How long will Prague’s winter freeze last—and how to face the elements like a Czech?

Czech folklore says, "Netrkne-li únor rohem, šlehne ocasem"—If February doesn’t poke with its horns, it wags its tail. With current temperatures hovering around -9°C and dropping to -12°C in Prague this morning, it certainly feels like a “poking with its horns” kind of situation.

Prague is not alone in experiencing a cold snap. Cities across Europe, from Austria to Spain, are enduring some of the coldest weather in four years, putting additional pressure on gas inventories as heating demand surges.

According to Weather Services International, temperatures in Salzburg, Austria, dropped to -15°C in January. Madrid's temperatures hovered around -7°C early in the year, the coldest since 2021. In London, temperatures fell to around 1°C in the new year, 4°C below the 30-year average.

In Prague, the current temperature is -9°C (it dipped to -12°C earlier), while Berlin is at -9°C, Vienna at -1°C, and Warsaw at -6°C. Western European cities aren’t spared either, with Paris temperatures hitting 0°C and Amsterdam at -3°C this week.

Severe frosts are expected to continue until Thursday before temperatures rise later in the week.

Prague and Moscow, heated political rivals, are partners in weather, it would seem, sharing a temp of -9°C this morning. Outside of Prague, temps in the mountains reached 30°C below.

Despite being further west, Prague can experience temperatures as low as Moscow’s due to the movement of Arctic air masses. These masses, which travel south across Europe, can bring frigid air from the north into Central Europe. According to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, this phenomenon is amplified when high-pressure systems trap cold air in a region, causing temperatures to plummet.

Additionally, Prague’s topography—a valley surrounded by hills—can intensify the chill by trapping cold air. A lack of snow cover, which would usually reflect sunlight and insulate the ground, also contributes to the winter cold.

Prague’s winter preparation is in full swing, with Prague Technical Services' (TSK) winter equipment on standby to tackle the cold. Since the night of Feb. 13, all available vehicles have been mobilized based on current conditions. This includes 73 salt spreaders on first-class roads and 51 smaller machines clearing secondary streets. A map shows which areas are being serviced.

Anyone who has seen a Czech child bundled up in a snowsuit from the first sign of autumn chill knows that Czechs take temperature regulation seriously.

In Czech homes, it's essential to protect your lower back and the soles of your feet to prevent illness. Proper winter gear, such as weather-proof sportswear from stores like Sportisimo or Decathlon, are also key for survival. To stay warm in local style, you can don a zmijovka — a traditional Czech hat known for its zigzag pattern.

A survey by Czech occupational health company Preventado found that many Czechs face uncomfortable winter temperatures at work. One in three employees complains about the cold, and 42 percent say they can’t control the office temperature. According to government regulations, offices should maintain a temperature between 21°C and 23°C for demanding work, but 34 percent of Czech offices fail to meet these standards.

Gender differences also come into play, with women generally preferring warmer temperatures than men. Despite these discrepancies, 59 percent of employees agree that the ideal office temperature is between 20°C and 22°C.

In Czechia, facing the cold weather involves a mix of soothing remedies and traditions. Many Czechs stock up on ginger, lemon, and honey for a warm drink to clear sinuses, with a shot of rum added for an extra kick. Another local favorite is pečený čaj, a baked fruit tea spiced and roasted to perfection.

Fermented foods like sauerkraut are key to boosting immunity during winter, with Czechs often spending summer months pickling vegetables to prepare.

For winter wellness, homemade tonics and tinctures are common. One remedy is pine needles soaked in sugar or onion syrup to soothe sore throats. A classic remedy is Alpa Francovka, an herbal alcoholic solution known for treating congestion and other ailments.

Czech cold weather sayings range from cheeky, literally (Venku je zima / Outside it’s cold like……jak v prdeli ledního medvěda / like in a polar bear’s ass) and poetic (Mrzlo, až hvězdičky skákaly / So cold that even the stars jumped around). You can find a list of phrases here to express just how cold you’re feeling.

Embracing Czech hygge, or pohoda, helps many get through the colder months. This includes cozy activities like visiting saunas, warming up by a crackling fire in a mountain chata or Prague café or just leaving the country entirely—Thailand is currently the favorite winter escape for Czech travelers in 2025.