Prague weather in spring: layers, rain and the blossom season

The Czech language has a rhyme for March: Březen, za kamna vlezem, roughly "March, back behind the stove we go". It is a polite way of saying the first month of spring is a bluff. The sun appears, you take off your coat, and the wind reminds you who is in charge. Welcome to Prague in spring, where the weather has opinions and changes them often.

Here is how the season moves, what to pack and when the city blooms. For the other seasons, start at Prague weather by season.

March: winter with good publicity

Early March is often cold, with frost in the morning and snow still possible. The light improves, though, and the days stretch. On the last Sunday of March the clocks go forward, which gives you an extra hour of evening light, a gift worth noticing.

Expect bare trees, quiet museums and short queues. A warm coat, hat and gloves are still sensible. If winter was the main attraction, Prague in winter has the details.

April: the unpredictable month

April is the month of sudden changes. Bright sun, a cold gust, a shower and sunshine again can all fit into one afternoon. Visitors who pack for one kind of day regret it by lunchtime, and layers are the answer: a base layer, a jumper or fleece, and a light waterproof on top.

This is also when the city begins to look like itself. Parks come into leaf, blossom appears and terraces put out their chairs. Our guide to Prague in spring covers what is on.

May: the sweet spot

May tends to be the pleasant month: green parks, long evenings, open terraces and a city that has stopped being cold without yet being hot. It is also busy. May has two public holidays, 1 May and 8 May, and many Czechs take long weekends, so parks and riverbanks are full.

If you can choose when to come, May and early June are hard to beat. Book early, because everyone else has had the same idea.

Blossom

Blossom is a matter of timing, and timing depends on the weather. Fruit trees usually bloom in April and the display lasts a couple of weeks. Good places to look include the orchards on the slopes of Petřín Hill (see Petřín Hill and the funicular), the paths of Kampa and the parks around the Castle. A cold spell can delay the show and a warm one can bring it forward, so check the forecast and local news.

For the bonfires, see the burning of the witches. For Easter customs, read Czech Easter traditions, and for the full list of national days, Czech public holidays. Easter markets appear in the main squares, with painted eggs and seasonal food; dates and prices are set by the organisers, so check their pages.

What to pack

Build a layering system: a light waterproof, a mid-layer, comfortable shoes that cope with wet cobbles, a small umbrella and sunglasses. A scarf helps against the wind and a sudden evening dip. Sun cream is not a joke by late April, especially near the river. The packing guide has the full list.

Planning around holidays

On public holidays many shops and offices close, and public transport follows a holiday timetable, so check the PID journey planner. The upside is empty offices and full parks. Easter moves from year to year, so check your dates against the holiday calendar before reserving anything.

Beer gardens reopen as the weather improves (beer gardens in Prague), and cycling comes back into fashion once the paths dry out (cycling in Prague). The embankments fill at the first warm weekend, and rowing boats appear on the river.

Hay fever

Spring is also pollen season. If you suffer, bring your usual medicine, because the trees flower early. Pharmacies (lékárna) are easy to find, and the pharmacist can advise. Brand names differ between countries, so take the name of the active ingredient with you.

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

When does the blossom come out in Prague?

Usually in April, though it depends on the weather in a given year. A cold spring delays it.

Do I need a winter coat in March?

Probably, especially for mornings and evenings.

Is Prague busy at Easter?

Yes. Easter and the May holidays bring more visitors and locals on the move, so book accommodation early.

What are the public holidays in spring?

Good Friday and Easter Monday, 1 May and 8 May. Shops, offices and some services are affected.

When in doubt, take the umbrella. You will spend more time carrying it than using it, and that is the right ratio.