Krakow has a humid continental climate (Koppen Dfb) with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The city sits in southern Poland at 219 metres (719 feet) above sea level in the Vistula River valley, which means cold air pools in winter and temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through February. Annual rainfall totals 835mm (32.9 inches), with summer being the wettest season. The city averages 1,600 sunshine hours per year, comparable to Vienna and Prague. For a detailed guide, see our best time to visit Krakow.
Krakow Weather by Month: January
January is Krakow’s coldest month with an average temperature of -2°C (28°F). Daily highs reach just 1°C (34°F) while overnight lows drop to -5°C (23°F), though cold snaps can push temperatures below -15°C (5°F). Expect 35mm of precipitation over 9 days, mostly as snow. The city averages only 2 hours of sunshine daily, with the sun setting around 4:00 PM. The Main Market Square often has an ice rink in January, and snow cover is common. Pack thermal layers, waterproof boots, a heavy coat, gloves, and a hat. For a detailed guide, see our things to do in Krakow.
Krakow Weather by Month: February
February remains firmly in winter’s grip with an average temperature of 0°C (32°F), highs of 3°C (37°F), and lows of -4°C (25°F). Precipitation is slightly lower at 32mm over 8 days. Sunshine increases marginally to 3 hours per day. Snow cover persists through most of the month, and ice on the Vistula River is not uncommon. February 2017 saw a record high of 17°C (63°F), but such anomalies are rare. For a detailed guide, see our Krakow events and festivals.
Krakow Weather by Month: March
March marks the transition to spring but remains cold. The average temperature climbs to 4°C (39°F) with highs of 8°C (46°F) and lows of -1°C (30°F). Expect 35mm of precipitation over 8 days, split between rain and wet snow. Sunshine increases to 4 hours daily. By late March, snow usually melts and the first signs of green appear in Planty Park. Easter markets appear in the Main Square if the holiday falls in March. For a detailed guide, see our Krakow neighborhoods.
Krakow Weather by Month: April
April brings genuine spring with an average temperature of 9°C (48°F), daytime highs of 14°C (57°F), and overnight lows of 3°C (37°F). Precipitation increases to 50mm over 10 days, with rain replacing snow almost entirely. Sunshine jumps to 5 hours daily. By mid-April, trees and gardens in Planty Park are in full bloom. The weather can swing dramatically: a sunny 20°C (68°F) day can be followed by a cold, rainy 6°C (43°F) one. For a detailed guide, see our where to stay in Krakow.
Krakow Weather by Month: May
May is one of Krakow’s most pleasant months. The average temperature reaches 14°C (57°F) with highs of 19°C (66°F) and lows of 8°C (46°F). It’s the start of the rainy season with 75mm over 12 days, but rain typically comes as afternoon showers. Sunshine averages 7 hours daily, giving long, bright days. Outdoor cafes on the Main Market Square fill up, and the Vistula riverbanks come alive with walkers and cyclists. For a detailed guide, see our Krakow travel tips.
Krakow Weather by Month: June
June brings the start of summer with an average temperature of 17°C (63°F), highs of 22°C (72°F), and lows of 11°C (52°F). It’s one of the wettest months at 95mm over 13 days, with frequent thunderstorms in the afternoon. Humidity averages 72%. The summer solstice brings nearly 16.5 hours of daylight and the Wianki festival along the Vistula. Sunny periods between storms are warm and ideal for walking tours.
Krakow Weather by Month: July
July is Krakow’s warmest month with an average temperature of 19°C (66°F), highs of 24°C (75°F), and lows of 13°C (55°F). It’s also the wettest month at 109mm over 14 days, with heavy downpours common in late afternoon. Humidity sits at 74%. On the hottest days, temperatures can reach 33°C (91°F). Air conditioning is not universal in budget accommodations or older buildings, so check when booking.
Krakow Weather by Month: August
August remains warm with an average temperature of 18°C (64°F), highs of 23°C (73°F), and lows of 12°C (54°F). Rainfall decreases slightly to 80mm over 12 days. Sunshine holds at 7 hours daily. The Pierogi Festival in mid-August celebrates Poland’s iconic dumplings. Tourist crowds peak in the first half of August and ease slightly in the second half as European school holidays wind down.
Krakow Weather by Month: September
September brings the start of autumn with an average temperature of 14°C (57°F), highs of 19°C (66°F), and lows of 9°C (48°F). Rainfall drops to 60mm over 10 days, and sunshine averages 5 hours. Early September often delivers warm, golden days ideal for walking tours and day trips. By late September, leaves begin turning in Planty Park. Tourist numbers drop sharply after the first week.
Krakow Weather by Month: October
October cools noticeably with an average temperature of 9°C (48°F), highs of 14°C (57°F), and lows of 4°C (39°F). Expect 45mm of rain over 9 days. Sunshine drops to 4 hours daily. The autumn colours in Planty Park and along the Vistula are at their peak in mid-October. By month’s end, the first frost appears. The Unsound Festival brings experimental music in early October.
Krakow Weather by Month: November
November is grey and damp with an average temperature of 3°C (37°F), highs of 7°C (45°F), and lows of 0°C (32°F). Precipitation totals 40mm over 10 days, a mix of rain and wet snow. Sunshine is minimal at 2 hours daily. All Saints’ Day (November 1) sees cemeteries across the city illuminated with candles. The Christmas market opens in the Main Market Square around November 22.
Krakow Weather by Month: December
December brings winter proper with an average temperature of -1°C (30°F), highs of 2°C (36°F), and lows of -4°C (25°F). It’s Krakow’s driest month at 38mm over 10 days, mostly as snow. Sunshine is virtually absent at 1 hour daily, and the sun sets before 4:00 PM. The Christmas market in the Main Square is the centrepiece of December, with mulled wine, grilled oscypek cheese, and handmade gifts.
Krakow Weather by Month: Quick Reference Table
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | High (°C/°F) | Low (°C/°F) | Rain (mm) | Days | Sun (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | -2 / 28 | 1 / 34 | -5 / 23 | 35 | 9 | 2 |
| Feb | 0 / 32 | 3 / 37 | -4 / 25 | 32 | 8 | 3 |
| Mar | 4 / 39 | 8 / 46 | -1 / 30 | 35 | 8 | 4 |
| Apr | 9 / 48 | 14 / 57 | 3 / 37 | 50 | 10 | 5 |
| May | 14 / 57 | 19 / 66 | 8 / 46 | 75 | 12 | 7 |
| Jun | 17 / 63 | 22 / 72 | 11 / 52 | 95 | 13 | 7 |
| Jul | 19 / 66 | 24 / 75 | 13 / 55 | 109 | 14 | 7 |
| Aug | 18 / 64 | 23 / 73 | 12 / 54 | 80 | 12 | 7 |
| Sep | 14 / 57 | 19 / 66 | 9 / 48 | 60 | 10 | 5 |
| Oct | 9 / 48 | 14 / 57 | 4 / 39 | 45 | 9 | 4 |
| Nov | 3 / 37 | 7 / 45 | 0 / 32 | 40 | 10 | 2 |
| Dec | -1 / 30 | 2 / 36 | -4 / 25 | 38 | 10 | 1 |
