers, necessitating the evacuation of 200,000 people and resulting in the death of more than a hundred others. In the capital, the Vltava River flowed thirty times its normal rate, with water running through the streets, invading subway stations, cellars, businesses and most historical sites. Czech volunteers and soldiers took turns to try to stem the rising waters with sandbags, but these good wills were not enough to stop this flood due to heavy rains for two days upstream. In total, almost a third of the country was under water. Today, the marks of the August 2002 flood are still visible in several cities of the country. Historical disaster, economic disaster, social disaster. New, less dramatic floods occurred in 2011 and, despite the dykes and safety measures, the Czechs continue to keep a close eye on the river levels when the time comes for flooding.
The best season to leave?
In short, there is no one season that is more recommendable than another: the Czech Republic can be visited all year round and it is mainly your desires and your program that will determine the period of your trip. Depending on whether you are a whitewater sportsman, a hiker or a museum lover, whether you are traveling by car, bicycle or train, whether you are alone or on a romantic trip, you will choose sun and warmth or cold and snow, it's up to you. In any case, you should know that Prague's success is undiminished in any season and draws a dense crowd of tourists to all the sites, while the rest of the country is rather neglected except for the most beautiful cities such as Olomouc or Český Krumlov, which also experience tourist success throughout the year. As a result, even if you leave in late autumn or early spring, it is better to book your accommodations in advance to be sure of finding a room, especially since the two years of pandemic have done a lot of damage, both human and financial, and led to the closure of many establishments, the future of which is unknown at the time of writing.
