Prague in Summer: Cool Things to do and Heatwave Tips

As luck would have it, I landed up in Prague in the midst of an intense heatwave. I felt a ton of FOMO at first, because it was simply unbearable to be out and about in this gorgeous city in hot, humid 35+ degrees Celcius weather, especially under the blazing sun. It was also unbearable to miss out on all the alternative things the city has to offer.

But then I recalibrated and started walking Prague’s stunning streets at night.

Under the glow of late sunsets, catching the reflection of the half moon on Vltava River, walking on the dimly lit 13th century bridges, looking up at the surreal glow of its ancient architecture, chilling in cooler spaces during the day, I fell in love with the city in a rather unexpected way.

Also read: Creative Gardening, Deep Work and Living in Berlin at 38

Should you visit Prague in summer?

Europe in the summer is something else, with its balmy weather, long days and post 9 pm sunsets – and Prague is no exception. But as climate change accelerates, European cities are facing unprecedented heatwaves.

In June, I experienced 38 degrees weather in Prague and 40 degrees in Berlin! Remember that unlike tropical cities, European cities like Prague are designed for cold weather. Most homes, hotels, public transport, cafes, restaurants and public places are not air-conditioned. Instead, they are designed to trap heat. There’s a lot of resistance to add ACs everywhere, since they contribute to the urban heat island effect and make cities hotter. There are many innovative ways Europe can adapt to heatwaves though!

As for the question, when is the best time to visit Prague, I’d say, not the summer! Not only can get it unbearably hot, but also very crowded. Prague has been dealing with overtourism, mostly concentrated in the summer, and recently even banned organized pub crawls.

But having said that, a lot of the overcrowding can be avoided if you stay away from the city centre in one of Prague’s many upcoming neighborhoods, skip its ‘unmissable’ attractions like the astronomical clock show (seriously overrated), and choose conscious travel experiences that also lighten the tourism burden on the city.

Also read: 9 Unique Things to do in Prague for Conscious Travellers

Prague weather in summer

Prague weather in summer used to be in the late 20s, but it’s getting hotter every year. The entire week I spent in Prague last month (June 2026) had daily highs of 30-36°C – hot, humid, with little respite during the day. Prague is May can be cooler, with average temperature in the 20s, although with climate change, it’s rather hard to predict how hot Prague can get in the summer months from May to August.

If you have the option to travel to Prague in spring or autumn, or its cold, stark, stunning winter, I recommend you take it.

Also read: Walking a 1000-year-old Pilgrim Trail Through the Italian Alps

Are heatwaves common in Prague?

Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common across Europe. The Czech Republic recorded its highest EVER temperature this summer (hello, climate change). According to the CROSSEU project, heatwaves pose the most significant climate risk to Prague, with little short or long term planning currently in place.

That is to say, yes, heatwaves are becoming more common in Prague, and are expected to be further exacerbated by a strong El Niño this year – a natural climate phenomenon expected to trigger hotter weather and more extreme weather events globally.

Also read: Away From the Crowds: 11 Offbeat Places in Europe Waiting to be Explored

Tips to cope with a heatwave in Prague

If you find yourself in a Prague heatwave, here’s what I recommend doing:

Fight the FOMO and adjust your plans

I write a lot about slow travel, and summer in Prague can compel you to embrace it. Instead of going through with planned tours and outings in the exposed outdoors of the city, rework your plans to hide out the heat during the day. Think sleeping in (if the heat permits), long brunches, matcha latte with some journaling, reading in one of Prague’s cozy cafes or visiting an indoor museum.

Emerge close to sunset to take in the beauty of Prague, join a walking tour, admire its glorious architecture, hang out in the city’s incredible parks, chill by the Vltava River and let Prague work its charm on you! There’s a lot you can do in Prague without baking yourself (or worse) in a heatwave.

Take the metro over other public transport

After a couple of days of getting burnt and dehydrated on Prague’s buses and trams, most of which are not air-conditioned and have waiting areas exposed to the hot sun, I learnt my lesson. One of the best ways to stay cool on hot Prague days is to go underground – into Prague’s metro stations built two levels below the ground with the longest escalators I’ve stepped on! Drafts of cold air keep the stations ventilated and refreshingly cool during heatwaves.

When my train out of the city got significantly delayed, I sought shelter in the connected metro station – so much cooler than the rest of the city.

Carry a water bottle and umbrella

Staying hydrated in a heatwave is extremely essential, and most European cities, including Prague, offer clean drinking water in all taps! Avoid single-use plastic and carry your reusable water bottle, that can be filled at fountains, cafes and taps across the city.

Besides sunscreen, shades and a cap, I found it extremely useful to have a UV-protective umbrella to protect myself from the blazing sun on extremely hot days!

Also read: A Slow ‘No Fly’ Journey from Switzerland to the Lofoten Islands, Norway

Best (alternative) things to do in Prague in the summer

1. Chill in Prague’s stunning parks

Walking, running and picnicking in Prague’s many parks seemed like the most popular among summer activities in Prague. Everyday, I picked a different park to venture to, and sometimes my walks led me to green spaces. All along Vltava River are green spaces to hang out, as well as atop the hills adorning the city.

Letna Park, with its sweeping views over the river and the old town is one of the most popular, and well worth walking through. I loved Vitkov Park for its local vibe and panoramic hilltop trails. There are also lots of quite green spaces in almost every neighborhood; let your feet guide you!

2. Journal, write or chill at one of the city’s coolest cafes

I found all the time in Prague to sample the city’s coolest cafes – and I don’t mean air-conditioned 😉 I mean cozy, light-filled, hipster, plant-filled cafes that eased me into the slow travel mindset. I met up with a friend, drank a ton of matcha latte (my new obsession), indulged in iced cacao, sampled house-made lemonades, tried vegan croissants and cakes, wrote on my laptop, journaled and doodled.

Some of the cooler cafes (away from direct sunlight) I enjoyed hanging out at:

• Goodie Store & Cafe: The best co-working cafe and hipster space, filled with plants and light, with an eco-store downstairs to browse. Offers vegan-friendly smoothies, smoothie bowls and some desserts. More expensive than other cafes but you pay for the gorgeous space and (free) Wifi.
• Underdogs’ Cafe: An unassuming, unbusy cafe with a lovely room at the back overlooking the greenery beyond. Stocks vegan pastries – including croissants, pain au chocolat and the best tofu-spinach quiche – from the all-vegan Kraffin bakery!

3. Have an indoor museum day

Prague is home to some interesting museums, and the one my friends highly recommend is the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art. It features interesting art exhibits and literary installations, has an eclectic approach to architecture, and also hosts special performing arts sessions. I hope to visit it next time.

On the other hand, a friend told me she found the Museum of Fantastic Illusions fantastically overrated.

4. Catch magical sunsets in the city

The most beautiful part about being in Prague on hot unending summer days was the sunset. After surviving the heat every single day, I ventured out to the river, hills and parks of Prague to watch the sun turn its centuries-old architecture golden. I witnessed sunsets painting the sky in delicate pink strokes above the river, dropping like a glowing ball over the city, and slowly disappearing behind the hills.

Some of my favorite sunset spots in Prague:

• Letna Park, for a stunning sunset over Vltava River and its old bridges.
• Vitrov Hill, for a panoramic sunset over the city.
• Old Town Bridges (avoid Charles Bridge and its crowds though), for a classic sunset on the river.

5. Cool down with Prague’s best vegan ice creams!

There’s nothing like an ice cream to cool down on a hot Prague day, and I found my favorite at Imaginarni Zmrzlina – an all-vegan ice cream parlor with the most intense, hand-churched chocolate ice cream made with a cashew-coconut milk base, served in a vegan waffle cone. YUM!

The chocolate gelato at Creme de la Creme was my next go-to vegan ice cream.

6. Walk the city’s quieter neighborhoods at night

I went on long walks at golden hour, the hour before sunset, in some of the city’s quieter neighborhoods. My favorite walk was the one connecting the leafy neighborhood of Karlin with Vitkov Hill, crossing a unique walking tunnel and some of the city’s only remaining vineyards!

If you prefer a guided experience, check out these night tours in Prague.

7. Row a boat in the cool breeze on Vltava River

Oh the joy of being on the water with a cooling breeze at sunset, after a hot hot day in the city! For 10 Euros per person, you can rent a paddleboat for an hour and quietly row into the sunset on Vltava River, watching the spectacular city lights flicker on. Such a quintessential Prague experience, and perfect for the summer.

Also read: A Guide to Exploring the High Tatras of Slovakia

What to pack for summer in Prague

Chances are, you’ll only need light clothing – t-shirts, shorts, skirts, dresses. Pack comfortable walking shoes. Don’t forget your sunglasses, hat/cap, umbrella and nature-friendly sunscreen. Carry some layers incase the weather turns unexpectedly.

Have you experienced summer in Prague?

Hi there! I’m Shivya, and I started this travel blog back in 2011, when travel wasn’t trendy, Instagram didn’t exist and AI wasn’t a thing (simpler times, I know!). I write about slow, meaningful and conscious travel – that is good for us, the places we visit, the people we meet along the way, and the planet at large. Settle down, grab a cup of tea, and read stories that remind you of the essence of travel. I’m so glad you found me!