Weather & Packing
How cold are Polish winters?
Quick answer
Winter runs from December to February, usually between -5 and 4C, colder in the mountains and east. Snow is common and the cities look beautiful, so pack properly and wear layers.
Polish winters are cold. From December to February, city temperatures usually sit between about -5 and 4C, dropping lower in the mountains and the east, and colder snaps do happen. Snow is common, and it turns the old towns into something worth braving the chill for.
What winter is good for
December brings Christmas markets to the main squares, with mulled wine and stalls, and the Tatra Mountains around Zakopane offer skiing and snowy walks. Days are short, so plan indoor sights such as museums and salt mines for the darker afternoons.
How to handle it
Dress in warm layers with a windproof coat, a hat, gloves and waterproof boots, since pavements can be icy. Cafes and milk bars are easy refuges to warm up in. For the full seasonal picture, see when to visit Poland and what to pack.
Sources
- Climate and winter temperatures in Poland , Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW)
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