Best time to visit Krakow

+77
Krakow

Best time of year to visit Krakow

Even though the city looks fantastic all year round, April–May and September–October are deemed to be the best time to visit Krakow. Spring promises temperatures comfortable for promenades and a lot of celebrations like Easter Rekawka or Juwenalia Krakowskie. Yet, downpours are more than possible, so grab an umbrella with you. A period from June to August is famous not only for throngs of tourists and high prices but also for lively festivals such a Wianki and Pierogi Festival. If warm autumn could speak, it would recommend you to pack a sweater to make a picnic on Vistula River more comfortable. The time between December and February is freezingly cold, but affordable prices, Christmas celebrations, and beauty of the winter slopes in Zakopane seem to be seducing.

9 THINGS TO DO IN KRAKOW (MAYO 30 - JUNIO 08)

Krakow Caves

Krakow Caves

April–November • activity

Discover historical caves of Krakow—a former dragon's residence, a king's hideout, and a huge salt mine

Sunset and Sunrise at Mounds

Sunset and Sunrise at Mounds

March–October • nature

Meeting the sunsets and sunrises at one of the four mounds of Krakow is a favorite activity for the youth of the city

Hiking in Ojców National Park

Hiking in Ojców National Park

April–November • nature

Krakow attracts tourists not only with its beauty and rich history but also by its natural treasures. Ojców National Park is well worth checking out!

Restauracja Wentzl

Restauracja Wentzl

all year round • food

A restaurant with superb dining and excellent views of Market Square

Krakow Film Festival

Krakow Film Festival

May 26-June 16, 2024 • event

Don’t miss a chance to visit one of the oldest film festivals in Europe!

Juwenalia Krakowskie

Juwenalia Krakowskie

May  • event

What can be more wild and adventurous than a huge student party?

Picnics on the Vistula River

Picnics on the Vistula River

April–October  • nature

Every city located on river banks gains additional points to its enchantment. Krakow is no exception

Cycling

Cycling

May–October • activity

Krakow is ready to compete with the best cities in the Netherlands for the title of cyclists’ paradise

Cafe Indalo

Cafe Indalo

all year round • food

A quaint, cozy place within walking distance from Wawel

23 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Pierogi Festival

Pierogi Festival

out of rangeAugust 6–12, 2023 • event

You’ll never know what Krakow really tastes like until you try some true Polish cuisine. The best time to do this is the National Pierogi Festival

Great Dragon Parade

Great Dragon Parade

out of rangeJune 3–4, 2023 • event

Krakow still has its own dragons. Usually they hide in their cages, but once a year everyone can see them flying around the city. Look up!

Jewish Culture Festival

Jewish Culture Festival

out of rangeJune 28–July 2, 2023 • event

Every year the historically Jewish district of Kazimierz turns into a time machine with the sounds of Jewish music

Krakow Christmas Market

Krakow Christmas Market

out of rangeNovember 24–December 26 • event

The iconic central square of Krakow, Rynek Główny, hosts most winter holiday festivities in the city

Wianki or Wreath Festival

Wianki or Wreath Festival

out of rangeJune 23, 2023 • event

Meet the summer solstice in Krakow

Krakow New Year's Eve  (Sylwester)

Krakow New Year's Eve (Sylwester)

out of rangeDecember 31 • event

One of the largest annual events in Małopolska capital takes place at the central square

Kraków Easter Market & Celebrations

Kraków Easter Market & Celebrations

out of rangeMarch 21–April 2, 2024 • event

Come to see how Kraków celebrates Easter—some of the local traditions date back to the 16th century

Kraków Nativity Scenes Contest

Kraków Nativity Scenes Contest

out of rangeDecember 03 • event

Krakow Christmas tradition of recreating the nativity scene dates back to the 19th century

Summer Opera Festival

Summer Opera Festival

unconfirmedearly June–mid-July 2023 • event

From the end of the 16th century, Opera was only for the upper classes. Nowadays, it’s on the streets of Krakow—more suitable for such events

Krakow Honey Harvest & Bee-Keepers Festival

Krakow Honey Harvest & Bee-Keepers Festival

out of rangeSeptember 8–10, 2023 • event

Did you know that bees can recognize human faces and have their own personalities? Bee-keeping festival is a perfect chance to discover more about the masters of honey

Painted Cottage Contest in Zalipie

Painted Cottage Contest in Zalipie

unconfirmedmid-June 2023 • event

The best examples of traditional rural architecture—an hour and a half away from Krakow

Palm Sunday in Lipnica Murowana

Palm Sunday in Lipnica Murowana

out of rangeMarch 24, 2024 • event

This feast celebrated on the last Sunday before Easter is especially important for the Kraków residents

Lajkonik Parade

Lajkonik Parade

unconfirmedJune 2023 • event

Meet Lajkonik–a bearded man that brings good luck with a touch

Herring Night or Śledzik

Herring Night or Śledzik

out of rangeFebruary 21, 2023 • event

Take part in one of the strange and tasty Polish Carnival traditions and try a piece of pickled herring

Summer Jazz Festival Kraków

Summer Jazz Festival Kraków

out of rangeJuly 2–September 2, 2023 • event

Spend this summer like no other at Krakow's biggest jazz festival!

Rękawka (Egg Rolling) Festival on Krakus Mound

Rękawka (Egg Rolling) Festival on Krakus Mound

out of rangeApril 2, 2024 • event

Come to the Mound of Krak and join the Medieval celebrations

Hot Beer or Grzane Piwo

Hot Beer or Grzane Piwo

out of rangeNovember–March • food

The winters in Poland may be severe and frosty, but there are many ways to keep warm. Among the various hot drinks, the most tempting is a hot beer

Skiing in Zakopane

Skiing in Zakopane

out of rangeDecember–February • activity

Those who are fond of winter sports shouldn't miss the chance to leave Krakow for a day or two and to visit Zakopane, a town located at the foot of the Tatra Mountains. Especially, when it takes only two hours!

St. Stanisław Procession

St. Stanisław Procession

out of rangeMay 8 • event

Locals honour Saint Stanislaw who is believed to have raised the dead!

All Saints’ Day and All Souls Day

All Saints’ Day and All Souls Day

out of rangeNovember 1–November 2 • event

Halloween is not only about the costume parties – you will see that if you decide to get acquainted with this Polish traditional celebration

Lent

Lent

out of rangeFebruary 22–April 8, 2023 • event

Krakow residents are remarkably religious. The Christian tradition of 40 days of Lent turns into an impressive event

Sacrum Profanum Festival

Sacrum Profanum Festival

out of rangeSeptember 1–10, 2023 • event

Sacrum Profanum gained the status of one of the most interesting music events in Europe by presenting pieces from the 20th century

Siuda Baba

Siuda Baba

out of rangeApril 10, 2023 • event

On Easter Monday, there is a high probability of meeting a strange man dressed up as an untidy woman, whose face is blackened with soot. Don’t get scared, this is Siuda Baba–a traditional Polish character

Last updated:
ene.
6.9
feb.
7.1
mar.
7.5
abr.
8.2
may.
8.5
jun.
8.8
jul.
8.5
ago.
8.5
sep.
8.8
oct.
8.1
nov.
7.6
dic.
7.1

Krakow weather in enero

6.9/10 score
Good
0° average
average temperatures
7 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
January is the coldest time of the year in Krakow. With just two hours of sunshine, days seem very short and gloomy. However, snow is definitely going to brighten up your impression of the city. January is the snowiest month. And Krakow looks magnificent when covered with fresh powder. The temperature stays around freezing and even drops below freezing during days and nights. Make sure to bring a warm jacket, gloves and a hat with you. January in Krakow is a good time to try skating, sledding, cross-country skiing, and other winter sports. There are 10-13 days with some form of precipitation in January.

Krakow weather in febrero

7.1/10 score
Very good
1° average
average temperatures
7 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
The last month of winter is rather cold and dark. With two hours of sunshine per day, it might seem rather gloomy and grey. But due to snow Krakow looks quite attractive in the winter. February is a little warmer than January on average, but the temperature still drops below freezing during days and nights. It’s a good season for skating, cross-country skiing If you are planning to spend time outdoors, bring a heavy coat, gloves and a hat. Rain and snow fare possible for 11 days during February.

Krakow weather in marzo

7.5/10 score
Very good
5° average
average temperatures
7 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
Early March still feels like winter in Krakow, but things get better towards the end of the month. The temperature throughout March is still rather low staying just above freezing or warming up to about 7°C (45°F) at best. It’s getting sunnier. March has 4 hours of sunshine on average. It rains more than in February. March has 15 rainy days on average. And snow is still possible. You will still need a warm insulated jacket to feel comfortable outside in March.

Krakow weather in abril

8.2/10 score
Excellent
11° average
average temperatures
8 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
April brings significant improvement in terms of temperature and overall weather. The greens and blooms are out, making Krakow especially beautiful. The days are finally warm enough to stay outdoors for hours. With 4-5 hours of sunshine hours and longer days, there are many opportunities for sightseeing, long walks, and various outdoor activities. The temperature can change rapidly jumping from 12°C (54°F) to 3°C (37°F) in a matter of hours. Be prepared to capricious weather and pack layers of clothes. Don’t forget an umbrella. There are 15 rainy days in April, as many as in March.

Krakow weather in mayo

8.5/10 score
Excellent
16° average
average temperatures
9 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
May is one of the best months to visit Karkow. The weather gets really warm, and nature is awakening adding green and bright colors everywhere. You can finally relax with balmy 20°C (68°F). At night it might still feel cold, so bring a light jacket. Cool waves are still possible at the beginning of the month, but in the second half, the warm weather prevails. May is perfect for sightseeing, visiting palaces, and castles as well as beautiful parks and gardens. With blossoming trees and flowers they look spectacular! With seven hours of sunshine, you will get plenty of time to see everything. May also marks the beginning of a rainy season in Poland. There are 16 rainy days in May. However, rains are short and are usually followed by clear skies.

Krakow weather in junio

8.8/10 score
Excellent
19° average
average temperatures
9 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
June is a perfect time to visit Krakow. The weather is warm but not too hot with temperatures about balmy 22°C (72°F). It’s a great time to explore Poland and spend time outdoors trying various activities. June is the sunniest month of the year in Krakow. There are 7 hours of perfect sunshine, so don’t forget your sunscreen. You will also need an umbrella because June is the rainiest month of the year. There are 16-17 rainy days this month. And thunderstorms are also possible in the afternoons. However, rains are never too long. They are unlikely to spoil your holiday in Krakow.

Krakow weather in julio

8.5/10 score
Excellent
21° average
average temperatures
9 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
The warmest time of the year has finally arrived. July is a great month to visit Krakow. Temperature is rarely less than 19°C (65°F). It’s very warm and pleasant, not too hot for sightseeing or spending time outside during midday. It’s nice and warm even during the nights, a perfect time to sit in outdoor cafes and restaurant patios. Summer in Poland also means more rain than usual. July is one of the wettest months of the year together with June. You can expect thunderstorms in the afternoon so be prepared and always carry an umbrella. Rains in Poland are not too long so you can expect skies to clear up shortly after.

Krakow weather in agosto

8.5/10 score
Excellent
21° average
average temperatures
8 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
August is another pleasant and warm month in Krakow. It’s the second hottest month of the year after July and a bit drier than the previous two. The mellow temperature usually stays around 20s°C ( 70s°F). It’s a perfect time for sightseeing as well as exploring parks and gardens. Hot days in August often cause severe thunderstorms and downpours or even hail. There are 14 rainy days in August. So don’t forget to take your umbrella. Rains are usually followed by clear skies so they will not spoil your stay in Krakow.

Krakow weather in septiembre

8.8/10 score
Excellent
16° average
average temperatures
8 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
The beginning of fall is a great time to visit Krakow. Heather fields and farmers’ markets are remarkable at this time. The weather is still very warm and pleasant. The comfortable temperature stays around 15°C (about 58°F). Occasional cold waves are also possible. It’s fantastic weather for sightseeing, hiking cycling, or any kind of outdoor activity. There are still about five hours of sunshine this month. Rains continuer to happen, but they are quite small and quick. The wetter season in Poland is over by mid-September. There are still about 14 rainy days this month. So definitely take an umbrella and a light jacket for colder days. The beginning of autumn is not too windy in Krakow.

Krakow weather in octubre

8.1/10 score
Excellent
10° average
average temperatures
8 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
October is still a very pleasant time in Krakow despite cooling temperatures. Nights get rather cold and can already have temperatures just above freezing. However, during the day it’s still quite comfortable to take long walks around the city. Many days are sunny, and colder weather doesn’t seem too bad. October is a perfect time to visit Krakow’s parks, forests and gardens to see beautiful foliage. “Golden Fall” takes over Krakow from the second half of October. With three hours of daily sunshine, you can still plan a lot of activities and find out why this time of the year is so special in Poland. There are 16 rainy days in October so don’t forget to pack an umbrella and some warm clothes for night walks.

Krakow weather in noviembre

7.6/10 score
Very good
6° average
average temperatures
7 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
Golden autumn continues well into November in Krakow with beautiful foliage on display everywhere. However, the temperatures drop considerably. The third month of fall has temperatures just slightly above freezing during the day and dropping down to 0°C (about 32°F) at night. It’s time to spend less time sightseeing and more time visiting museums and art galleries. November is as rainy as the previous months. There are about 16 rainy days. And snow is also possible. With just a few hours of daylight, it’s rather gloomy, rainy and cold. Bring enough warm clothes to walk outdoors during this month in Krakow.

Krakow weather in diciembre

7.1/10 score
Very good
2° average
average temperatures
7 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
The beginning of winter brings more chilly weather to Krakow. Freezing temperatures are typical in December during the day. At best you can count on slightly above freezing temperatures about 3-2°C (35-36°F). The snow and really cold weather are not typical for December. Rain is a much more common type of precipitation than snow. There are 14 rainy days this month which make December dryer than November or October. With just one hour of sunshine, days seem rather gray and gloomy which is compensated by festive Christmas and light displays. Don’t forget to bring a warm insulated jacket, gloves, and a hat to feel warm outdoors in December.