What to Do in Prague in January. A Digital Nomad Guide

January in Prague may be characterized by crisp temperatures and the occasional dusting of snow, but don’t let the weather deter you. In fact, it’s the ideal time for digital nomads seeking a unique and inspiring work-and-play destination. Keep reading to discover how this historic city can become your perfect temporary home and office in January.

Why You Should Visit Prague as a Digital Nomad in January

While the city’s charms are apparent throughout the year, the winter season adds an enchanting layer to the experience, especially for those who enjoy outdoor activities. This is the perfect time to indulge in a variety of winter activities, from ice skating by the Vltava River to exploring the frosty beauty of Prague Castle’s gardens. For the adventurous souls, don’t miss the opportunity to take a scenic hike in the snowy countryside. After a day of exploration, warm up with a cup of the Czech version of mulled wine – punč – at a cozy local pub or treat yourself to some Czech culinary specialties.

Weather in Prague in January

The Czech capital experiences a chilly embrace during this winter month, with average high temperatures hovering around 3°C (37°F) and lows dipping to approximately -1°C (30°F). While it may sound frosty, the weather in Prague has its own unique charm during January. Rainfall is relatively modest, with around 5 to 6 days of precipitation, and these typically manifest as brief, afternoon storms, rarely lingering throughout the day. Snowfall is also a possibility, adding a touch of winter magic to the cityscape on select days. Just pack a good jacket and you’re good to start exploring the beautiful streets of Prague!

Average highest/lowest temperature: 3°C (37°F) /-1°C (30°F)

Average rainfall days: 5-6 days

Snow: you can expect a few snowy days in Prague in January, but it’s not a guarantee. However, there’s a very high chance of snow in the hills surrounding Prague.

Sunrise time: 08:01am (January 1st) – 07:38am (January 31st)

Sunset time: 4:10pm (January 1st) – 4:53pm (January 31st)

Daylight hours: 08:10 (January 1st) – 9:15 (January 31st)

Best Things to Do in Prague in January

Prague winters can be cold, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying yourself in the city during this time. There are myriad of things to do!

Going on a Ski Weekend Getaway

The Czech Republic being a relatively small country, it’s very easy to get around and plan weekend getaways. One of the best things to do in the winter is book a trip to one of the country’s many ski resorts. Some of our top picks are Klínovec, in the northwest, or Špindlerův Mlýn and Černá Hora, close to the border with Poland.

To make your life even easier, companies such as Skiing Prague or CITY SKI organize all-inclusive day trips from Prague. These typically include pick up and drop off from Prague, gear, clothing rental and ski pass. So you can just sit back and relax, and let them take care of everything for you!

Ice Skating: a Must-Do in Prague in Winter

Ice skating is undoubtedly a must-do activity in Prague during the winter months. Whether you’re a skilled skater or a novice, there are ice rinks of various sizes and styles scattered across the city. One of the most iconic places to skate is by the picturesque Vltava River, which runs through the heart of Prague. Here you’ll find open-air ice rinks with breathtaking views of the city’s historic bridges and landmarks, just right here. However, there are also ice skating rinks in other (more local) parts of the city. Some of our favorite ones are in Grébovka, Letna or Folimanka parks.

Warm Up and Unwind in a Sauna

Czech people are known for their love of saunas, and you can warm up and unwind in style at numerous saunas and wellness centers scattered throughout the city. After a productive day of remote work, there’s no better way to rejuvenate both body and mind than by indulging in the age-old tradition of saunas, followed by a brisk dip in a cold plunge pool. Some of the best ones in the city are by the Vltava: Sauna Spot and Sauny Vltava, where you can relax while soaking up the views of the river.

However, if you’re in the mood for a getaway, we recommend Maximus Resort, one of the most popular wellness centers in the country. It’s just on the outskirts of Brno, Czechia’s second largest city, so it’s a good combination for a weekend trip.

Attending an Opera or Ballet Performance

Cultural activities in Prague remain quite affordable, and the Czech capital is one of the best cities in Europe to attend classical performances, both for opera and ballet. Prague boasts three main theaters: the Národní Divadlo (National Theater), the Státní Opera (State Opera), and the Stavovské Divadlo (Estates Theater), all of which belong to the Národní Divadlo (National Theater). On the institution’s website, you can check the program with all available shows, and purchase your tickets. Tickets can be found for as little as €15 for renowned plays such as La Traviata, Don Giovanni, Il Barbiere di Siviglia, or Swan Lake.

Just a heads up – avoid seats with restricted views. Views are, indeed, quite restricted and, even if cheaper, it’s just not worth it.

Winter Walk Through the Snowy Streets of Prague

If you’re lucky enough to see snow in Prague, don’t miss the chance to walk through the snowy streets of the historic center. As the Czech capital transforms into a winter wonderland, the city’s historic architecture takes on a picturesque charm under a blanket of pristine snow. Stroll along the iconic Charles Bridge, where the silhouettes of centuries-old statues stand in stark contrast to the white backdrop, or meander through the labyrinthine lanes of Old Town. Don’t forget to visit Prague Castle, perched atop Hradčany Hill, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the snow-covered cityscape. Then warm up with a cup of mulled wine on Wenceslas Square!

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Other Things to Do in Prague in January

Here are some other things to do in Prague in January that will add a touch of magic to your winter adventure:

• If you arrive in Prague during the first week of January, you might still get a chance to see some of its famous Christmas Markets. They’re open mostly throughout the month of December, but many keep running until the 6th of January!
• While Czech cuisine has a reputation for being a little heavy, the winter is the perfect time to try out traditional dishes. Warm up with a soup, and then order one of the many local delicacies, such as goulash or svíčková.
• Visiting a museum is always a great indoors plan! There are dozens of museums scattered around the city (National Museum, Mucha Museum, etc), but there are also so many other interesting places to check out, such as the Klementinum Baroque Library in the Old Town. If you’re into art, we recommend following vernissage.cz on Instragam for updates in English on upcoming exhibitions.
• Going on a winter hike to see the beautiful Czech countryside covered in snow. Public transportation works really well in Prague and it’s fairly easy to get around. There are lots of places you can get to in less than an hour, which makes it perfect for a day trip. One of our top picks is Karlštejn, just a 40-min train ride from Prague Main Station.
• Attending an ice hockey game. Ice hockey is one of the most popular sports in the Czech Republic and tickets are pretty affordable. Sparta Praha is the biggest team in Prague and they play in the O2 Arena. Check out their website for game schedule and tickets.