Who hasn't dreamed of going to a fairy tale as a child? The crackle of the fireplace, the aroma of pastries, the dancing snowflakes outside the window... And then there are the old houses, the tiled roofs covered with snow, the mysterious glow of street lamps in the evening. You can easily find yourself in this fairy tale if you visit Prague in January.
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Holidays in Prague in January: pros and cons
Reviews about holidays in Prague in January, most enthusiastic call to visit this city on winter holidays both romantic couples and families with children.
Let's name all the pros of a January trip:
- The mild Czech winter will not let you freeze — the air temperature rarely drops below -10°C.
- Comparatively low cost of excursions will allow you to spend your time excitingly because the influx of tourists is less.
- Hotels are not overcrowded, which means there is an opportunity to enjoy the magnificent views of the winter city and choose a holiday to your liking.
- For lovers of winter entertainment in the form of ice skating and downhill skiing, Prague provides indoor skating rinks in the city and ski resorts in the suburbs.
- In winter, you especially want to eat heartily and keep warm, and the Czechs know how to eat! Delicious Czech cuisine opens the doors of many cozy restaurants and coffee shops and beckons with its aromas.
- The winter sale continues, and Prague in January awaits you for a great shopping experience.
The cons of January travelling are minor, but it's best to be aware of them so they don't catch you off guard:
- There are occasional cloudy days in January when you need waterproof or rainproof clothes and shoes.
- Due to the foggy weather, there are sometimes transport disruptions, but you can always choose between overground and underground and get to your destination on time.
- In January, the daylight hours are still relatively short — it gets dark early on the streets, so there are few opportunities for a busy sightseeing program.
Weather in Prague in January
The weather in January and February is not usually favorable for long walks. The days are mainly overcast and cloudy, with occasional fog. Due to the high humidity level, the cold can be felt even if the temperature is not very low.
On such days you should stock up on warm clothes for yourself and your children, a sightseeing map and visit those museums you didn't manage to see in summer.
The temperature in Prague in mid-January can rise to +5 °C, while at night, it drops to -7 °C. The weather can be both snowy and rainy. Gusts of January wind will make you wrap yourself in a cozy scarf and drink hot mulled wine to escape the weather in warm coffee shops and restaurants, of which there are many in Prague.
Air temperature
The climate in Prague at this time of year can hardly be called mild. January is considered to be the coldest month of the year. According to long-term meteorological observations, the average daily temperature in Prague in January is about 0°C. The weather is very changeable and inconsistent — it is difficult to make accurate prediction.
Air temperature in Prague in January
By Czech standards, a temperature of -10°C is a freezing winter. But for many of our tourists, this weather is not new to them, so you don't have to worry about freezing. Especially since the average daytime temperature is +1°C and the nighttime temperature is -4°C. Too low temperatures are not typical for Czech winter.
Precipitation
The average relative humidity in January is 80%, which makes the snow swirl in large flakes and reminds you that you are in a real Czech fairy tale. Precipitation is relatively low, with an average of 23 mm.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
Sunny days in Prague in January are rare, with an average of 1-2 per month. The rest of the month is cloudy and overcast. Prague restaurants with delicious food and great Czech beer seem even cozier in cloudy weather.
Excursions and outings in January
The festive hustle and bustle has died down. However, in early January, Christmas still lingers in brightly decorated shop windows, twinkling garlands, and the aromas of trdelník baked over an open fire right on the streets of Prague. And if you want to admire snow-covered spires and bridges, taste traditional Czech Christmas specialties, relax from pre-holiday worries, and enjoy the fairytale atmosphere of the city, you should come here.
At any time of the year, Prague surprises tourists with marvelous views, so even the January weather is not a hindrance to hiking; you need to take care of warm clothes and comfortable shoes. Whether you decide to visit the city in mid or late January, there are places to see:
- A walk across the snow-covered Charles Bridge will not leave you indifferent — you will get in touch with history and enjoy winter views of the Vltava River.
- Old Town Square is a symbol of Prague. Thousands of tourists flock there at certain times to see the Prague Orloj, an astronomical clock made in the early 15th century with mechanical figures set in motion every hour.
- If you like unusual buildings and sculptures, check out the Žižkov Tower, especially since the Žižkov children sit on it. In fact, these sculptures evoke mixed feelings but are worth seeing.
- If you're tired of walking and want to see Prague's Eiffel Tower, go to Petrin Hill. The 60-metre-high Petřín Tower is an integral part of Prague. You can reach it by cable car, the start of which can be found on Malostranska Street.
- Is it hard to surprise you? It is possible. If you see... a head. And not just any head, but Kafka's head. The eleven-meter-high structure consists of enormous metal plates, which are constantly rotating, flowing into different states — a mesmerizing spectacle.
- The most popular winter sport — ice hockey — is so popular among Czechs that it is hard to find a person who would not go to the games and cheer for his favorite team. Therefore, it is almost impossible to get acquainted with Czech culture without attending an ice hockey match.
Of course, we should not forget about the Prague Zoo, one of the largest zoos in Europe. It is open all year round, and if you're lucky with the weather, walking through the zoo's vast grounds will be a memorable experience. There are indoor pavilions where tropical temperatures are maintained regardless of the season, as well as a contact zoo where children can pet and feed the animals. In winter, you can plan your visit between 9.00 and 16.00.
Both children and adults will surely enjoy Sea World (Mořský Svět), where you can buy food at the entrance and feed the fish yourself. While strolling along the ancient streets, don't forget to try trdelnik — a traditional cylindrical Czech pastry, which is cooked right on the streets. Children will be especially delighted by this treat — in the modern version, the bun is filled with Nutella or cream only after it is taken off the fire.
Holidays, events and festivals
After Christmas, the Czech Republic celebrates another significant event. And when asked if there are any other festivals in Prague in January, we answer — of course! Costume shows, unusual animals, and Three Kings — Prague knows how to surprise even the most sophisticated tourist.
At the beginning of the month, on 6 January, the Catholic world celebrates Epiphany, and the day before, on 5 January, Prague hosts the traditional costume festival "The Procession of the Three Kings." It is dedicated to the three pagan kings who, according to church stories, came to Bethlehem to worship Christ.
The costumed procession crosses Charles Bridge to Old Town Square and presents symbolic gifts to the Christ child. On this day, it is customary to do charity work — traditionally, all donations are given to a children's clinic. Czechs call this holiday "Little Christmas". The spectacle is also unusual because the kings travel on camels, so it will be enjoyable for adults and children of all ages.
Shopping
Christmas sales continue in Prague's shopping centers throughout January. And if you're tired or the weather is not conducive to walking, you can have a great time in a shopping center — not only shopping but also having fun. Food courts for all tastes will not let you go hungry, and recreational areas for children will not allow babies or older children to get bored.
In addition, modern shopping centers often look like masterpieces of architecture — huge windows, bizarre shapes, and unique views — so they may well occupy one of the most important places among Prague's attractions.
Prague's largest shopping center, Palladium, has about 200 shops and more than 20 cafes, and consequently, the largest number of shoppers.
If you plan to go to Prague at the beginning of January, you will be lucky enough to catch the Christmas Fair. It usually lasts until the 6th of January. Festive illuminations, delicious food, and countless market stalls with traditional souvenirs keep the Christmas spirit alive and prolong the festive atmosphere. There is no better place to solve the question, "What to bring as a gift?".
Cost of vacation
Although Christmas in the Czech Republic is celebrated in December, prices in Prague in January are still high — the flow of tourists has not yet decreased. Therefore, the purchasing power is relatively high. Prices go down only after 8-9 January, so you should plan your holiday in advance.
Airfares
The price of a flight to Prague in January is still as high as on the cusp of the Christmas holidays. The minimum price of air tickets to the Czech Republic is only in November and slightly decreases after December-January.
Package Tours
A trip to Prague in January is slightly cheaper than in December. Tour prices reach almost the same level as in November and attract tourists to visit Prague's winter fairytale and take a break from the pre-holiday rush.
Food
Prices for food in Prague in January are primarily unchanged and do not depend on the time of year. But the time of day can vary: from 12.00 to 14.00, business lunch in many cafes and restaurants will cost 15-20% cheaper than a portion of food, for example, in the evening.
An interesting fact: the food portions in most establishments are so large that it can be challenging to finish them. But the food is so tasty that it is a pity to leave something on the plate.
Recommendations for travellers with children
Despite the festive atmosphere and plenty of entertainment, we would hardly recommend traveling in January with a baby: it is not always convenient to travel with a pram due to possible precipitation, high humidity, and cold air. But for older children — schoolchildren and children of high school age — it will be a wonderful winter holiday, especially since Prague has all the conditions for this.
Any journey will be a joy if it is well-planned. Consider the weather conditions and the right choice of clothing; for comfortable walks, choose comfortable shoes to enjoy walking and the views of Prague fully. When choosing a holiday with children, don't forget to plan a visit to the Oceanarium, the Toy Museum, and the many outdoor or indoor ice rinks with cheerful music and bright illuminations.
We hope that using our recommendations, you can organize an unforgettable romantic trip or a fun children's holiday in Prague in January.