Prague is beautiful at any time of year. Whether covered with fluffy snow or warm rain bathes the walls of ancient castles, this city remains like a magical fairy tale that has carried its unique charm through the centuries to become a living embodiment of someone's dreams again and again.
What magic lies in this city? What makes it an excellent place for a family vacation not only in the hot summer but also on a chilly February day?
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Holidays in Prague in February: pros and cons
"Happy hours are not observed" — this wise proverb expresses the charm of a vacation in Prague as accurately as possible. To get acquainted with the extraordinary sights of the Czech capital, to visit the legendary Prague Castle, to see the whole of Bohemia in full view, look into the toy "Kingdom of Railways" and taste amazing local delicacies prepared on the spot, on the move, by a skillful master — all these pleasures are timeless and available to residents and guests of the capital at any time of the year.
Numerous reviews of vacations in Prague in February indicate that the main difference between this month and all others is a noticeable reduction in the number of vacationers.
Accordingly, it is accompanied by a reduction in prices for accommodation, excursions, and other things, on which, at the peak of the tourist season, usually spend fabulous sums of money. Museums without queues, photos without crowds of tourists, a quiet environment that allows you to feel the atmosphere of this beautiful city more deeply — what could be better?
Meanwhile, Prague in February looks no less exquisite than at any other time. At the end of the month, you can often feel the breath of spring in the crystal air, giving the city a unique charm. However, Prague's fickle weather stays true to its habits and can unexpectedly spoil travelers' far-reaching plans for long walks through picturesque streets and parks.
Given the variability of Czech winter weather, warm clothes, waterproof shoes, gloves, and an umbrella should be a must in your luggage.
When choosing the end of winter for a family trip to Prague, it is best to think in advance about what to do for yourself and the kids in case the weather suddenly turns bad. It won't be difficult, given the stunning variety of interesting places the ancient city offers.
Weather in Prague in February
As in any other European city, Prague's weather in February and March is highly changeable and unpredictable. For example, the temperature in Prague in mid-February can change twice within a few days from +3°C to +10°C, and then again a week later to -5°C. The weather in early February is a logical continuation of the January cold and is not characterized by a gentle disposition: gusty winds and snow and rain are expected.
Minor sub-zero temperatures prevail, but on lovely days, the thermometer can reach +3°C - +5°C, which happens more and more often with each day that brings the arrival of spring.
It is impossible to predict what the weather will be like in Prague at the end of February: it could be a series of sunny days lasting until the beginning of March, or it could be freezing damp, which seems to have no end.
In any case, you should stock up on warm and comfortable clothes, be in a good mood, and boldly go to meet the hospitable city — and you will have an exceptional and unforgettable vacation in the heart of the Czech Republic.
Air and water temperature
Prague's temperate continental climate gives it mild, snow-free winters. However, this does not mean that warm clothes can be neglected during your trip. The moisture in the air gives the impression of much colder weather, so thermometer readings at this time of year can be pretty deceptive.
Air temperature in Prague in February
The average daytime temperature in Prague in February is +2.1°C, while at night, it drops to -1.9°C and below. Occasionally, there are significant cold spells, which can be accompanied by temperatures dropping to -5°C during the day and -12°C at night. Still, it should be noted that this does not happen very often.
Water temperature in Prague in February
The temperature of the river water in the last month of winter remains above freezing — an excellent reason to enjoy a thrilling riverboat trip on the regal Vltava River.
Precipitation
Despite all its gloominess and unfriendliness, February in Prague spares precipitation: their average amount of 24 mm is two or even three times less than in the warm season.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
Cloudy skies follow most February days in Prague; there are very few genuinely sunny days at this time — about 6 or 7 for the whole month. However, the almost complete absence of rain compensates for this weather disadvantage and allows travelers to stroll around the city unhindered, admiring its enchanting scenery.
Tour Holidays
Don't be disappointed if your visit to Prague coincides with stormy weather. An exciting excursion is the highlight of any trip, and Prague has plenty to see in any weather.
Staroměstský orloj
It rarely rains in Prague in early February, and visitors who visit the city during these days have every chance to see the miraculous spectacle that plays out hourly on the wall of the Old Town Hall tower, where the famous astronomical clock called Orloj are located.
The ancient clock shows not only Central European time but also Old Bohemian time, as well as the phases of the Moon and the position of the Sun with the constellations of the Zodiac.
Every self-respecting tourist who has been to Prague at least once came to see it with their own eyes this medieval miracle, which has been gathering crowds on the square every hour for 600 years with the ringing of the bell.
The bell itself is set in motion by a funny skeleton symbolizing Death, and from above... Well, it is better to see once than to read a hundred times, so no words can replace one unforgettable visit to the Old Town Square.
Karel Zeman Museum
The damp winds that characterize Prague in mid-February are not conducive to long walks, especially if children are involved. However, in magical Prague, there is always something interesting to do for everyone.
The Karel Zeman Museum alone is worth a visit, revealing the secrets of special effects once used by this famous director in filming movies! This excursion will excite schoolchildren who like to poke their noses into things usually hidden from outsiders.
A little more entertainment
The kids and their parents will enjoy the marvelous mirror maze on Petřín Hill and the indoor amusement park Majaland Praha.
At the end of February, Prague's weather often changes from wrath to mercy, and travelers have a great opportunity to stroll around the city and visit many sights. Here is a rough and far from complete list of places in Prague which will be equally enjoyable for adults and children of all ages:
- Prague Zoo open to visitors all year round;
- Choco Story Museum, where you can not only eat fresh chocolate but also create your masterpiece on paper, using chocolate instead of paint;
- Oceanarium "Sea World" ("Morsky Svet");
- Aquapark (Aquapalace Praha).
Prague's famous ice skating rinks will also give you unforgettable moments. Indoor skating rinks are open from the end of November, but how can you compare them to outdoor skating?
Those lucky enough to be in Prague in February are guaranteed to enjoy their time on an ice rink in the middle of the Fruit Market, in one of the stadiums, or even... on the roof of the Harpa Gallery!
Holidays, events and festivals
February holidays in Prague fall mainly in the second half of the month. February is rich in lavish carnivals and costume parades, practically merging into an endlessly colorful series of fun.
Pancake Day, also known as Masopust, is a popular celebration in Prague and other parts of the Czech Republic. Masopust is a traditional carnival that takes place in the weeks leading up to Lent, and it is a time for feasting, drinking, and merrymaking. Here are some interesting facts about Pancake Day/Masopust:
- Pancake Day/Masopust is celebrated on the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent.
- The celebration dates back to pagan times, when people would celebrate the end of winter and the beginning of spring.
- Masopust is a time for indulgence, and traditional foods include meat dishes, sausages, and pancakes.
- The celebration is marked by parades, music, and dancing, and people often dress up in costumes and masks.
- The most famous Masopust celebration in Prague takes place in the district of Zizkov, where a parade of colorful floats and costumed revelers winds its way through the streets.
- Masopust is a time for letting loose and having fun before the solemnity of Lent, and it is a great way to experience the local culture and traditions of the Czech Republic.
If you are planning to visit Prague during Masopust, be sure to join in the festivities and try some of the traditional foods. It is a unique and exciting celebration that is sure to leave you with lasting memories of your trip to the Czech Republic
The period of celebration of Masopust depends on the day on which Catholic Easter falls. Most often, it is from February 15 - 20 to the beginning of March.
The city's citizens so warmly welcome Prague's February festivities that countless events turn into localized, noisy celebrations in certain parts of the city: Žižkov, Sukhodolská Square, Karlin, and many others.
If you are not lazy and show some skill, you can visit several at once. However, Old Town Square traditionally remains the place of main events.
Bohemian Carnival. The apotheosis of fun in Pancake Day is the magnificent Bohemian Carnival, where everyone can become a participant — you just need a carnival mask and a desire to fool around. You can even take part in a contest for the best mask.
The carnival begins on the opening day of Masopust, when the mayor of the town hands over the reigns to the Carnival King, thus announcing the start of the "Unbridled Fun."
The masked men gathered for the Meeting of the Masks immediately take the initiative. Having divided into "good" (red) and "evil" (black), they get down to business: the Reds cheer up and congratulate the people, wishing them all happy days, while the Blacks shamelessly molest the ladies and make silly jokes, representing evil as best they can.
Amoretto is a magical children's carnival. The masquerade for little princes and princesses has become a tradition in Prague. To participate in it, you need to buy a ticket at the ticket office of the palace where the event will take place. The place and time of the ball may change.
Valentine's Day in Prague. On Valentine's Day, Prague, like other European cities, is full of cute hearts, angels, and other love symbols, decorating countless store windows, cafes, bars, and any public place.
There are a lot of promotions for lovers on this day. The restaurant's menu is full of romantic-looking appetizers and desserts, and the resourceful brewer of the restaurant "U Medvídků" will treat you to a fantastic red beer with honey flavor decorated with pink foam — "Valentine's Lounge."
Valentine's Day is a great time to explore Prague with your loved one and to experience the city's romantic atmosphere. Whether you take a stroll, visit a basilica, enjoy a theatrical experience, dine at a first-class restaurant, visit the Bridge of Love, or take a romantic boat ride, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Valentine's Day in Prague.
Cost of vacation
Prices in Prague in February can be called more than democratic. Hotel prices are down by an average of 11% compared to January, and airfares are 6% lower than the average cost of the previous month. It is also worth noting that many stores in Prague continue to offer winter discounts timed to coincide with the Christmas holidays until the end of winter.
Traveling to Prague with a child in February: travel tips
Undoubtedly, a trip to the capital of the Czech Republic in the second half of February will be an unforgettable adventure for a child of 5 years and older. During this festive season, everyone will have fun here, adults and young tourists alike. Prague is a great destination for families with kids, even in February. While the weather may be chilly, there are still plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy.
In early February, older kids will also find a lot of entertainment, but with kids under five, such a trip promises a lot of trouble. Unpredictable weather can make outdoor walks short-lived and irregular, forcing the little one to get bored during excursions that are not very interesting to him.
The chances of catching a cold in the damp Prague winter are also relatively high, so it is advisable to postpone the trip with your baby to another, more favorable, time.