The Czech Republic has a typically European continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm (sometimes wet) summers. Winters (November to February) can get very chilly; January is the coldest month, with daytime temperatures far below zero and strong, cold winds. Snowfall can be heavy; in the low-lying areas the yearly average of snow days is less than 40; in the mountainous areas it reaches 120. Summer temperatures average between 68°F (20°C) and 77°F (25°C) but often reach as high as 86°F (30°C). There is plenty of sun in summer but there are also frequent thunderstorms. The capital, Prague, experiences average temperatures ranging from 25°F (-4°C) during winter, to 73°F (23°C) during summer.The best time to visit the Czech Republic is from May to September when days are warm and nights cool. The European summer (June to September) is the tourist high season, but spring and autumn can also be rewarding times to visit, particularly if you prefer to avoid the tourist crowds. Although the winters are cold, the Czech landscapes do look strikingly beautiful when it is snowy. In a way, every season has its advantages for tourists.