Weather in Krakow

Stay up to date with the latest weather conditions in Krakow. Below you will find current data, forecasts, and useful weather charts.

The climate in Krakow, located in Poland, can be described as temperate continental. This means the city experiences four distinct seasons with noticeable temperature fluctuations. Winters here are generally cold, with average temperatures around zero or slightly below, while summers are warm and pleasant, perfect for walking and sightseeing.

Spring and autumn in Krakow are transitional seasons. In spring, temperatures gradually rise and nature comes alive, while in autumn, the city is painted in golden tones as temperatures gently drop. Regarding precipitation, it is distributed quite evenly throughout the year, without a distinct rainy season. Data shows a small amount of rainfall monthly, but a sufficient number of days with precipitation, suggesting frequent but not overly heavy rain or snowfall during the winter period. The warmest months are July and August, while the coldest is January.

Overall, the weather in Krakow offers diverse conditions depending on the time of year. Summer months attract visitors with warmth, with an average temperature of about 18-20°C, whereas winter months require warm clothing, as temperatures drop to an average of -0.1°C in January. The number of wet days remains relatively stable throughout the year, ranging from 11 to 17 days per month, which is worth considering when planning outdoor activities.

The temperature regime in Krakow demonstrates pronounced seasonality, typical of a temperate continental climate. The annual temperature course shows significant fluctuations: from cool winter months to warm summers. The coldest month is typically January, when the average temperature is around -0.1°C, and nightly lows can drop to -2.7°C. The warmest period falls on July and August, with average temperatures of 19.4°C and 19.8°C respectively, and daytime highs reaching 24-25°C.

The summer months in Krakow, from June to August, gift residents and guests of the city with pleasant warmth. Average daytime temperatures hover in the range of 23-25°C, creating comfortable conditions for long walks and exploring sights. Nights in summer are also warm, with minimum temperatures around 13-15°C. The difference between day and night temperatures in the summer period is approximately 9-10 degrees, indicating a noticeable but not sharp cooling of the air after sunset.

Winter in Krakow, covering December, January, and February, is characterized by cool and occasionally frosty weather. Monthly average temperatures range from -0.1°C in January to 1.8°C in February. Daytime highs rarely rise significantly above 2-5°C, and night temperatures often drop below zero, reaching -1.5°C in December and -2.7°C in January. Daily temperature fluctuations in winter are less pronounced than in summer, amounting to about 5-7 degrees, but the sensation of cold can be intensified by humidity and wind.

Krakow is characterized by the distribution of precipitation throughout the year, without a clearly defined rainy season or a prolonged dry period, if judging by total monthly amounts. Data indicates that the average monthly volume of precipitation in the city is relatively small and ranges from 2 mm to 4 mm.

Despite the modest overall volumes, precipitation in Krakow is a fairly regular phenomenon. The number of days with precipitation varies from 11 days in November to 17 days in July. In winter, especially from December to February, when temperatures often drop to negative values, precipitation frequently falls as snow. In other seasons, it is predominantly rain, which, judging by the low overall volume, is most often light or moderate rather than heavy downpours.

The greatest amount of precipitation, according to average monthly data, falls in August and September – 4 mm each. In terms of frequency, the "wettest" month is July, which averages 17 days with precipitation. November, on the other hand, is characterized by the fewest days with precipitation (11 days), although the total amount of moisture (2 mm) in this month is comparable to many other periods of the year. This suggests that even in months with lower frequency, precipitation is still possible.

When planning a trip to Krakow, it is important to choose your wardrobe correctly to feel comfortable in any weather. The key principle is layering. The weather in Krakow can be changeable, so the ability to easily add or remove a layer of clothing will be very handy. An indispensable companion at any time of the year will be an umbrella or a light waterproof jacket, since, despite the small total amount of precipitation, rainy or snowy days (in winter) are not uncommon here – averaging from 11 to 17 days with precipitation per month. And, of course, do not forget comfortable shoes for long walks along the cobblestone streets of the Old Town – your feet will thank you!

Depending on the season, your luggage will require some additions. For the winter months (December-February), when the average temperature hovers around zero and drops lower, be sure to take a warm jacket or coat, a hat, a scarf, gloves, and warm sweaters. Thermal underwear and waterproof shoes in case of snow or slush will also be useful. In summer (June-August), the weather is usually warm, with average temperatures around 18-20°C, so light t-shirts, shorts, and dresses are suitable. However, even in summer, the evening can be cool, or it might suddenly rain (July is the most frequent month for precipitation), so a light cardigan, sweater, or windbreaker will not go amiss. Don't forget sunscreen and a hat for hot days.

In spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), the weather in Krakow is the most unpredictable. Days can be both sunny and warm, or cool and rainy, with temperatures varying from cool in March and November to quite warm in May and September. Therefore, in these transitional seasons, the principle of layering is especially relevant: t-shirts, long-sleeved tops, sweaters, a mid-season jacket (preferably waterproof), and comfortable closed shoes will become your best friends. A light scarf may also come in handy. Study the forecast carefully just before the trip, but be ready for surprises – this way your journey to Krakow will be as comfortable as possible.