Poland
The best time to visit
When to go to Poland
Go from May to September for the mildest weather and longest days across Krakow, Warsaw and the lakes. Winter is cold and snowy, with Christmas markets in the cities and skiing in the Tatra Mountains.
A 0 to 100 comfort rating from daytime heat, overnight chill, rainfall and storm risk, for Warsaw. Higher is better. Some links on this page are affiliate links, at no cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around May.
Either side of peak, with thinner crowds and better rates.
Hard cold.
In short
The year at a glance
Poland has a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters, and the ratings key off Warsaw. The best stretch runs from late spring to early autumn, when the cities, the Baltic coast and the lake districts are at their most inviting.
Summer is warm and busy, especially in Krakow and on the coast, while autumn is crisp and golden. Winter is cold and snowy, but it brings Christmas markets to the old towns and skiing to Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains.
Month by month
Poland month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Warsaw.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rating | What it is like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0°C / 32°F | -5°C / 23°F | 33 mm | Avoid 17 | Freezing and dry. |
| February | 1°C / 34°F | -5°C / 23°F | 28 mm | Avoid 17 | Freezing and dry. |
| March | 6°C / 43°F | -2°C / 28°F | 32 mm | Fair 30 | Cold and dry. |
| April | 13°C / 55°F | 3°C / 37°F | 37 mm | Great 69 | Cool and dry. |
| May | 19°C / 66°F | 8°C / 46°F | 56 mm | Ideal 95 | Mild with a little rain. Warsaw hotels in May |
| June | 22°C / 72°F | 11°C / 52°F | 69 mm | Ideal 91 | Mild with a little rain. Warsaw hotels in June |
| July | 24°C / 75°F | 13°C / 55°F | 73 mm | Ideal 89 | Warm with a little rain. |
| August | 24°C / 75°F | 12°C / 54°F | 69 mm | Ideal 91 | Warm with a little rain. Warsaw hotels in August |
| September | 18°C / 64°F | 8°C / 46°F | 51 mm | Ideal 91 | Mild and dry. |
| October | 12°C / 54°F | 3°C / 37°F | 40 mm | Great 65 | Cool and dry. |
| November | 5°C / 41°F | -1°C / 30°F | 39 mm | Avoid 28 | Cold and dry. |
| December | 1°C / 34°F | -4°C / 25°F | 36 mm | Avoid 17 | Freezing and dry. |
By region
Where you go changes when you go
Krakow and the south
The historic heart, best from late spring to early autumn, with Christmas-market charm in December.
Warsaw and the centre
Mild, lively summers and cold, snowy winters. Spring and autumn are pleasant and quieter.
The Baltic coast and lakes
Gdansk and the Masurian lakes are summer destinations, warmest and busiest from June to August.
Go for
Best time to visit Poland for
Krakow and the cities
May to September for warm, long days and a full calendar, or December for the Christmas markets.
The Baltic coast
June to August for Gdansk and the beaches, the warmest, sunniest stretch on the coast.
Hiking the Tatras
Summer for the mountain trails around Zakopane, with skiing in the same hills in winter.
Best value
Spring and autumn, with mild weather, golden colour and better rates than the summer peak.
On the calendar
What is on, and when
Summer in the squares, July
Krakow and Gdansk fill their old-town squares with cafes and street life.
Christmas markets, December
Krakow's main square hosts one of central Europe's prettiest festive markets.
Hard cold
Nov to Mar.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Poland
Compare hotels and rentals around Warsaw, then book the month you want.
Ready to book?
Rates climb in peak season, so the best-weather months pay to book early. Shoulder and low months are the value windows.
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Questions