About Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is an entirely landlocked country that lies just to the east of Central Europe, bordered by Slovakia to the east. The Czech Republic also shares borders with Poland to the north, Germany to the west and Austria to the South.
The Czech Republic is divided into the two ancient provinces of Bohemia and Moravia which are set next to a mountainous border along Germany. The country has varied terrain and is hilly across much of the land, building up to mountainous peaks in parts. Because the country is landlocked, thus doesnât have the moderating effects of a sea or ocean, and the terrain (whilst varied across the country) generally repeats its self from north to south and east to east, so the same weather conditions tend to prevail across the country and also really vary with varying elevation.
The climate across the Czech Republic is largely continental and temperate. Temperatures vary quite significantly across summer and winter, and this is mainly due to its landlocked position. The summers are warm to hot, although extreme heat is very rare. Winters are generally cloudy and cold, and at times can get bitterly cold when the cool winds blow from Russia. Winters generally play host to snow across the country, higher parts obviously receive greater snowfall though there is often snow in the lowlands as well.
Bohemia
Bohemia, one of Czechâs ancient provinces, lies in the western part of the country. Bohemia consists of a large basin which is surrounded by low lying mountains. The basin is drained predominately by two rivers- the Elbe and the Vltava River. Bohemia comprises about two-thirds of the country, made up of 52,750 km² and home to 10.3 million people. Within Bohemia, you will find many of Czechâs most popular tourist destinations, including the lively, vibrant and historic capital of Prague. Prague, like Czech, hosts a temperature continental climate. Winters in Prague are amazing as the historical old town is covered in a blanket of white snow- a perfect Christmas getaway. Prague was built between the 11th and 18th century so there is certainly not a shortage of old and amazing architecture to check out.
Winters in Prague see temperatures fall to an average minimum of -3 ºC in January and -1 ºC in February, while the highs only reach 1 ºC and 2 ºC in December and January before reaching maximum highs of 5 ºC in February. On average there is snowfall on 5 or 6 days each month throughout winter. Summers in Prague see average daily temperatures of 16 ºC to 18 ºC, with July and August being the warmest months. Minimums sit at 11 ºC to 13 ºC and average maximums rarely rise above 26 ºC, though the occasional heat wave does occur.
Lying south of Prague is the quaint but popular town of Cesky Krumlov. The picturesque fairytale town sits upon the Vltava River that weaves around the tiny town like a mote. Sitting high upon a hill overlooking the town is the Äeský Krumlov Castle, which is a castle that is unusually large for the size of the town. Äeský Krumlov Castle is the second largest castle in the country, second only to the HradÄany castle complex of Prague. Cesky Krumlov sees thousands of visitors pass through the city in the peak of summer and it is increasing in popularity as the word spreads about this hidden secret. There are some fabulous places to stay and a vibrant nightlife, everything within walking distance from everything else. One of the favourite pastimes is to get your on rubber tire (or other floating devices!) and float around the Vltava River (the countryâs longest river) taking in the lush greenery and historic buildings as you leisurely drive around the town. The weather in the height of summer is perfect for this, as temperatures sit in the high 20âs and occasionally reach into the 30âs. Rain is expected throughout the entirety of the year, including summer, but a rainy day is likely to be backed up by several days of uninterrupted sun.
Lying between Prague and Cesky Krumlov is the town of Cesky Budejovice, which for you beer lovers is the home of Budweiser as in the sixteenth century the Czech king, Ferdinand I, ordered beer brewers in Ceske Budejovice to provide Budvar beer for the royal household.
Moravia
The other province is Moravia which lies in the east of the country. Moravia is also hilly and is drained by the Moravia River. Here the weather is temperate though can be slightly colder as it is influenced by the cold winds flowing from the east of Europe. In Moravia, you will find the highest peak which lies in the south of the region. At 5260 feet the average temperature is only -.4 ºC. While in the lowlands of Moravia the average daily temperature sits at about 10 ºC.
Lying in Moravia is the city of Ostrava which s is the third largest city in the Czech Republic. Ostrava lies in the north-eastern tip of the Czech Republic with an average elevation of about 210 metres above sea level, sitting very close to the borders of Poland and Slovakia. The city spreads over the northern part of the natural north-south valley called the Moravian Gate. Because of its easterly location, the weather sees more extremes that cities that lie in the west. The continental climate influences are more prominent and the yearly average temperature is about 8.6°C, compared with 10°C in Prague. January sees an average of -2.4°C, while Julyâs average daily temperature in July: 17.8 °C. Yearly rainfall in Ostrava is around 600mm. January and February in Ostrava see an average of 8 days of snow for the month and an average minimum temperature of -4 ºC. While in summer, each month sees an average of 9 ºC to 11 days of rain for the month and an average daily temperature of 18 ºC with maximums reaching 23 ºC and minimums falling to about 12 ºC.
The best time of the year to visit the Czech Republic is late spring (mid-May to mid-June) and early autumn (September to mid-October) as this is when the weather can be quite pleasant, although like any time of the year it is still unpredictable. If you hold a particular hatred for rain then visit during July as this is the best chance of warm and dry summer weather- keep in mind that many people have hatched a similar plan and this is the busiest time of the year across the country.
