50 Years Later: Remembering the Snowiest Christmas in Czech History

The Czech Republic experienced its snowiest Christmas on record exactly 50 years ago.

In 1974, 215 centimeters of snow covered the ground at Vrbatova bouda in the Krkonoše Mountains, located at an altitude of 1,410 meters.

This record remains unbeaten, and while this year’s holiday season will not come close to such numbers, colder-than-average temperatures could preserve snow at higher altitudes.

The coldest Christmas temperature was recorded in 2001 at Horská Kvilda, with the mercury plunging to -35.5 °C. In contrast, the warmest December 24 occurred in 1958 and 1977, with temperatures reaching 14.5 °C at the Lučina station in the Moravian-Silesian Region and Kolín.

A Changing Climate

Long-term data from 1991 to 2020 indicate that the average daily temperature for Christmas Eve is -0.4 °C. However, since 2008, the average air temperature across the Czech Republic has consistently exceeded 0 °C during Christmas. Although this year’s holiday is expected to be colder than recent years, temperatures will remain well above historical norms.

Cities and Snowfall: Liberec Takes the Lead

The coldest Christmas Eve in an urban area occurred in Pardubice in 2001, with temperatures plunging to -23.5 °C. On the opposite end, České Budějovice experienced the warmest Christmas Eve in 1977, when the temperature rose to 14.2 °C.

When it comes to snow, Liberec stands out. In 1980, the city recorded 40 centimeters of snow on Christmas Eve, the highest among regional capitals. According to data from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (CHMI), Liberec also boasts the highest probability of a white Christmas, at approximately 60 percent.

Behind are Karlovy Vary, Jihlava, and Zlín, where the chance of snow on Christmas hovers between 30 and 40 percent. Meanwhile, Prague, Pardubice, Hradec Králové, and Pilsen have the lowest probability, with a 20 percent chance of experiencing a white Christmas.

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