The season in short
Summer is the warmest and wettest part of the year, and opening hours are longest from June to September. September and October are cooler, with less rain than July and August. Winter is the coldest time, with the shortest hours and the Christmas markets at the end of November.
No month is the best for everyone. Pick by what matters most: warm evenings and long opening hours, lower rainfall, or the winter atmosphere. The bridge itself is a free footpath that you can walk in any season. The towers, the castle and the museums have their own hours, and those change with the calendar.
Tours and cruises in Prague
Guided walks over the bridge, river cruises and day trips, with live prices and availability.
Temperature and rain by month
Long-term monthly averages for Prague, reference period 1981–2010. They describe a typical month, not a forecast for 2026.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rain and snow |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2.6 °C | -2.4 °C | 20.4 mm |
| February | 4.4 °C | -1.8 °C | 18.7 mm |
| March | 9.1 °C | 1.5 °C | 25.7 mm |
| April | 15.1 °C | 5.1 °C | 23.6 mm |
| May | 20.3 °C | 9.7 °C | 53.2 mm |
| June | 22.8 °C | 12.7 °C | 56.9 mm |
| July | 25.3 °C | 14.5 °C | 64.4 mm |
| August | 25.1 °C | 14.2 °C | 60.4 mm |
| September | 19.9 °C | 10.5 °C | 34.5 mm |
| October | 14.2 °C | 6.4 °C | 23.6 mm |
| November | 7.2 °C | 2.1 °C | 28.3 mm |
| December | 3.4 °C | -1.1 °C | 25.3 mm |
Highs and lows are the mean daily highest and lowest temperatures. Rain is the mean monthly total including snow. The pattern is clear: summer is warmer and wetter than winter, and September and October are cooler and drier than July and August. That says nothing about the weather on your day, so pack for change.
Opening hours change with the season
Daily hours for the places around the bridge. Check the current schedule before you go.
| Period | Both bridge towers | Prague Castle buildings |
|---|---|---|
| January to March | 10:00–18:00 | 09:00–16:00 |
| April to May | 10:00–19:00 | 09:00–17:00 |
| June to September | 09:00–20:30 | 09:00–17:00 |
| October | 10:00–18:00 | 09:00–17:00 |
| November | 10:00–18:00 | 09:00–16:00 |
| December | 10:00–19:30 | 09:00–16:00 |
The castle buildings follow two periods: 1 April to 31 October from 09:00 to 17:00, and 1 November to 31 March from 09:00 to 16:00. The castle grounds are open all year from 06:00 to 22:00. The Royal Garden, the Deer Moat and the South Gardens are closed from November to February, and open from 10:00 to 17:00 in March and October.
Both bridge towers charge 50 percent less in the first opening hour. That helps if you climb early in any season. See the bridge towers guide and the Prague Castle guide for tickets.
Christmas markets in 2026
The Christmas market on Old Town Square is announced for 28 November 2026 to 6 January 2027. The Wenceslas Square market is announced for the same dates, with hours of 10:00 to 22:00. The Old Town Square is only a few minutes from the bridge, so a winter walk can combine both. Dates and daily hours can differ, so check the schedule closer to the time. Not every city market keeps these dates.
The towers announce special hours for the holidays: 24 December 2026 from 10:00 to 14:30, 25 December from 11:00 to 17:30, 26 December from 10:00 to 19:00, 31 December from 10:00 to 16:00 and 1 January 2027 from 11:00 to 18:00. From 2 to 6 January 2027 they open from 10:00 to 19:30. There is no early-morning discount on 25 December and 1 January.
Crowds and the time of day
There is no fixed rule, but hours matter more than months.
Early morning
Mornings can be calmer on the bridge, though nothing guarantees a clear view or an empty deck. Early light is also good for photos. See the sunrise guide for where to stand.
Evening
The bridge is open on foot at night and has gas lanterns, so an evening walk works in any season. The night guide covers lights and routes.
Midday
The middle of the day is when most groups cross. If your plans are flexible, schedule towers and indoor visits for midday and walk the bridge at the edges of the day.
Closures and works
Maintenance on the bridge does not mean it is closed. Cleaning work has gone on without restricting foot traffic. Before a visit, check for works that narrow the path.
Plan the rest of your trip
Once you know when, decide where.
Best time to visit Prague: frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Prague?
It depends on what you want. May to September is warm, with the longest hours. September and October are cooler and drier than July and August. December suits the Christmas markets.
Is Prague very cold in winter?
Average daily highs are 2.6 °C in January and 4.4 °C in February, and average lows are below freezing. Dress in layers.
When are the Christmas markets in 2026?
The markets on Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square are announced for 28 November 2026 to 6 January 2027. Check the daily hours before you go.
Are the bridge towers open all year?
Yes, daily. Hours run from 10:00 to 18:00 in the colder months and from 09:00 to 20:30 from June to September. Holiday hours differ.
Which season has the fewest crowds?
The time of day matters more than the month. Early morning and late evening are usually calmer than midday.