Prague weather in December
“Cool and moody. Best paired with warm rooms and long lunches.”
Roughly 11 rainy days across the month, on average.
December in Prague is cold and grey, with average highs of 5.3°C (42°F) and lows near 0°C (32°F). Expect around 45mm of precipitation spread across roughly 11 rainy days, so pack waterproof gear. Sunshine is scarce at just 3.9 hours per day, giving the city a moody, atmospheric quality that many visitors find magical during the festive season.
This is peak Christmas market season. Prague's Old Town Square transforms into a winter wonderland with wooden chalets, mulled wine, and holiday crafts. The crowds are moderate to high around Christmas week, but early December remains quieter. The festive decorations, twinkling lights, and seasonal atmosphere make December special despite the cold and damp weather.
If you're considering Prague in December 2026, book accommodations early—the holiday period fills up fast. Layer your clothing, bring a sturdy umbrella, and wear waterproof shoes. The short daylight hours mean you'll need to plan sightseeing carefully, but the atmospheric conditions and festive energy make it worthwhile for those who don't mind chilly temperatures.
What to pack for Prague in December
December in Prague demands serious cold-weather layering. Temperatures hover around freezing with frequent rain and damp conditions, so prioritize insulation and waterproofing. Bring multiple layers you can adjust throughout the day, as heated interiors contrast sharply with the cold outdoors.
- Insulated winter coat or parka
- Thermal base layers or merino wool long underwear
- Waterproof walking boots with grip soles
- Wool beanie or knit hat
- Waterproof gloves and thick scarf
What to pack for Prague in December
- →Lightweight fleeceAmazon · shop this
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Where to stay in Prague
We don't review individual hotels — plenty of people do that well. What we do is send you to compare rooms in Prague across trusted platforms.
Compare hotels on Booking.com→Things worth doing
Christmas markets at Old Town Square, St. Vitus Cathedral interior tour, Prague Castle courtyards, Charles Bridge walk at sunrise, Jewish Quarter museums, underground tavern tours.
December vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in Prague. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit Prague
While December has its own character in Prague, the data-backed best months to visit Prague are May, June, July, August. These months combine the most favourable temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine across a ten-year climate record.
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for PragueOther places with a similar climate right now
Read more about Prague
The best Christmas markets in Europe compared: weather, crowds, and where to stay. Strasbourg, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Amsterdam.
September in Europe: warm sea, empty cities, museum peace, half the prices. A data-driven case for the best month to travel most Europeans already know about.
Prague in December — FAQ
Q01Is December a good time to visit Prague?
Is December a good time to visit Prague?
It is a fair time to visit — expect variable conditions and plan flexibility. In December, Prague averages a high of 5°C (42°F) and a low of 0°C (32°F), with 45mm of rainfall across roughly 11 rainy days.
Q02What is the average temperature in Prague in December?
What is the average temperature in Prague in December?
The average high temperature in Prague during December is 5°C (42°F), with an average low of 0°C (32°F). These figures are averaged from ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03How many rainy days does Prague have in December?
How many rainy days does Prague have in December?
Prague averages approximately 11 rainy days in December, with a total monthly rainfall of about 45mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What should I pack for Prague in December?
What should I pack for Prague in December?
For Prague in December, pack a warm winter coat, a merino base layer for evenings, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on the ten-year weather averages for this specific month.
Q05How crowded is Prague in December?
How crowded is Prague in December?
Tourist crowds in Prague during December are typically low — winter is off-season, meaning quiet streets and better hotel deals. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely.