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Karlovy Vary climate data

Karlovy Vary, a famous spa town in western Czechia, features a temperate continental climate with warm, pleasant summers and cold, snowy winters. The city experiences moderate rainfall year-round, high humidity, and pronounced seasonal changes. Long, sunny days in summer and crisp, snowy winters make Karlovy Vary a year-round destination for relaxation and culture.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic
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High season: May - Sep.
Shoulder season: March - April, Oct., Dec.
Crowdedness: 7 (Many tourists)
Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info
Karlovy Vary International Film Festival runs in early July, hotels fill and prices rise
Spa treatments and the hot springs colonnades are open year-round, with most guests staying a week or more
Becherovka-style herbal liqueur Becherovka and spa wafers are local specialities, but many small shops and restaurants close on Sundays in winter

The climate of Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary’s climate is marked by significant seasonal contrasts. Summers (June–August) are mild to warm, with average daytime highs of 20–23°C and nighttime lows around 10–14°C. July is the warmest and sunniest month, offering up to 7 hours of sunshine daily and long daylight hours – over 16 hours at the summer solstice. Rainfall is moderate, with July and August being the wettest months (up to 96 mm), but showers are typically brief and often followed by sunshine. Humidity remains high, but the air is fresh, especially in the surrounding forests and hills.

Winters (December–February) are cold and often snowy, with average highs of 1–3°C and lows dropping to -4°C or lower. Snowfall is common, creating a picturesque winter atmosphere, though persistent snow cover is rare in the city centre. December and January are the cloudiest months, with just 1–2 hours of sunshine per day and short daylight (about 8 hours). Spring and autumn are transitional, with spring warming from 7°C in March to 16°C in May, and autumn cooling from 17°C in September to 7°C in November. Rain falls throughout the year, with annual precipitation around 800–830 mm, and humidity peaks in winter (up to 87%). Winds are generally light to moderate, but can feel brisk in winter. Karlovy Vary enjoys about 1,600–2,000 hours of sunshine annually, and the weather can change quickly, so visitors should always be prepared for both rain and sun.

Average climate data for Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average maximum temperature (°C) -1 1 5 11 16 19 21 21 17 11 4 1 21
Average minimum temperature (°C) -6 -5 -2 1 6 9 10 10 7 3 -1 -4 -6
Average precipitation (mm) 53 43 46 44 58 69 67 65 51 43 52 59 651
Average rainfall days (days) 16 14 14 14 15 16 15 15 14 13 15 17 178
Average daily daylight hours (h) 8 10 11 13 15 16 15 14 12 10 9 8 12
Average daily sunshine hours (h) 2 3 4 5 6 7 7 6 5 4 2 1 4
Average UV index 1 1 3 4 6 7 7 6 4 2 1 1 4

Travel info

  • Spring (March–May): Cool to mild, with temperatures rising from 7°C to 16°C. Rain showers are frequent, but gardens bloom and daylight increases. Pack layers and a rain jacket.
  • Summer (June–August): Mild to warm, with highs of 20–23°C. Long daylight hours and lively city events. Occasional rain and thunderstorms – bring sun protection and an umbrella.
  • Autumn (September–November): Cooling temperatures (17°C in September to 7°C in November), increased rainfall, and colourful foliage. Layered clothing and waterproof gear are recommended.
  • Winter (December–February): Cold and often snowy, with highs of 1–3°C and lows near -4°C. Snow, fog, and short days are common. Warm, waterproof clothing is essential.
  • Travel Tips: Karlovy Vary’s weather is changeable – always pack layers and rain gear. Summer is best for spa visits and festivals, while winter is magical for those who enjoy snow and a quieter atmosphere. Spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing and hiking.

The best time to visit Karlovy Vary

The best time to visit Karlovy Vary is from June to September, when temperatures are mild to warm (17–23°C), days are long, and the city is lively with festivals and outdoor activities. These months offer the most comfortable weather for exploring the spa town, parks, and surrounding nature.

The worst time to visit Karlovy Vary

The least favourable time is from November to February, when Karlovy Vary is coldest, wettest, and least sunny. Snow, rain, and short daylight hours can limit outdoor activities, though the city’s spas and festive winter events still attract visitors seeking relaxation and charm.

Frequently asked questions

What is the climate like in Karlovy Vary year-round?

Karlovy Vary has a temperate continental climate with warm, pleasant summers (20–23°C), cold, snowy winters (1–3°C by day, -4°C at night), and moderate rainfall throughout the year. Humidity is high, especially in winter.

When is the best time to visit Karlovy Vary?

The best time to visit is from June to September, when the weather is mild to warm, rainfall is moderate, and the city is lively with festivals, spa events, and outdoor activities.

Does it snow in Karlovy Vary?

Yes, snow is common in Karlovy Vary from December to February, especially in the hills around the city. In the centre, snow may not persist long, but winter brings a picturesque, festive atmosphere.

How much rain does Karlovy Vary get?

Karlovy Vary receives about 800–830 mm of precipitation annually, with rain falling year-round. July and August are the wettest months, while February and April are typically the driest.

How sunny is Karlovy Vary?

Karlovy Vary enjoys 1,600–2,000 hours of sunshine per year. July is the sunniest month, with up to 7 hours daily, while December and January are the least sunny, with just 1–2 hours per day.

Is Karlovy Vary humid?

Yes, humidity is high year-round, peaking at 87% in December and lowest in May at 70%. High humidity can make cold winters feel colder and warm summers more comfortable.

What should I pack for a trip to Karlovy Vary?

Pack layers and a rain jacket for spring and autumn, sun protection for summer, and warm, waterproof clothing for winter. An umbrella is useful year-round due to frequent showers.

Minimum and maximum temperatures in Karlovy Vary

The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is August (21.1 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (-1 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 10.5 °C.

The month with the highest average minimum temperature is August (10.1 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is January (-6 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 2.3 °C.

Rainfall amount in Karlovy Vary

The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is June (68.6 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is February (43 mm). Over the whole year there are 651.2 mm of rainfall on average.

Rainfall days in Karlovy Vary

The month with the most days of rain is December (16.9 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is October (13 days). Over the whole year there are 177.9 days of rain on average.

Daylight hours and sunshine hours in Karlovy Vary

The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 16 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 8 h). Over the whole year there are 11.8 h of daylight per day on average.

The month with the most sunshine per day is June (Average sunshine: 7.1 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is December (Average sunshine: 1 h). Over the whole year there are 4.4 h of sunlight per day on average.

UV index in Karlovy Vary

The months with the highest average UV index are June and July (UV index: 7). The months with the lowest average UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index: 1). Over the whole year the average UV index is 3.6.

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