Weather in Prague in January: What to Expect (+ Local Tips)

Prague in January is cold, quiet, and atmospheric. Expect freezing days, icy nights, and the highest chance of snow all year. This guide covers temperatures, packing tips, and what to expect if you visit during the depths of winter.

Is January a good time to visit Prague?

Yes – January is the coldest month, but it has its own charm.

Pros:

• Lowest tourist numbers of the year.
• Cheaper hotels and flights compared to December.
• Best chance of snow in Prague.
• Magical winter atmosphere, especially around Prague Castle.

Cons:

• Very cold, often below freezing.
• Short daylight hours.
• Some attractions (gardens, seasonal tours) closed until spring.

Local’s tip: If you want snowy photos of Charles Bridge or Prague Castle, January gives you the best odds.

Prague weather in January (Overview)

January is mid-winter in Prague. Temperatures hover around freezing, with frosty mornings and dark evenings.

Weather Metric	Average Figure	Range
High Temperature	2 °C / 36 °F	-2–5 °C (28–41 °F)
Low Temperature	-3 °C / 27 °F	-8–1 °C (18–34 °F)
Daily Sunshine	Approx. 2 hours
Monthly Rainfall	20–25 mm / 0.8–1 in	Often falls as snow
Snow Days	10–15 days	Light snow or flurries common
Daylight	8–9 hours	Sunrise ~7:45, sunset ~16:30

A Deep Dive into January Temperatures

Prepare for a true winter chill. January weather is consistently cold, with temperatures that rarely feel comfortable without proper attire.

Early January vs. Late January in Prague

• Early January: Just after New Year, temperatures stay low. Highs often 0–3 °C (32–37 °F). Nights frequently drop to -5 °C (23 °F). Snow cover is possible.
• Late January: The average low temperature plummets to -4°C (25°F). It is not uncommon for temperatures to fall to -10°C (14°F) or even lower during a cold snap, especially overnight. Wind chill can make it feel significantly colder.

Extreme cold snaps can push temperatures below -10 °C (14 °F), though this is less frequent than in the past. Unlike the transitional months, there is very little difference in temperature from the beginning to the end of January. The entire month is locked in a deep winter freeze.

Read our guide: Prague in Winter – 35 Things to Do (+ Tips from Locals)

Sunshine, Snow, and Daylight Hours in January

Sunshine

Along with December, January is the darkest month of the year. You can expect only 1.5 to 2 hours of sunshine per day. Gray, overcast skies are the norm. However, a sunny day on fresh snow can be brilliantly bright and beautiful.

Snowfall

January offers the best chance of seeing a truly snowy Prague. It is the month with the most reliable snowfall. While a permanent snowpack is never guaranteed, periods of snow are very likely. You could experience anything from light, magical flurries to heavier snowfalls that transform the city into a winter wonderland. When temperatures hover just above freezing, this precipitation can fall as freezing rain or sleet, making surfaces icy.

Daylight Hours

Days slowly lengthen after the winter solstice.

• Early January: Sunrise ~7:55 AM, sunset ~4:20 PM.
• Late January: Sunrise ~7:30 AM, sunset ~4:55 PM.

What to wear in Prague in January

Dressing for January in Prague requires your warmest winter clothing. This is not a time for fashion over function; proper protection from the cold is paramount to enjoying your trip.

• Thermal shirts and leggings
• Heavy winter coat
• Wool hat, gloves, and scarf
• Waterproof boots with grip (for icy streets)
• Thick socks and base layers

Local’s tip: Czechs often wear lined boots and thermal underwear in January – follow their lead for comfort.

Things to do in Prague in January

Though cold, Prague offers plenty to enjoy indoors and outdoors.

• Start with reading: Things to do in Prague, Local’s Picks.
• Snowy walks: Charles Bridge, Prague Castle courtyards, or Letná Park look magical in snow.
• Cultural life: Opera, ballet, and classical concerts are in full season.
• Museums & galleries: National Museum, Jewish Museum, and DOX Centre are warm escapes.
• Cosy cafés & pubs: Perfect for warming up with hot chocolate or Czech beer.
• Day trips: Kutná Hora or Karlštejn Castle are atmospheric in winter (check opening hours).

Best Guided Tours in Prague (Our Picks):

• Essential for first-timers: Top Sights & Historic Center Introduction Tour
• Jewish Quarter: Jewish Quarter Walking Tour
• Hidden Gems: Hidden Gems Walking Tour with Local Guide
• Food Tour: Guided Street-Food Stalls Walk (with tastings)
• Beer Tour: Prague Microbrewery Tour

Travel tips for January in Prague

• Stay central: With short daylight, being close to attractions saves time.
• Public transport: Runs smoothly even in snow – trams and metro are heated.
• Budget tip: This is one of the cheapest months to visit Prague.
• Safety tip: Watch for icy cobblestones – Prague streets can be slippery.

FAQs: Weather in Prague in January

Is January a good time to visit Prague?
Yes, it is the best time for budget-conscious travelers and for those who want to see major attractions without any crowds. You must be prepared for the very cold weather, but you will be rewarded with a peaceful and beautiful city.

Is Prague very cold in January?
Yes – highs average 2 °C (36 °F), and nights often dip below freezing.

Does it snow in January?
Yes, January is the snowiest month – expect several days of snow or flurries.

How many hours of daylight in January?
8–9 hours, with sunrise after 7:30 AM and sunset before 5:00 PM.

What should I pack for Prague in January?
Thermal layers, winter coat, gloves, scarf, and waterproof boots.

Are attractions open in January?
Yes. All major historical sites, museums, and galleries are open as usual, and you will be able to enjoy them without the long lines of the peak season.

Practical Tips for Prague from Locals

Maps we have created for you:

We’ve created detailed maps featuring the best sights, hidden gems, recommended places to stay, itineraries, and more — all based on our own local experience. We hope they’ll help you plan an unforgettable trip to our beautiful hometown. Check our maps on this page.

How to save money on currency exchange:

We highly recommend getting a Revolut card — it’s one of the best travel debit cards out there. We’ve been using it for over 10 years and it has already saved us thousands of euros.

Where to stay in Prague (Our Picks):

	Option 1	Option 2	Option 3
City Center	Metropolitan	River View	Dancing House
Budget	Pension Akát	Czech Inn	AirBnb
Rooftop	Wenceslas Square	Metropolitan	Dancing House
Parks & Cafés	Hotel Orion	Anna Hotel	Libero Residence
Luxury	Grand Hotel Bohemia	Alchymist	KINGS COURT

Best Guided Tours in Prague (Our Picks):

• Essential for first-timers: Top Sights & Historic Center Introduction Tour
• Jewish Quarter: Jewish Quarter Walking Tour
• Hidden Gems: Hidden Gems Walking Tour with Local Guide
• Bike Tour: Complete City Bike Tour
• Food Tour: Guided Street-Food Stalls Walk (with tastings)
• Beer Tour: Prague Microbrewery Tour