Prague Weather in December

December weather in Prague

December feels cold, damp and often grey. The high is 4°C and the low is -2°C, with rain on 11 days. Short daylight and little sunshine can make a long outdoor sightseeing day feel tiring. Wet or icy cobbles are another reason to take your time.

You can still enjoy Prague Castle, the National Museum or a cosy café in Malá Strana. Save long walks along the Vltava for clearer spells, and don't count on a sunny view from Petřín Hill.

Christmas markets and holidays

The Christmas markets bring decorated stalls to Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. Browse for gifts, warm up with svařák, or try a trdelník, a sweet pastry cooked over a fire. Christmas Eve is a major family holiday in Czechia, so some shops and restaurants close or shorten their hours.

Families who enjoy festive lights and market treats may find the season worth the cold.

Crowds, prices and a local tip

December is quieter than the busy summer months for general sightseeing, but the Christmas markets draw plenty of visitors. Prices can rise around Christmas and New Year, while other parts of the month may feel more like the quieter winter season.

For a calmer look at the Old Town Square market, go in the morning, before the evening crowds arrive. Then cut through nearby Týn Courtyard for a quieter break from the stalls. Check opening hours around Christmas Eve, when the city's usual routines change.