Prague - Things to Do in Prague in March

Things to Do in Prague in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Prague

10°C (50°F) High Temp
3°C (37°F) Low Temp
25 mm (1.0 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

  • Spring awakening begins - magnolia trees bloom in Petřín Park and Wenceslas Square by late March, creating stunning photo opportunities without summer crowds
  • Significantly fewer tourists than April-October, meaning 30-40% shorter lines at Prague Castle and Charles Bridge photo spots actually achievable
  • Hotel rates drop 25-35% from peak season - luxury properties like those near Old Town Square offer shoulder season pricing
  • Perfect weather for long walks - cool enough for comfortable 5-8 km (3.1-5 mile) exploration days without overheating, ideal for covering Prague's 7 hills

Considerations

  • Unpredictable weather swings - can go from 15°C (59°F) and sunny to 5°C (41°F) and drizzly within hours, requiring constant layering adjustments
  • Many outdoor beer gardens and riverside terraces still closed or operating limited hours until Easter weekend
  • Daylight hours still limited - sunset around 6:30 PM means evening photography window is narrow compared to summer months

Best Activities in March

Prague Castle Complex Exploration

March is ideal for exploring Prague Castle without summer's crushing crowds. Cool temperatures make the uphill walk comfortable, and shorter lines mean you can actually enjoy St. Vitus Cathedral's interior. Morning visits (9-11 AM) offer best lighting through the stained glass windows when March sun is still low. The castle gardens begin showing early spring life by late March.

Booking Tip: Purchase tickets online 2-3 days ahead to skip ticket lines. Full circuit tickets cost 350-500 CZK. Visit on weekday mornings for minimal crowds. Allow 3-4 hours for complete exploration.

Traditional Czech Pub Culture Tours

March weather drives locals into cozy traditional pubs, making this perfect timing for authentic beer hall experiences. Temperatures averaging 6°C (43°F) make warm, smoky interiors especially appealing. You'll find more locals and fewer tourists in neighborhood pubs like those in Vinohrady and Karlín districts.

Booking Tip: Food and beer tours typically cost 1,200-2,000 CZK per person. Book 5-7 days ahead as group sizes are smaller in shoulder season. Look for tours including 4-5 traditional pubs with historical context.

Classical Concert Experiences

March is peak season for Prague's classical music scene as tourists are fewer but quality remains exceptional. The cool, damp weather makes intimate venue atmospheres even more magical. Venues like Rudolfinum and Municipal House offer superior acoustics in smaller, warmer settings perfect for March evenings.

Booking Tip: Tickets range 800-3,500 CZK depending on venue and seating. Book 10-14 days ahead for best selection. Concerts typically start 7:30-8 PM, perfect for March's early sunset.

Old Town and Jewish Quarter Walking Discovery

Cool March temperatures make this the ideal time for extensive walking tours covering 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) of Prague's historic core. You can comfortably spend 5-6 hours exploring without heat exhaustion, and the softer March light is perfect for photography in narrow medieval streets.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free, guided tours cost 400-800 CZK. Morning starts (9-10 AM) provide best lighting and fewer crowds. Wear comfortable waterproof shoes as cobblestones can be slippery when wet.

Thermal Spa and Wellness Experiences

March's cool, damp weather makes thermal baths and spa treatments especially appealing. Day trips to Karlovy Vary (120 km/75 miles west) are perfect when Prague's weather turns gray. Indoor wellness centers in Prague offer refuge during the 10 typical rainy days this month brings.

Booking Tip: Karlovy Vary day trips cost 2,500-4,000 CZK including transport. Book 7-10 days ahead. Prague spa treatments range 1,000-5,000 CZK. Indoor thermal facilities open year-round regardless of weather.

Traditional Bohemian Cooking Classes

March is perfect for learning hearty Czech cuisine as seasonal ingredients like early spring vegetables become available, but weather still calls for warming dishes like goulash and svíčková. Indoor cooking activities are ideal backup plans for rainy days, which occur 60% of March days.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes cost 1,500-2,800 CZK per person including meal. Book 5-7 days ahead for small group experiences. Classes typically run 3-4 hours and include market visits when weather permits.

March Events & Festivals

Late March

Easter Markets Preparation

Late March sees setup beginning for Prague's famous Easter Markets in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. While full markets don't open until April, you can witness the traditional wooden stall construction and early craft vendor preparations - a behind-the-scenes look tourists rarely see.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof mid-weight jacket - March brings 10 rainy days with showers lasting 1-3 hours, not brief tropical downpours
Layering system essential - temperature swings of 10°C (18°F) daily require easy add/remove clothing options
Waterproof walking shoes with good grip - Prague's cobblestones become treacherous when wet, which happens frequently
Warm accessories (hat, gloves, scarf) - early morning and evening temperatures around 3°C (37°F) require winter gear
Compact umbrella - afternoon rain is common and Prague's narrow streets offer little overhead protection
Moisture-wicking base layers - 70% humidity combined with walking 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) daily creates dampness issues
Portable phone charger - shorter daylight hours mean more indoor time and heavier phone usage for navigation
Sunglasses - when March sun appears, reflection off wet cobblestones and light stone buildings is intense
Small backpack or crossbody bag - frequent layer changes require hands-free carrying capacity

Insider Knowledge

Locals hit indoor shopping centers like Palladium and Wenceslas Passage during March's unpredictable weather - follow them for warm, dry exploration with authentic Czech retail experiences
March is budget accommodation booking sweet spot - make reservations exactly 6-8 weeks ahead when hotels release shoulder season rates but before Easter booking surge begins
Prague's famous beer gardens like Riegrovy sady and Letná don't fully reopen until April, but locals know Lokal pubs offer the same quality Czech beer experience indoors during March weather
Public transport becomes most efficient in March - locals abandon bikes and walking for trams/metro during unpredictable weather, so learn the system as it's heavily used but not tourist-crowded

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for average temperatures - March's daily 10°C (18°F) swings catch tourists off-guard, leaving them freezing at 6 AM or overheating by 2 PM
Assuming beer gardens are open - most outdoor drinking establishments remain closed until Easter, disappointing visitors expecting Prague's famous garden culture
Booking outdoor activities without weather backup plans - March's 60% chance of daily rain requires indoor alternatives for every planned outdoor activity

Explore Activities in Prague