Best Time to Visit Poland

While Poland has a ton to offer from fascinating history to spectacular nature, it’s obviously not a tropical destination known for its sunshine. Knowing when to go can help you make the most out of your time here.

Poland experiences a typical European continental climate with four distinct seasons. Cold, grey winters and hot, wet summers. Spring and fall are in between, making them the two best seasons to visit. But choosing the best time for your particular visit really depends on what you hope to do and the kind of vacation you’d like to enjoy.

Spring: March through May

After a chilly winter, spring begins to bring warmer temperatures throughout Poland. In March, the precipitation increases too, in the form of cool rains and snow. If you visit in March, the ski season will still be running in Zakopone, with temperatures still quite coo, ranging from the upper 30s to mid-40s, depending on your destination. In April, temperatures continue to rise and by the end of the month, it’s likely to be especially pleasant. In southern Poland, spring rain is common, but the rest of the country will be relatively dry. While the snowmelt and increasing rainfall can making hiking a challenge in the south, including the trek to Morskie Oko, cities like Poznan, Gdansk, Wroclaw will be recovering from a long cold, winter and will be drier than summer, making this a great month to explore some of the top travel spots before the big crowds, heat and storms of summer arrive. May is one of the best months to visit Poland, with lots of sun and temperatures especially pleasant, climbing into the upper 60s in many places, and you’ll miss those summer rains too. This is a great time to visit Wroclaw, Krakow and Gdansk before the hordes of tourist arrive.

If you plan to visit Poland in the spring, be sure to toss a rain jacket into your suitcase and then carry it around with you in a small backpack while you’re there, just in case those showers arrive. For those who want to hike, be sure to bring waterproof hiking shoes too.

Summer: June through August

Summer in Poland means unpredictable weather. Including frequent rain showers and sudden storms that seem to blow in like a flash. In between there will be bouts of sunshine and warm temperatures. Generally ranging from the mid-60s to low 70s on average, depending on the month and the destination. Warsaw experiences warmer weather, with the mercury rising to the upper 70s in July. June is Poland’s wettest month, especially in Zakopane and Warsaw. No matter when you come now, plan to battle some crowds as this is the high season. Although if you arrive in late August, it won’t be as busy. You’ll be able to pack light, with t-shirts and shorts the focus. But be sure to bring a waterproof jacket for those inevitable rainstorms.

Wroclaw hosts the Good Beer Festival, celebrating national and international brews in June. In July, Poland’s hottest month, the heat can be rather oppressive with the high temperatures and high humidity. Expect to do more waiting and to pay higher prices for hotel rooms. If you want to enjoy the quintessential beach experience, August is a great time to come. With the water in Gdansk and resort areas along the Baltic coast at its warmest temperature of the year. Gdansk will be hosting all sorts of festivities for the St. Dominic Fair throughout most of the month

Autumn: September through November

The unpredictable weather continues in fall. But late September through mid-October is one of the best times to visit Poland. Temperatures through September will be pleasantly warm without as much rainfall as spring. While many tourists have returned home with school holidays over now. While October won’t be as warm, it will be more comfortable than November. If you don’t mind slightly chillier temperatures in the upper 40s to mid-50s. Take advantage of the drier days to enjoy the burst of brilliant foliage to hike around Zakopane. In late October, Warsaw hosts the Warsaw Film Festival.

By November, it’s likely to be cold and wet, although you will have some wonderfully sunny days too. When it comes to packing, bring a warm waterproof coat and plan to dress in layers. If you want to enjoy those colourful hikes, pack some warm, waterproof hiking shoes too.

Winter: December through mid-March

Winter isn’t the most comfortable time to visit Poland, with heavy wind and snowfall making it bitterly cold. Average temperatures range in the teens to right around freezing, although it’s not uncommon for the mercury to dip below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a great time to ski Zakopane’s mountain resort. If you come now, be sure to bundle up.