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.
Prague splits by river: Old Town and Wenceslas Square are tourist theater, Vinohrady is expat and gay-friendly with the best pubs, Zizkov is working-class with the highest pub-per-capita in Europe. Order Pilsner Urquell tapped from a tanked keg at Lokal for the real thing; the tourist Old Town beers are three times the price. Trdelnik chimney cake is a Hungarian tourist invention, not Czech. Trams are the actual transport, and the metro Line A green is the museum route.
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
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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→Estimated December trip to Prague
Peak season prices — book early or shift by 2–3 weeks to save. Rule-based estimates from a couple based in London — actual prices vary.
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Delayed flight to Prague?
Flights to Prague in December can be delayed by storms. Claim up to €600 if yours is 3+ hours late. EU regulations cover flights departing from or arriving in the EU/UK.
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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 an 11-year climate record (2015–2025).
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.
The stalls are similar everywhere. Weather, crowds and prices are not. Twelve European Christmas markets compared with 11-year December data.
Prague in December — FAQ
Q01Should I visit Prague in December?
Should I visit Prague in December?
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. Late April-early May burcak sweet young wine appears at riverside stands and Petrin cherry orchard blooms before summer stag-party crowds swamp Old Town Square.
Q02What temperatures should I expect in Prague during December?
What temperatures should I expect in Prague during 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 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, Open-Meteo Archive). January -5C with regular snow; Christmas markets end January 6 but medovina honey wine continues, Prague Castle empty, and Petrin hill sledding free.
Q03Is December a rainy month in Prague?
Is December a rainy month in Prague?
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.
Q04How should I dress for Prague in December?
How should I dress 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 11 complete years of weather averages for this specific month. A power bank and slip-resistant shoes: cobbled Mala Strana streets ice unpredictably and the metro is deep with slow ascents.
Q05Is December a busy travel month for Prague?
Is December a busy travel month for Prague?
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. Prague splits by river: Old Town and Wenceslas Square are tourist theater, Vinohrady is expat and gay-friendly with the best pubs, Zizkov is working-class with the highest pub-per-capita in Europe. Order Pilsner Urquell tapped from a tanked keg at Lokal for the real thing; the tourist Old Town beers are three times the price. Trdelnik chimney cake is a Hungarian tourist invention, not Czech. Trams are the actual transport, and the metro Line A green is the museum route.