Prague December — Old Town Square Christmas market with the decorated tree and Astronomical Clock in winter light

Prague · Czech Republic

December

Christmas market season — Old Town Square transforms into one of Europe's most magical winter scenes.

Strong option

#6 of 12 months

There are better months for Prague — see the full ranking below.

See when to go instead →

Climate

High

3°C

Low

-1°C

Rain

28mm

Sun

2hrs/day

30-year climate normals · Open Meteo ERA5

How December scores in Prague

Weather
Average
Value
Above average
Crowds
Average
Events
Perfect
Atmosphere
Perfect

What you gain in December

  • Old Town Square Christmas market: one of the finest in Europe — wooden stalls, trdelník, svařák, and the decorated tree under the Astronomical Clock from late November through 6 January
  • Prague Castle lit after dark in December: the hilltop complex above the Vltava at its most fairy-tale atmospheric — visit at dusk for the full effect
  • Snow possible from mid-December: a white Christmas is not guaranteed but transforms the medieval streets when it arrives

What you sacrifice

  • Cold: -1°C overnight requires proper winter clothing for any evening market visit
  • Christmas market premium: accommodation rates 30–50% above November across the city
  • New Year's Eve crowds: the 31st is extremely busy in the centre — plan your location in advance

How December compares to May (best month)

FactorDecemberMay
Weather
4
8
Value
5
6
Crowds
4
6

December in other destinations

Climate data: 30-year normals (1991–2020) from Open Meteo ERA5 reanalysis. Scores compare months within Prague, not across destinations. Methodology →