The Best Time to Visit the Czech Republic

Why Visit the Czech Republic in the Spring?

Spring in the Czech Republic: March, April & May

Spring reaches the Czech Republic by mid-March, when snow turns to rain and the first flowers start to bloom. Temperatures can dip below freezing well into March and snow sometimes falls even in April, though by mid-May the days are decidedly long and pleasant. 

In Prague, spring is the season of blooming tulips and cherry blossoms. Parks along the river, outdoor cafés, street markets, and beer gardens fill with locals and visitors enjoying the country at its most colorful after a long, wet winter. The Prague Beer Festival temporarily takes over the city for two weeks each May, with local brews, food, and music. To the east, the Moravian wine region—sometimes called Moravian Tuscany for its layered hills—welcomes visitors for the first tastings of the year, surrounded by an emerald landscape.

Spring travel anywhere in Czechia comes with unpredictable rain showers and occasional overnight freezes. Pack light layers and come prepared with a raincoat and you’ll enjoy the country during a beautiful season that most miss.

What to Expect on Our Spring Tours

On a spring Vienna to Prague trip, you’ll see the country burst to life for the season before most travelers have arrived. After exploring a 10th-century castle, you’ll hike through the heart of wine country, discover the quiet streams and pristine beauty of Šumava National Park, and take in hilltop views from the storybook town of Rožmberk.

Why Visit the Czech Republic in the Summer?

Summer in the Czech Republic: June, July & August

Czech summers are pleasantly mild, and highs in the 70s°F making these great months for hiking in Šumava National Park, exploring Prague’s Old Town, or walking through Czechia’s wine country. Although it’s also the rainy season—brief showers are a regular occurrence—the summer is the best time to visit Czechia if you’re looking to get outdoors.

Long summer days offer plenty of time for exploring, dining, and people-watching—summer also brings the tourist rush as international visitors and locals relax on holiday. In Prague, the river swells with paddlers and you can expect to find many outdoor cafes and restaurants at max capacity.

In Český Krumlov, June brings an explosion of Renaissance-themed festivities during the Five-Petalled Rose Celebration. Sword fights, live music, and other performances take over the castle in celebration of its Renaissance rulers, the House of Rosenberg. 

Summer in Šumava National Park means glistening lakes, shaded forest trails, and secluded waterfalls, all offering a reprieve from the bustle of Czech cities. Pack ahead for rain, expect cool (if sometimes muggy) conditions, and enjoy one of the country’s most brilliant natural gems.

What to Expect on Our Summer Tours

We pause our tours in the summer, when regular afternoon thunderstorms make for less than ideal hiking conditions. Our expert local Trip Leaders resume guiding Czechia trips in September, when conditions are more predictable and they can showcase the country’s trails and historic sites at their best.

Why Visit the Czech Republic in the Fall?

Fall in the Czech Republic: September, October & November

Fall is the best time to go hiking in the Czech Republic, and the season also brings a refreshingly laidback atmosphere to Prague. The weather becomes crisp throughout the country and trees turn every shade of red, orange, and yellow in Bohemian Switzerland and Šumava National Parks.

September is an especially great time to go to Czechia—misty mornings and the turning leaves create a magical countryside, while the receding summer rush gives you room to breathe in Prague. The country comes alive with festivals celebrating everything from the wine and food harvests to music and film from September through October. By November, the festival season has given way to early winter as the country begins to gear up for the holidays.

What to Expect on Our Fall Tours

September departures of our Vienna to Prague trips explore Moravia and Bohemia in all their early fall glory—take in sweeping pastoral views of wine country and traversing remote forests. On the Czech leg of the journey, you’ll hike between castles and ruins at the Pálava Nature Reserve, make the most of the cool days with a hilltop picnic at a 14th-century castle, and walk through woodlands and valleys to reach some of the country’s most imposing monuments. You’ll see a quieter side of Prague as we explore Old Town’s winding streets and witness history in the city’s former medieval Jewish ghetto, now home to Europe’s oldest functioning synagogue.

Why Visit the Czech Republic in the Winter?

Winter in the Czech Republic: December, January & February

Winter in the Czech Republic is mild but quiet, as tourism ebbs dramatically. The Christmas season brings a festive wave of decorations, events, and celebrations to cities and towns before giving way to the coldest months of the year. Those seeking to explore Prague’s museums, palaces, and religious sites in peace will enjoy winter’s quiet, and may see the city with a fairytale-esque covering of snow.

Prague’s Christmas markets are among Europe’s most famous, attracting visitors from around the world. Typically opening in late November and running into January, Staroměstské náměstí (in Old Town Square) and Václavské náměstí (in Wenceslas Square) are the largest and most popular. Both markets include countless stalls selling handicrafts, warm food, and mulled wine, along with live music performances.

On New Year’s Eve, locals and visitors fill Prague’s restaurants and bars, take to the Vltava River on steamer boats, and meet at Wenceslas Square for all-evening (although newly fireworks-free) celebrations.

January and February bring below-freezing temperatures and deliver the occasional sprinkling of snow to the country’s cities. In the mountains, intense winter storms transform landscapes into dramatic frozen wonderlands that are suitable for skiing and snowboarding but little else.

What to Expect on Our Winter Tours

We don’t run our Czech Republic itineraries in the winter—we resume them in late spring, when our Trip Leaders can showcase the country’s beautiful landscapes and historic sites in optimal conditions.