Autumn in Prague: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

Charles Bridge over the River Vltava in Prague, Czech Republic

Hans-Peter Merten / Robert Harding World Imagery Collection / Getty Images

Autumn is a great time to travel to Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic. The city begins to shed the frenetic attitude resulting from the multitude of international tourists that pack its main thoroughfare and make visits to major sights a significant time investment.

The fall-weather nip starts to be felt in the air, creating the perfect excuse to warm up with a glass of Czech beer or a hearty soup. Restaurants keep their patios open as long as weather permits—outdoor heaters will keep you cozy and allow you to watch evening fall as you enjoy your meal.

Numerous music festivals and other attractions in Prague during autumn might just make it your favorite season to enjoy the City of a Thousand Spires.

Prague Weather in Autumn

Weather for Prague in fall has the potential to be chilly; however, expect leftover summer warmth during the days if you travel in early September. Temperatures typically go down each month as fall passes.

  • Average temperatures in September: 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius) / 47 degrees Fahrenheit (8 degrees Celsius).
  • Average temperatures in October: 56 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius) / 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius)
  • Average temperatures in November: 43 degrees Fahrenheit (6 degrees Celsius) / 34 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degree Celsius)

Precipitation on average is about 1.5 inches in September, 0.94 inches in October, and 1.3 inches in November.

What to Pack

Autumn can be chilly, so bring long sleeves and layers as well as a jacket or coat. Long pants are great to have along too. Consider what end of the autumn season you'll be traveling: You may only need a sweater if you're traveling in September, but if you're heading to Prague in November, you will require cold-weather attire like a heavy coat, gloves, a hat and scarf, and warm boots and socks. You'll always want to have comfortable and supportive walking shoes.

Fall Events in Prague

Travel to Prague in autumn is a relaxed affair, with fewer lines at major attractions, so be sure to hit Prague's must-see sights or any other places that you have missed on previous trips to the Czech capital. Fall Prague events will especially appeal to music lovers, but there are other types of festivities as well.

  • Saint Wenceslas Fair: September 28 is St. Wenceslas Day, in commemoration of the patron saint of the Czech Republic. This event features sacred music like chants, choral music, and gospel.
  • Prague Autumn International Music Festival: This takes place every year in September; it's a popular event for witnessing quality international orchestras playing classical compositions.
  • Birell Prague Grand Prix: Runners pass through Prague's historic streets at twilight in this 10K event in early September.
  • Bohemia JazzFest: This free music event is held on squares around Prague and runs annually in August and September.
  • Strings of Autumn: This stringed music showcase features artists from around the world performing in genres from classical to jazz to hip hop at venues throughout the city in October and November.
  • Mezipatra Queer Film Festival: This event occurs annually for a week in mid-November. The event, which is also held in Brno, shows dozens of films with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender themes, and includes corresponding discussion panels.

Autumn Travel Tips

  • September and October are the shoulder season, so it's a great time to visit Prague because you'll find fewer crowds and cheaper airfare and lodging.
  • Making hotel reservations for fall travel to Prague is easier than it is during summer, when centrally located hotels fill up with tourists. While booking well in advance is still recommended, a greater variety of rooms will be available and prices may be more favorable.
  • Prague usually looks the most beautiful during the autumn season, so plan to bring your cameras and soak up the region-wide views from Petrin Tower, which was built in 1891 and stands more than 206 feet (63 meters) tall.