Prague Weather in March
A mixed season of cold, warmth, and blossoms
Dobrý den! CULT here.
Prague weather in March is a mixed period where winter and spring coexist. Compared with January or February, noticeably more tourists arrive, you’ll see clear skies far more often, and the day-to-night temperature gap starts getting very large. You can also spot spring flowers near Prague’s Letná Park (Letenské sady).
While East Asian tourists are still noticeable in January and February, from March many European tourists arrive too, giving the city a more European feel, and most restaurants, cafés, and museums resume full normal service around this time.
When I shoot photo sessions in Prague, adults usually have no problem with the conditions, but when photographing children, even if they come warmly dressed they often start running and take their coats off because they’re hot. If you’re in the shade you’ll feel cold, and if you’re running around in the sun you’ll feel a little warm—that describes March perfectly.
Prague weather in March
Details
The average temperature in Prague in March is around 5°C (41°F). There are still days that drop below freezing, but they are not very frequent. The temperature difference between day and night becomes very pronounced: you may see people taking off their coats at midday, but at night it can get cold enough that you need a padded jacket. Whether you need a long puffer coat depends on how sensitive you are to cold. If you get cold easily, it’s good to bring a long puffer coat.
From March onward, it’s also a good time to travel with a partner, children, or older relatives. Extremely cold days are rare, and after mid-March you can often enjoy spring flowers around Prague.
What are the characteristics of Prague weather in March?
A key feature of March weather in Prague is the stark contrast between sunny spots and shaded areas. The photo above was taken near the Strahov Monastery (Strahovský klášter), which gets almost no direct sun throughout March. Because warm sun and shade feel so different, it’s a good idea to plan routes that let you enjoy Prague’s sunlight if you want a warmer experience.
As you walk around Prague you’ll see flowers and sometimes feel a little hot in the sun, but remember it will get cold again at night.
How should you dress?
Preparing clothing for Prague in March is a bit tricky. Temperatures fluctuate a lot, so some days feel fine with just a coat, while other days seem to call for a padded jacket. I shoot many couple sessions in Prague for young Korean newlyweds (couple and family photo sessions in Prague), so it’s hard to predict how cold or warm young women will feel.
One bride might say she’s cold, while another photographed at a similar time the same day says she’s hot. If you get cold easily, bring a padded jacket, and if you get very cold, bring a long puffer coat. If you’re not sensitive to cold, a wool coat is usually enough.
Another reason to dress warmly is that many restaurants open their outdoor terraces from March. If you want to enjoy a meal while taking in Prague’s views, it’s better to have warmer clothes on.
As a side note, I’ve done roughly 3,400 photo sessions in Prague over 11 years, so I’ve heard many opinions.
Some travelers say they pack light and plan to buy clothes in Prague if it’s cold, but nine out of ten young Korean women say they don’t like the clothes sold in Prague and don’t want to buy them, so keep that in mind.
Cherry blossoms in Prague
In March you can see cherry blossoms and plum blossoms in Prague. If you’re visiting the city center, you’ll likely find more plum blossoms than cherry trees. The plum trees planted along the way come into bloom from mid to late March, so if you walk down the hill from Strahov Monastery in the warm sunlight you’ll see lovely blossoms.
At around noon on a sunny day you might fancy a cold drink. I often enjoy coffee at the Starbucks at Prague Castle.
I’ll put together a separate post about the best cherry blossom spots in Prague later. To get to those spots it’s most convenient to use an electric bike or e-scooter, but check whether they’re suitable for children or inconvenient for older relatives.
Why is March better than January and February?
Personally I recommend visiting Prague from April to December, and the least recommended months are January, February, and March because it’s still cold and often cloudy. Still, March is much better than January and February because there are more sunny days, so you’re more likely to see pretty skies like in the photos. When the sky is overcast and clouds are thick, photos can feel gloomy. If the weather is nice while you’re traveling, it lifts your mood and helps create better memories. Although April is my top recommendation, if you can’t time your trip then March is preferable to January or February.
There is also the chance of heavy snowfall.
No matter how many warm, spring-like days occur, March is still winter. Occasionally heavy snow falls enough to accumulate, but because March’s average temperature is higher, snow usually melts by the next day, so you generally don’t need to worry too much. This photo was taken on my way to a company dinner with staff when it snowed heavily for about two hours. By the time the meal ended the snow had all melted. Such events can even become special, memorable moments of a Prague trip.
Overcast days still happen. The moment there’s a little less sun, you’ll be reaching for your padded jacket again. Prague really seems to be a city where having sun or not makes a big difference. In the photos above some people wear short sleeves and others have taken off their coats, but that day was actually quite cold. For a two-week outlook, check our real-time Prague weather forecasts to help you prepare.
Live Weather in Prague
Updated 12:01 (Prague)Anything special to be aware of?
Gloves are essential in January and February, but from March they’re only necessary for those who feel the cold easily. Hotel radiators are still very dry, so I recommend bringing a portable humidifier. Also, although police enforcement has increased since 2022, from March onward when tourists increase, money-exchange scammers work the streets around Prague. If someone approaches you and starts talking about money on the street, ignore them.
Summary of Prague weather in March
The difference between early and late March is significant. Early March feels more like winter, while late March feels closer to spring. Also, many flowers bloom from mid to late March, making it a good time to travel with children. The photo above was taken in early March, but don’t the kids’ steps look lively?
I’ll return with more content to help make your Prague trip a smart one.
- [Prague weather month by month]
- Prague January weather
- Prague February weather
- Prague March weather
- Prague April weather
- Prague May weather
- Prague June weather
- Prague July weather
- Prague August weather
- Prague September weather
- Prague October weather
- Prague November weather
- Prague December weather
- By late March you get more sunshine and milder temperatures, and after mid-month plum blossoms start to bloom in abundance. For that reason, late March is a better time to travel.
- I lived in Prague for 11 years, and heavy snowfall was rare; when it did snow it melted quickly, and for almost 15 years it never caused traffic jams or flight cancellations. Still, please check your flights and other transport.
- January and February are mostly overcast with thick clouds, but March brings more sunshine and many clear days. Since you're already traveling, I think it's a far better experience to enjoy the warmer, prettier blue skies and Prague's historic sights.
- From March most places are back to normal. Prague’s main visitors are Europeans, and since the European high season starts in March every year, businesses tend to finish remodeling or wrap up staff holidays by the end of February.
- This is when tourist numbers really start to pick up, so there are more currency-exchange scammers and pickpockets. I don't recommend women's shoulder bags that close with magnets, and you should keep your passport and wallet deep inside your coat.
