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.
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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!
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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!
