When is the best time to go to Prague? I often hear this question from my tourists. In my opinion, Prague is good at any time of the year, good and interesting in its own way. Take a look at how I perceive the Prague seasons.
Spring Summer
Now is the time for the chestnuts in May. Huge trees, lavishly decorated with large, pyramidal inflorescences, stand like kings.
Come to Kampa, here in the park under the Charles Bridge young people rest on fresh lawns. Somewhere a guitar sounds, someone is playing with a ball, someone is practicing juggling. Chestnuts take us from Kampa to Streletsky Island. The road goes across the Legia Bridge. From the bridge, you can easily touch the white flowers.
We also have red chestnuts, admire them on Karmelitskaya Street, right under the Baroque Church of the Victorious Virgin Mary.
Summer comes into its own. June. The flowering of the trees is almost over. On a warm evening we walk along the Parisian street.
Luxurious showcases of boutiques and no less luxurious facades of buildings. But something is now more important than luxury, something is spinning your head, making you forget about everything. This is the scent of linden - the scent of Prague. Linden is a symbol of the Czech Republic, its leaves and inflorescences on the banknotes of the Czech crown, on the stripes of the officers of the Czech army. Wenceslas Square, Na Przikopach Street - these are addresses of evening romance, addresses of a meeting with a fragrant linden tree.
Hot July. I want shade and coolness. We are in the French park of the Cesky Krumlov castle.
Baroque order, perfectly trimmed living border, low of boxwood, middle forms yew and huge green walls of elm. There are four trees in the center of the park under the fountains. The dark brown crown creates the perfect shadow, we hurry there. Finally we are cool, but where are the brown leaves - a green curtain above us! Wonders! This is a magical beech tree, the outside of its leaf is reddish-brown, and the inside is green. A beautiful, light-loving tree with a spreading crown. A tree that loves to play a trick on us.
Autumn winter
September - chestnut again. Children come home with their pockets full of fruit. I envy them a little, I also want to walk in the park to look for chestnuts, to admire their color. Harvest cool, slightly damp fruits. I can not resist, I raise one, he will be with me in memory of September sunny days.
October. For the second month now, autumn has been playing with colors, painting the Prague gardens in its favorite colors. Yellow, brown, dark brown and purplish red. We are going to look at the wild vineyard. Its green leaves all summer merged into the general background, and now, the hour has come! Now the vineyard cannot be confused with anything, with bated breath people look at the walls overgrown with vines - purple walls!
Autumnal Prague walls. Gardens under Prague Castle, Strahov Monastery, Uvoz. The leaves will not last long, you need to catch this moment to remember the purple leaves all white winter.
Winter in Prague. Prague is completely different in winter. Not covered with greenery of gardens and squares, it is all open to the sight. From Petřín Hill or from Hradčanské Square, they look at her as a naked beauty. She has no flaw, we learned about this when the foliage fell. The luxurious dress has been thrown off, but she has not become worse, she is only a little chilly. Frozen tourists dream of summer. Stupid, under the dense foliage you will not see all the charms of the beauty of Prague.
Well, if you're lucky and it snows, the city will turn into a real winter fairy tale. Taking photos of snowy Prague home is like a gift, like a prize.
And again spring ...
"Golden rain" - so called forsythia in the Czech Republic. March can still be considered a winter month. Here, the frost can turn and the snow will pamper, but spring is already on the doorstep. You can feel it in the air, forsythia will remind us of this. Thin, bare twigs of the bush will suddenly light up with yellow lights, and Golden rain will fly. Is there really so much of it in the city, there are yellow bushes at every step, spring is declaring itself at the top of its voice. Then the flowers will fly around, and the green leaves of the forsythia will not stand out from the usual urban vegetation. But this is only for the time being, until a year later the "golden rain" again begins.
“Is it true that the best time to go to Prague is in spring? And if in spring - then when: in April, or is it closer to summer, in May? Or, conversely, in March - after all, there are still few tourists after winter, and everything should be cheaper ... But maybe it's still cold in March? "
These and similar questions are most often of concern to tourists and travelers - those who travel to the Czech Republic for the first time in spring.
Spring in Prague is like this!
And this is also a Prague spring.
Prague is beautiful at any time of the year, but There is really no better time than spring to visit the Czech capital. There are still not so many tourists, and it is a pleasure to walk through the winding streets of Prague, where each old house has its own story or mystical legend, and sometimes even its own ghost.
And if the day is sunny and little wind, the walk will be doubly pleasant.
Doubly…
But spring in Prague is often capricious, and guessing which of the spring months is the best time to go on a Prague voyage can be difficult.
However, there are still some patterns in the weather of the Prague spring, we will try to identify and outline them.
Weather in Prague in spring
Valeria (28 years old, Voronezh) - "Forecasters can be wrong":
“Two years ago I helped a friend with advice before going to Prague, looked with her April forecasts for every week on all websites. We chose, as it seemed to us, the most suitable seven-day period with promises of almost summer heat, and she took a T-shirt out of her clothes ... Then she had to put them on all at once on the spot and walk around the city like a cabbage. It's good that she took at least one sweater with her, in which she left the cold Voronezh at night.
Forecasting, as a science, at that time was not up to par. But next year, together with her, we are showing off in pictures from Prague in April, showing off a "bicycle" tan, and in just two days! Such was the "spring weekend in Prague". In short - how lucky! "
Take a variety of clothes with you so you don't get cold.
Pick up your clothes closer to the start of the Prague tour: the short-term forecast before your trip will be more accurate. Be sure to provide protection from rain and wind: an umbrella or a windbreaker with a hood, one warm sweater also does not hurt. And comfortable shoes for walking along the cobbled streets of old Prague are simply necessary - no stilettos and new, not yet used, model shoes!
Prague paving stones are always good, but in spring they are especially beautiful ...
Therefore, your shoes should be comfortable.
Spring Prague can meet with a hot, almost summer day in April, and a piercing wind with subzero night temperatures in March, and heavy rain in May. A word to the forecasters.
March
The first signs of spring are already visible from mid-February. Warm and clear weather sets in March. The temperature from + 4-5 ° C gradually rises towards the end of the month to + 8-10 ° C, and sometimes even a couple of degrees higher. Nature wakes up from hibernation shrubs bloom, buds burst on trees, the first grass turns green.
Weather forecast in Prague for March 2019.
Based on data over the past 7 years, forecasters (Yandex Weather) predict the average daytime temperature in March 2020 is +7 ⁰С, night temperatures +2 ⁰С. 6 days this month the sun will shine, 2 days it will rain. Relative humidity is expected to be 74%.
It's March, friends ...
There are usually few rainy days in March, this is a good time for independent walks and walking tours of the city.
April
The leaves are blooming everything blooms the air in gardens and parks excites with aromas.
Please visit, breathe, ventilate ... Prosím.
It gets warmer by a few degrees. At the end of the month during the day on average - + 14-16 ° C, but often the weather changes even during the day.
Forecast for April.
On Easter, and this year it will be celebrated on April 1, colorful festive fairs on large squares, bells ring in all Prague churches, calling the parishioners to the service.
You won't have to go for an Easter mood for a long time - it will find you on its own.
At the beginning of April, the first stage of the Prague Marathon is held - the 11 km Half Marathon, the season opens in Czech resorts, and by the end of the month fountains begin to work.
Forecast for April 2020: Average monthly daytime temperature +12 ⁰С, night temperature +12 ⁰С. Sunny days 9, rainy days 3. Humidity 49%.
May
Most of the time it is warm, sunny and calm. Sakura, magnolia, chestnuts, lilacs and something else are blooming. Do not hesitate to go for a walk! -
The land of cherry blossoms is, of course, the Czech Republic.
By the end of the month, the temperature is + 17-22 ⁰С. But there can and will be a few cold and rainy days.
The weather in Prague in May is expected to be the same.
In addition to traditional holidays in early May, the International Music Festival Prague Spring and the Prague Marathon are held annually - the last spring month is rich in events.
Prague Marathon - come and participate!
Forecast for May 2020: Average daytime temperature + 17 ⁰С, night + 11 ⁰С. 11 sunny days, rainy 5. Humidity 70%.
Spring excursions in Prague
There are different Russian-language excursions around the Czech capital: and, and, and, and on segways.
Segway excursion - for any age: it seems like you are driving, but it seems like you are walking.
- 47,000 rubles - in March;
- 62,000 rubles - in April;
- 74,000 rubles - in May.
The price usually, in addition to the flight, accommodation and breakfast at the hotel, includes a transfer from the airport upon arrival (and back upon departure) and medical insurance.
Some operators include a city walking tour in the price.
We drive on our own - we plan and book ourselves
Choosing a hotel
The average price of a double room in a 4 * hotel in the city center in the spring is 6,000 rubles per day.
But if you want to save money, it is quite possible to find a three-ruble note for two thousand or even one and a half.
Evgeny, 39 years old, Moscow. Review of the hotel "AURUS"
“On our last trip to Prague in April 2017, we rented a 2-room suite at the 4 * Aurus hotel. This, one might say, is in the very center of Prague: 3 minutes - and you are on the Charles Bridge! The building is old, there are wooden beams on the ceiling everywhere, the room has classic-style furniture, and the rooms themselves are huge and generally comfortable, but there are no slippers or bathrobes.
The room has a minibar, but paid, and there is a kettle with tea bags. In the morning there is a buffet in a large beautiful dining room, but the breakfasts themselves are without a great variety: from the main dishes - omelet or scrambled eggs. But there are many places nearby where you can eat well and tasty. Without exception, all the staff understands Russian, friendly and helpful. The youngest daughter had a birthday, and in the evening, when we returned from a walk, Masha found on her bed a greeting card from the hotel and a box of sweets - she was delighted, it was so unexpected! "
There are many good hotels in the city - there are plenty to choose from.
Flights
The flight will be cheaper, if, best of all, 4-6 months. A round-trip flight from Moscow to Prague in economy class for 1 person for any month of spring will cost about 10,000 rubles with transfers and about 14,000 rubles direct.
Which is better: a tour or an independent trip
What is preferable - take a tour to Prague or book a hotel and fly on your own?
This is decided in each case separately, because there are many options, and a careful calculation and comparison is needed.
Spring begins early in the Czech Republic. Everything is blooming! It's not cold anymore, but the sweltering summer heat is not yet there, there are few tourists. The sights can be viewed without fuss and can be photographed calmly.
Spring begins early in the Czech Republic. Already in mid-March, some plants bloom, and soon everything is blooming all around! Lilacs and a beautiful sakura blossom, bird cherry blossoms, luxurious magnolias, bright tulips, jasmine bloom. Against the backdrop of reviving greenery, majestic cathedrals, castles and neat multi-colored houses look more fun. The day is coming, it is getting brighter and warmer.
Types of spring holidays in the Czech Republic
The atmosphere is calm at the beginning of spring. Prices for tours and hotels are still low in March. Skiers have the last chance to ride the Czech peaks. Not all sights are open, but those that are available can be visited without fuss and calmly photographed.
In April, a massive wedding season begins, ancient castles invite newlyweds for ceremonies in a romantic setting.
The time for spring holidays begins with Maslenitsa (Masopust). In the second half of April throughout the Czech Republic (Pálení čarodějnic). Stuffed witches are symbolically thrown into the flames in order to finally drive away the cold. Czech Easter markets open from mid-March. They end with a general and large-scale celebration.
May 1 is traditionally called the Day of Prague Lovers. Young couples climb Petrshin with flowers and lay bouquets at the monument to the romantic poet Karel Mahi.
Spring is the time for mass events and festivals. In March, the spring festival of open wine cellars begins with fun and fairground fun.
The Baroque Music Festival "Awakening" on Kutná Hora (read my guide to) takes place on 6 April.
What weather to expect from the Czech spring? In March, it is changeable - short periods of heat are replaced by wind and lingering rains. In April, it is sunny and warm, the average temperature is about + 12 ° C, it does not often rain. In May it is warm even at night; the average daily temperature is + 20 ° C, there is almost no precipitation.
It so happened that my colleague and I planned a vacation at the end of April at the same time, but in opposite directions. My husband and I flew to Prague. Nadezhda went to distant Japan with a dream to see cherry blossoms in bloom. Interestingly, upon arrival, we found out that the sakura had already faded in Japan. And we in Prague unexpectedly found ourselves at the festival of Japanese cherry blossoms.
Choosing a vacation time in Prague
You can go to the capital of the Czech Republic in any season. Winter in Prague is mild, there are no strong frosts and winds, especially in comparison with the Russian climate. From the beginning of November, preparations for Christmas begin, streets are fabulously decorated, New Year's souvenirs and treats are sold. Early spring, like late autumn, is attractive with reduced prices and fewer tourists. But from May to October there are much more tourists and the price tag is growing. The temperature in summer is comfortable, hot days are very rare.
In the city, everything is thought out for the convenience of people: in cool weather, heating burners in cafes on the streets and aromatic mulled wine, on a hot day - cold drinks and ice cream. And, of course, cool fresh beer, although this drink is pleasant in any weather.
The main slogan is - do not overestimate your capabilities.
The first is comfortable shoes
If you don't want to ruin your holiday, you need to stock up on comfortable shoes with thick soles before the trip. You will have to walk a lot, and the old center of Prague and the main excursion routes are paved with paving stones, at the end of the day your feet really buzz. Do not forget to take with you a plaster, ointments to relieve fatigue.
The second is a map and a translator
I advise you not only to download the map of Prague, but also to print it out or purchase a printed version with highlighted sights. It is a pleasure to wander in the capital of the Czech Republic, but when you need to determine the route, using the small screen of the phone is not very convenient.
But the downloaded Translator will come in handy, download also the Russian-German dictionary, you might want to visit the cities of Germany or Austria on excursions from Prague.
Third - the choice of the hotel
Even the "troikas" in Prague are absolutely consistent with the generally accepted requirements. It is unlikely that, being in such a beautiful city, you will sit in a room, and a shower, a comfortable bed, and a normal breakfast are guaranteed to you.
We have chosen a hotel in the Prague - 5 district in the area of the New Smichov shopping center, which is not far from the center. Hotels here are 7-10% cheaper, and it is convenient to get to the center by tram no more than 7 minutes.
But if you are light asleep, make sure that the windows of the room do not overlook the tram line, in Prague trams run very often and the traffic does not stop at night.
Fourth - homemade preparations
Reviews of tourists about excursions, good cafes will help to outline the places where you would like to visit on the eve of the trip. Taking the time to get ready at home can save you a lot of money, time, and effort.
We had a tour with two excursions in Prague, the guides told everything very interestingly and gave a lot of advice on where to eat, how to get there.
At the Prague Tourist Information Center, we bought one-day excursions:
· Cesky Krumlov with a visit to the Hluboka nad Vltavou castle for 45 euros per person.
A very interesting trip. I was impressed by the noble snow-white castle, and I really liked the "toy" town of Krumlov with a rich history;
· Nuremberg. Price per person - 52 euros.
Based on a review on the Internet, we found a cafe “Na Hromadkove” next to the hotel. The Czechs themselves eat in it. Everything is very tasty, home-style, great dishes and wonderful beer. Dinner for two was from 800 to 1200 rubles.
Prague has a convenient transport system, the ticket is valid for all types of transport. There is a ticket for a single trip for 24 kroons, as well as for one or three days, then you can travel around the city using any transport throughout the day. Tickets are sold at kiosks that sell newspapers and at metro stations.
At the end of April it was very warm, in the daytime up to 23 degrees, and in the evening the coolness dropped to 16-18.
In general, read the reviews, make a plan based on your budget, do not forget all the tips and go for new experiences.
And all because it is in the spring that the beauty of Prague is buried in flowers. After all, in the spring, luxurious tulips bloom on flower beds, and fertile trees, of which there are hundreds of thousands in Prague, envelop all Prague parks and gardens with their flowering. For example, apple, pear, hazel, sakura, plum and, of course, beautiful magnolia bloom here. And tourists try to get to Prague in spring just to take a photo with magnolias. In this post I will tell you where magnolia blooms in Prague and show you a photo of this beautiful tree.
When in my childhood I went to Crimea for the first time, I was greatly amazed by magnolias. Blooming apple trees did not surprise a child from Siberia, but magnolias were a marvel.
Magnolias usually bloom for 3-7 days. Magnolia blossom season in Prague: late March - early April. In 2018, magnolias began to bloom only now - on April 7. So if you hesitate a little, you can miss the magnolia flowers.
Bright flowers of saturated color will not leave anyone indifferent. Large magnolia flowers look very impressive because there is not a single leaf on the trees during flowering.
Request to all residents and tourists of Prague: when taking a photo, do not shake the tree, do not climb on it. After all, the photos will turn out great anyway, especially in the gentle sunset light, and you shouldn't scoff at the tree.
Prague parks where you can find blooming magnolias
Wallenstein Garden (Valdštejnská zahrada) Is a garden where you can take a photo with a white peacock and look at large carps in the pond. The park is very beautiful even without magnolias, thanks to the view of Prague Castle and the large number of flowers and sculptures. You can read more about the garden in our article ““.
Vojanovy Sady- this is where the coolest and most lush magnolias are located. The park attracts people also by the fact that a lot of peacocks walk freely around it. In addition to magnolias, pears, hazel trees and tulips are blooming in the park.
Magnolia y Strahov Monastery... So it was never possible to photograph the magnolia blooming in this place. A few more magnolias were found on, but they could not be photographed.
Magnolia in the Park Podvinný mlýn... There are 2 large magnolias growing in the park.
Františkan garden (Františkánská zahrada), in which one not large, but very graceful magnolia with bright pink flowers grows.
In the Vinohrady district magnolias are also occasionally found in private gardens. I cannot tell you specific addresses, since We love to wander around Vinohrady without planning a route.
Freestanding magnolia by the concert hall Rudolfinum... Usually the tree color is later than Wallenstein's magnolia or.
