Europe

Czech Republic

Europe

Czech Republic

Updated Jan 04, 2025
Czech Republic

Overview

The Czech Republic captivates with its blend of medieval architecture and contemporary culture. Prague's cobblestone lanes lead to iconic sites like Charles Bridge and Prague Castle.

Beyond the capital, explore Český Krumlov's Renaissance beauty or Pilsen's famed breweries. Hike through Bohemian Switzerland's sandstone formations or relax in Karlovy Vary's thermal spas.

Czech cuisine delights with hearty dishes and world-class beer. Whether admiring Gothic cathedrals or enjoying local festivals, the Czech Republic offers a rich tapestry of experiences for every traveler.

Best time to visit. Visit from May to September for warm weather and outdoor events. Spring (April-May) offers mild temperatures and blooming gardens. Fall (September-October) brings stunning foliage and fewer crowds. Winter (December-February) is magical with Christmas markets but cold.

Month
January36°F - 27°F
32°F - 22°F
Cloudy7:55 am4:30 pm7 days
1.0 in
8 days
4.0 in
9 mph
February41°F - 30°F
37°F - 25°F
Partly Cloudy7:15 am5:20 pm6 days
0.9 in
6 days
3.0 in
9 mph
March50°F - 36°F
47°F - 32°F
Partly Cloudy6:15 am6:10 pm8 days
1.3 in
3 days
1.0 in
11 mph
April59°F - 43°F
57°F - 40°F
Partly Cloudy5:10 am7:00 pm9 days
1.6 in
1 days
0.2 in
9 mph
May68°F - 52°F
67°F - 50°F
Partly Cloudy4:25 am7:50 pm10 days
2.5 in
0 days
0.0 in
9 mph
June73°F - 57°F
73°F - 56°F
Partly Cloudy4:00 am8:25 pm11 days
3.0 in
0 days
0.0 in
7 mph
July77°F - 61°F
78°F - 60°F
Partly Cloudy4:20 am8:15 pm10 days
2.8 in
0 days
0.0 in
7 mph
August77°F - 60°F
77°F - 59°F
Partly Cloudy5:00 am7:30 pm9 days
2.6 in
0 days
0.0 in
7 mph
September68°F - 52°F
67°F - 50°F
Partly Cloudy5:50 am6:30 pm8 days
1.8 in
0 days
0.0 in
7 mph
October57°F - 43°F
55°F - 40°F
Partly Cloudy6:40 am5:25 pm7 days
1.4 in
0 days
0.0 in
9 mph
November45°F - 35°F
41°F - 31°F
Cloudy7:30 am4:30 pm8 days
1.2 in
2 days
0.5 in
9 mph
December38°F - 30°F
34°F - 25°F
Cloudy7:55 am4:05 pm7 days
1.0 in
6 days
3.0 in
9 mph

NameDateDescription

Travel rating

Closure rating

Recommendation
New Year's DayJanuary 1Czechs celebrate the start of the new year with fireworks and gatherings. It's a public holiday.
Expect closures. Plan for festivities.
Easter MondayVariable (March/April)Christian holiday with unique Czech traditions. Men whip women with willow branches for luck.
Experience local customs. Some closures.
Labor DayMay 1Public holiday celebrating workers' rights. Often marked with rallies and demonstrations.
Expect some closures. Enjoy spring weather.
Victory in Europe DayMay 8Commemorates the end of World War II in Europe. Features ceremonies and remembrances.
Visit war memorials. Some businesses closed.
Saints Cyril and Methodius DayJuly 5Honors missionaries who brought Christianity to Slavic people. Religious observances held.
Minor impact on travel. Some celebrations.
Jan Hus DayJuly 6Commemorates religious reformer Jan Hus. Marked with services and historical reenactments.
Learn about Czech history. Limited closures.
St. Wenceslas DaySeptember 28Honors patron saint of Bohemia. Pilgrimages and religious services are common.
Visit St. Vitus Cathedral. Some closures.
Independent Czechoslovak State DayOctober 28Celebrates the 1918 founding of Czechoslovakia. Patriotic events and ceremonies held.
Experience national pride. Expect closures.
Struggle for Freedom and Democracy DayNovember 17Commemorates 1989 Velvet Revolution. Marked with demonstrations and remembrances.
Join memorial events. Some closures.
Christmas EveDecember 24Main Christmas celebration in Czech Republic. Families gather for traditional dinner.
Most businesses closed. Join local customs.
Christmas DayDecember 25Public holiday continuing Christmas celebrations. Relaxed day with family gatherings.
Widespread closures. Enjoy festive atmosphere.
St. Stephen's DayDecember 26Extension of Christmas holidays. Traditionally a day for visiting friends and relatives.
Many closures. Good for social activities.

1
Learn basic Czech phrases like 'Dobrý den' (hello) and 'Děkuji' (thank you). Locals appreciate when tourists make an effort to speak their language, even if it's just a few words.
2
Remove your shoes when entering someone's home. It's customary to take off your shoes and wear slippers provided by the host. This practice keeps homes clean and is seen as respectful.
3
Tipping is expected in restaurants, usually 10-15% of the bill. Unlike in the US, servers in Czech Republic often don't include the tip in the bill, so be prepared to add it yourself.
4
Be quiet on public transportation. Czechs value peace and quiet in public spaces, especially on trams and metros. Keep conversations low and avoid loud phone calls.
5
Try the local beer, but drink responsibly. Czech beer is world-renowned, but public drunkenness is frowned upon. Enjoy in moderation and behave respectfully in public spaces.
6
Don't jaywalk or cross on red lights. Traffic rules are taken seriously in Czech Republic. Wait for the green pedestrian signal, even if no cars are coming, to avoid fines.
7
Dress modestly when visiting churches or religious sites. Cover shoulders and knees out of respect. Some places may provide shawls or coverings for visitors.
8
Use formal greetings with strangers and older people. Address them as 'Pan' (Mr.) or 'Paní' (Mrs./Ms.) followed by their surname. Czechs appreciate politeness and formality.