The evolution of microstructure during the hot working of steels microalloyed with Nb is governed by the recrystallisation kinetics of austenite and the recrystallisation-precipitation interaction. The present study focuses on the effects of prestrain and deformation temperature on the recrystallisation behaviour in these steels. The extent of recrystallisation is characterised by a softening parameter calculated from a series of interrupted plane strain compression tests carried out at different deformation temperatures and strain levels. The results indicate that at the low temperatures, softening is caused by static, recovery, while at higher temperatures static recrystallisation is the predominant mechanism. The recrystallisation-stop temperature (T-5%) and the recrystallisation-limit temperature (T-95%), marking the beginning and end of recrystallisation respectively, are determined as a function of strain. Nb(CN) precipitation kinetics have been calculated using a model proposed in an earlier work, and these results are used to estimate the precipitate pinning force under the given processing conditions. Based on these estimations, a criterion has been proposed to predict the onset of recrystallisation. The predicted results are found to be in reasonably good agreement with the experimental measurements.