Want to visit Krakow, but not sure when is the best time? Krakow is a magical destination all year round, even though the weather changes significantly depending on the season. If the weather is essential for you when planning a break in Poland then continue reading, we will try to make the decision easier for you! W

Want to visit Krakow, but not sure when is the best time? Krakow is a magical destination all year round, even though the weather changes significantly depending on the season. If the weather is essential for you when planning a break in Poland then continue reading, we will try to make the decision easier for you!

Summer in Krakow

Let’s start with the most obvious one! Summer is naturally the season when most people decide for visiting Krakow. You can take advantage of long days and visit most attractions. Keep in mind that especially in July you can expect high temperatures, reaching around 30 °C, which may make intense sightseeing a bit unpleasant and tiring. On summer days you should definitely carry a water bottle with you wherever you go.

Weather in Krakow in June, July, and August invites to do some activities on the fresh air, although rain is also a regular occurrence. On a nice day with a clear sky, make sure to climb the Kościuszko Mound to see the views. Summer months are also perfect for a cruise on the Vistula River or a trip to Wieliczka Salt Mines. You can also rent a bike and enjoy evening strolls. The important thing to consider is that Krakow in summer is very crowded, which means more expensive accommodation and longer queues.

Autumn in Krakow

 

If you are not a big fan of high temperatures and the thought of sightseeing while sweating makes you dizzy, consider visiting Krakow in early autumn. Weather in Krakow in September and October is very inviting. It is relatively warm, days are still long, but crowds are a bit smaller. In September you can expect temperatures between 13 to 20 °C while in October they tend to oscillate between 9 to 16 °C. Unless it is raining, the weather is perfect for visiting landmarks and going on day trips, for example to Wieliczka or Auschwitz. You can still enjoy leisurely walks at all times of the day and do most of the things that you would do in the summer. Believe us when we say that a walk around the Wawel Castle and the Old Town is much more pleasant with less crowds. Also, in autumn, the leaves on the trees turn orange, red and yellow which creates a charming atmosphere. You can appreciate these colors and take fantastic photos!

Winter in Krakow

Krakow doesn’t sound like a good idea in winter? Well, that depends on the month. It is true that it gets very chilly in winter and the temperatures fall below 0 °C, so you should pack some warm clothes and gloves. The days are much shorter and it gets dark early, but you can still enjoy your day!

Especially in December Krakow is a magical place to visit. The city is lit up by thousands of Christmas lights and it changes into a fairytale destination. Apart from typical touristy stuff, you get the chance to visit the Christmas Market on the Krakow Main Square and enjoy some mulled wine (it will also keep you warm). If you’re lucky, the city will be covered in snow which will make it even more charming. Note, however, that Krakow in late December is more expensive due to Christmas and New Year’s Eve. By the way, those who would like to ring in the New Year in that beautiful Polish city, see what you can do in Krakow on New Year’s Eve.

Thinking about going to Krakow in January? Be ready to brave the cold! January and February tend to be the coldest months of the year so warm clothes are essential. Despite the weather, you can still visit the museums, though activities outside will be more limited.

Spring in Krakow

If you want to avoid the extreme temperatures during your holiday break then consider going to Krakow in April or May when the weather is pleasant and mild. The days get longer, the sun is often shining and the temperatures oscillate between 15-20 °C. In general, nature, people and the whole city come back to life after winter which makes it an exciting and refreshing time. Remember that springs in Poland can be rainy so it is still recommended to pack a raining coat just to be on the safe side.

When you finally decide which time of the year works best for you, go on and buy your tickets. Once you have your trip planned, make sure to check the weather forecast in Krakow before leaving so that you can pack accordingly and avoid unpleasant surprises. Don’t forget to see our list of top things to do in Krakow to make the best of your vacations. No matter the weather, you are bound to enjoy your time in Krakow at any time of the year, so have fun!