The best time to visit Prague is now! No, really, visit Prague whenever you can. That said, here’s a rundown of the best time to visit Prague (IMO).

Recent estimates show that approximately 6.4 million foreign tourists visit the dreamy city of Prague annually. As you enjoy a stroll across the charming Charles Bridge into the Old Town where Mozart composed Don Giovanni, you’ll instantly understand why so many foreigners are captivated by the Czech capital. Although more tourists than ever are pouring into Prague, you can still enjoy an intimate travel experience. That is, if you plan well enough in advance. Below, we’ll go over everything you need to know about when to go to Prague for a sublime sojourn.

When to travel to Prague weather-wise

Temperatures in Prague only reach as high as the 70s between June and August. This combo of warmer temps and longer days tends to attract increased domestic and foreign tourism. Average precipitation during summer months, however, is usually higher than any other time of year. Springtime weather, on the other hand, is usually pleasant with temps between 40°F and 60°F in April and May.

The relatively high summer temps quickly fall once autumn rolls around. Expect highs to only reach the 60s for September and the mid-50s in October. From November till February, it’s rare for Prague to get any warmer than 35°F. While snow isn’t unheard of during Prague’s chilly months, the chances of precipitation between December and March are extremely low.

Three major Prague festivals to consider checking out

It should come as no surprise that the city which gave the world Dvořák and Smetana hosts some of the finest classical music festivals in Europe. The most popular of these festivals is the annual Prague Spring, which takes place between May and June. Founded in 1946, the Prague Spring International Music Festival hosts some of the world’s finest classical musicians in numerous live performances throughout the city. Whether you want to hear chamber music, symphonies, or opera, you should have no difficulty finding something on Prague Spring’s catalogue to soothe your ears.

If classical isn’t your style, then consider visiting Prague’s Reduta Jazz Club between October and November to take part in the Prague’s International Jazz Festival. Dating back to 1964, the Prague Jazz Festival is one of the oldest of its kind in Europe. Just a few of the more famous names that have played at this festival include B.B. King, Dave Brubeck, and Tony Bennett.

Besides exquisite music, Czechs have a deep appreciation for fine beer. Believe it or not, the Czech Republic has the highest beer consumption rate in the world at over 142 liters per capita. The best way to get you hands on exceptional beer while in Prague is to visit during the Czech Beer Festival in May. This 17-day festival offers guests the opportunity to try hundreds of brews focusing (of course) on Czech products.

When tourism is hot & not in Prague

As you might’ve already guessed, tourism reaches its peak in Prague during the warmer months of June, July and August. Millions of tourists flock to the Czech capital during summer to take advantage of the sunny weather and longer days. Expect to deal with tourist hordes and to pay higher prices for hotels, airfare and restaurants during this time of year.

The low point for tourism in Prague is usually between November and February. The obvious reason for this slowdown has to do with the bone-chilling temps and frigid winds. However, winter travelers to Prague are rewarded with deep discounts at hotels and restaurants as well as instant access to Prague’s top sites. Also, anyone who visits between December and January will get to enjoy Prague’s Christmastime decorations and markets.

While autumn and spring aren’t as busy as Prague’s summer season, they also aren’t as slow as wintertime. Travelers should book hotel rooms at least two to three weeks in advance if visiting at these times. During fall and spring, Prague’s temperatures hover between 40°F and 60°F, so it’s fairly comfortable as long as you pack warm clothes. Restaurants and hotels aren’t terribly expensive during these seasons and you won’t have to deal with mobs of tourists.

Best time to visit Prague on a budget

If you’re looking for a good mix of reduced prices, ease of access to tourist sites and comfortable weather, then book a Prague vacation in either autumn or spring. Although the days during these months aren’t as long or as warm as the summer season, you won’t have to deal with tourist hordes or pay those summertime premiums at cafés and hotels.

When to go: More articles on the best time to visit European cities:

WHEN TO GO: AMSTERDAM
WHEN TO GO: ROME
WHEN TO GO: BERLIN
WHEN TO GO: PRAGUE