A complete guide to weather in December 2025 + What to wear
My detailed guide to December weather in Prague, including snow and rainy days, temperatures, daylight and practical tips on what to wear for your visit to Prague in 2025.
When we get the snow, December in Prague can be really beautiful, especially around Christmas. But that’s not always the case and the average December is just fairly cold with getting dark quite early in the afternoon. The weather in December is much cooler than weather in November and in recent years, we’ve also had some heavy snow days, even in Prague!
If you are thinking of visiting Prague in December, I hope my weather guide will help you to plan the perfect winter trip to Prague.
What’s the December weather like?
Most years, Prague and Czech Republic’s December weather is very cold with temperatures dropping well below 0 C.
During the night the temperature can drop down to -3-10 C and during the day (and if it’s sunny) might hover around 2-3 C. You might get lovely sunny days in December, but it will feel chilly at the same time and especially when the sun comes down in the afternoon.
Towards the end of December you can also expect snow in Prague and if you venture out for a day trip to the mountains, you can easily get snow on the ground at the beginning of December.
If the weather is warm (for whatever reason), it might rain instead of snow, so bring an umbrella or rainproof jacket.
If you are unlucky you might get days when the sky is grey and permanently cloudy. It will feel like it’s getting darker even sooner than 2-3 pm if it’s cloudy and raining, so definitely plan some indoor activities.
In the morning the sun (or light) appears just shortly after 7.30 am. The sunset in December is very shortly after 4 pm and by 4.30 pm is completely dark. This means that the day has about 8 hrs of light (or sun if you are lucky!).
One important thing to mention about the cold in Prague. It might be below zero, but because this cold is ‘dry’ it doesn’t feel as cold as if it was 0 or even 2-3 C in London or UK.
This is because of relatively low humidity. The reason why I’m saying this is, as long as you are sufficiently wrapped in good warm clothes and have decent winter shoes, you don’t have to worry that you’ll be cold!
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Average temperatures in Prague in December
Generally speaking, the average temperatures continue to drop as we move through December. During early December, the average high temperature is around 4°C (39°F) with lows of about -1°C (30°F). By mid-December, temperatures typically fall further, with average highs near 2°C (36°F) and lows around -3°C (27°F). In late December, you can expect some of the coldest conditions of the year, with average highs of 1°C (34°F) and lows dipping to about -4°C (25°F). Snowfall becomes more common toward the end of the month, adding to the city’s festive atmosphere.
Humidity:
December in Prague tends to be quite humid, with average humidity levels around 85%. The combination of cold air and high humidity can make it feel colder than it actually is, so dressing in layers is essential. Good walking shoes with thick, insulating socks help a lot, as the cold from the cobblestones seeps through thin soles quickly. If you wear lightweight shoes, like canvas ones, you’ll likely feel cold no matter how many upper layers you put on.
Fog:
Fog remains fairly common in Prague during December, especially in the early mornings and late evenings. It can lend a magical, fairytale-like quality to the city’s winter streets, but if you happen to catch several days of persistent “white sky,” it can start to feel a bit gloomy.
Wind:
The average wind speed in December is around 14 km/h (9 mph), though it can occasionally be stronger during cold fronts or snow showers. The wind chill can make temperatures feel several degrees colder, so windproof outerwear is highly recommended.
How to read the local weather forecast
The weather is forecasted in Celsius and the temperatures are given in the shade.
This means, that if the mid day temperature is given as 3 C and it’s forecasted to be sunny, it’s a fair chance that the air will feel much warmer (because of the sun) than 3 C. It can be easily 5 C or little more in the direct sun, and starts to feel warmer as the day progresses.
Quite often, the weather forecast will mention something like ‘3’ C feels like 1 C’, this means that the humidity is much higher than normal and that although the temperature is 3 Celsius it will feel a bit colder than that – so dress for the colder temperature.
Another thing that I always pay attention to, is the hourly temperature forecasts.
It’s all very well knowing that during day it will be 3 C , but if I’m going on a day trip outside Prague and getting up at 5 am, I need to also know that at that time it will be about -5 Celsius and that this temperature will only slowly go up during the day and it will take up to mid day to get to 3 C.
So, again I need to dress for -5 C (and not just for 3 C).
Daylight in December
In the morning the sunrise is from 7.39 am at the beginning of the month and from 7.54 am by the middle of December. By the end of December the sunrise moves to 8.01 am.
The sunset is at 4.02 pm at the beginning of the month, moving towards the 3.59 pm by the middle of the month and to 4.08 at the end of December.
You also have an extra 30 minutes maximum after the sunset when you can easily see and you can carry on exploring the town. This I would say is on a good sunny day. If it’s raining, snowing or overcast it can start feeling dark by 2 or 3 pm.
This means that in December you have just over 8 hrs of day light each day to plan your activities in Prague, which is not a lot. Saying that it’s a great time to spend the long evenings at leisurely dinners, going to cinemas, theatres or late night gallery openings.
If you want to plan any day drips, it’s worth getting up earlier in the morning as by 3-4 pm it can be virtually dark or very grey.
How rainy does it get during December in Prague?
December in Prague is generally cold and relatively dry, though you can still expect some precipitation — often in the form of light rain, sleet, or snow. On average, there are about 8 to 12 days of measurable precipitation during the month. However, it doesn’t usually rain or snow continuously all day.
In my experience, you either get a fine, misty drizzle or light snow that lingers for hours (easy to handle with a good weatherproof jacket and hood), or a short but heavier burst of rain or snow that passes quickly — perfect for ducking into a cozy café or a museum for an hour.
The total precipitation for December typically amounts to around 25–30 mm (1.0–1.2 inches). While December isn’t one of Prague’s wettest months, the combination of frequent overcast skies, occasional snow, and high humidity can make it feel damp and quite chilly — especially in the mornings and evenings.
Average sun days in December
Sadly, December doesn’t bring many sunny days to Prague either. The city is often covered in a blanket of grey or white clouds, and even when the sun does come out, it usually lasts only for a short while before the sky turns overcast again. As the month progresses, the daylight hours get shorter and the sunshine becomes even rarer.
During early December, you can expect around 2–3 sunny days. By mid-December, that number typically drops to about 1–2 days, and by late December, Prague often sees only one truly sunny day for the entire week — sometimes none at all if the weather stays cloudy or snowy.
Weather forecast for snow in December
Yes, it can definitely snow in Prague in December, and in fact, this is the first month of the season when snowfall becomes fairly common. Most years, the city sees its first proper snow cover sometime in early or mid-December. While heavy snowfalls are not guaranteed, light to moderate snow is quite typical, especially toward the end of the month.
On average, Prague experiences about 5–7 days with some snow in December, and the total snowfall usually amounts to around 40–50 mm (1.5–2 inches). Snow often stays on the ground for a day or two, especially when temperatures drop below freezing at night. However, milder daytime temperatures can cause it to melt quickly in between snowfalls.
You might also notice beautiful hoarfrost on cold mornings — delicate ice crystals forming on leaves, rooftops, and railings after freezing overnight temperatures. It’s one of the most magical winter sights in the city.
If you’re planning to visit places outside Prague, especially in mountainous areas like the Krkonoše or Šumava ranges, expect much heavier and more consistent snow. These regions often have full snow cover throughout December, making them ideal for winter sports or a snowy day trip.
What to pack for your visit in December
Apart from the general packing advice, make sure you bring proper winter gear — December in Prague is cold, often hovering around freezing during the day and dropping below zero at night. You’ll definitely need warm walking shoes, a thick fleece or jumper, and a heavy winter coat.
I always go for warm layers, so I pack a thermal base layer with long sleeves, a fleece or wool jumper, and a winter coat or insulated jacket. You should definitely pack for freezing and possibly wet or snowy weather.
If you feel the cold, I really recommend walking shoes with thick rubber soles (that keep your feet off the ground), thick socks (or two pairs of socks), leggings or thick tights under a good warm trousers, long winter feather down jacket, scarf, gloves and a winter hat that covers your forehead.
I find that by stopping the cold from getting into my body through thin shoes and stopping it from escaping by wearing a winter beanie hat, I always feel nice and toasty!
If it’s really cold and I decide to wear a shorter jacket, I always wear leggings or thermal tights under my jeans. Jeans alone don’t keep you warm — they actually hold the cold — so an extra layer underneath makes a huge difference.
A winter hat (or even better, a beanie that covers your ears) is a must, as evenings get very cold and the wind can be biting. You’ll also want gloves and a scarf — or a snood if you prefer something less bulky.
An umbrella is handy, but honestly, I find a waterproof or water-resistant jacket with a hood more practical, especially when it’s snowing or windy.
If you’re planning longer day trips, bring a sturdy day backpack with space for an extra layer, hat, or spare socks — the temperature drops quickly after sunset. Early mornings can be freezing, so you’ll likely start the day wearing all your warmest layers and need somewhere to stash them later if it warms up a little.
Instead of a water bottle, I often take a hot coffee or tea flask with me on day trips. It’s great to have something warm to sip while walking around — and if you’re heading outside the city centre, some cafés might open later or close early in winter.
Coats and Jackets:
A thick, insulated winter coat or a down jacket is essential. Waterproof or water-resistant materials are best, as December can bring both snow and freezing rain.
Gilet (Vest):
A feather-down gilet is great for layering — you can wear it under your coat for extra warmth or over a fleece on milder days.
Sweaters and Layers:
Pack wool or fleece sweaters, long-sleeve tops, and thermal base layers. A good thermal undershirt makes a big difference when temperatures drop below freezing.
Trousers:
Warm jeans, thermal leggings, or fleece-lined trousers are ideal. If you get cold easily, wear tights or leggings underneath for insulation.
Waterproof Boots:
Comfortable, waterproof winter boots with good grip are essential. Prague’s cobblestones get very slippery when wet or icy, so make sure your soles have traction.
Warm Socks:
Bring several pairs of thick wool or thermal socks. I sometimes wear two thin pairs — it keeps my feet warmer and helps prevent blisters.
Hats, Gloves, and Scarves:
These are non-negotiable in December. Even during the day, the cold wind can sting your face. I prefer light but insulating gloves, a soft snood, and layers with high necks for warmth without bulk.
Umbrella:
A compact, sturdy umbrella is useful, but in snow or strong wind, a hooded waterproof coat is usually better.
Extra Layers:
Thermal underwear or base layers are your best friend in December — they keep you warm without adding bulk, perfect for walking around all day.
What does Prague’s nature look like in December?
Prague in December feels like stepping into a quiet winter postcard. The city’s parks and gardens — like Letná Park, Petřín Hill, or Stromovka — lose most of their leaves by now, leaving behind bare trees with frosty branches that sparkle a bit when the morning sun hits them. On really cold mornings, you might see a thin layer of hoarfrost covering the grass and benches — it looks like everything’s been dusted with sugar.
If it snows, the whole city turns magical. The Charles Bridge gets a soft white coating, and the Vltava River looks misty with the cold air rising off it. Swans and ducks still float around near Kampa Island, completely unbothered by the weather. In parks, the snow muffles the sound of the city, so it feels peaceful — almost like you’ve stepped out of time for a moment.
On days when it doesn’t snow, Prague’s nature looks more muted — lots of greys, browns, and soft blues. The air can feel damp, and there’s often a bit of fog hanging over the river or between the castle towers. It’s not exactly “green and lively,” but it has that quiet, cozy kind of beauty — perfect for a long walk with a hot coffee in hand.
If you go just outside the city, say to the Divoká Šárka nature reserve or Prokop Valley, you’ll find frozen ponds, bare rock cliffs, and the occasional crunch of snow underfoot. It’s a great time for a winter hike — just bundle up, because the wind can get pretty sharp.
historic weather data
Coldest recorded temperature:
- −24.6 °C (−12.3 °F) on December 1, 1929 (recorded at Prague–Klementinum station, one of Europe’s oldest weather stations).
- Other notably cold Decembers include 1981 (−21 °C) and 2010 (−18 °C).
Warmest recorded temperature:
- 17.4 °C (63.3 °F) on December 19, 2015, during an unusually warm winter across Central Europe.
- December 2019 and 2022 also saw several days above 12 °C (54 °F).
Wettest December on record:
- December 1974, with 84 mm (3.3 inches) of total precipitation.
- The long-term average for December is around 25–30 mm (1–1.2 inches), so that year saw nearly three times the normal rainfall.
Driest December on record:
- December 2016, with only 3 mm (0.12 inches) of precipitation recorded.
Heaviest snowfall:
- December 2010 saw one of the snowiest months in modern records, with over 35 cm (14 inches) of total snowfall across the month and persistent snow cover for nearly three weeks.
- Historically, December 1969 also recorded a deep snowpack — up to 40 cm (16 inches) in parts of Prague.
Earliest major snowfall in December:
- December 2, 2001, with 20 cm (8 inches) falling in one day.
Wind records:
- The strongest December wind gusts in Prague were recorded on December 11, 2017, during Storm Herwart, reaching 93 km/h (58 mph) at Prague–Ruzyně Airport.
- Average December winds are typically 12–15 km/h (7–9 mph).
- Least sunshine: December 2017 recorded only 17 hours of sunshine for the entire month.
- Most sunshine: December 2001 had over 50 hours of sunshine — unusually bright for Prague’s winter.
This blog post was originally written on 15 October 2025 and last updated on 15 October 2025
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