Warsaw has a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb) with cold, snowy winters and warm, occasionally hot summers. The city receives about 530mm of precipitation annually, spread fairly evenly across the year with a summer peak. Average temperatures range from -2°C (28°F) in January to 24°C (75°F) in July, and the city sees roughly 1,600 hours of sunshine per year. Warsaw’s inland position means it lacks the moderating influence of any sea, so temperatures swing more dramatically between seasons than in Western European capitals. best time to visit Warsaw
Warsaw Monthly Weather Overview
Warsaw’s location on the Vistula River in the Mazovian Plain gives it four distinct seasons. Winters are consistently cold with frequent snow cover from December through February. Summers bring long daylight hours, with the sun rising before 4:20 AM in June and setting after 9 PM. Spring and autumn are transitional but can produce rapid temperature shifts, sometimes 10°C in a single day. The city’s flat terrain means wind can be a factor year-round, particularly in winter when easterly winds from Siberia can drop wind chill values to -20°C. things to do in Warsaw
January Weather in Warsaw: Coldest Month
January is Warsaw’s coldest month. Daytime highs average -2°C (28°F) while overnight lows drop to -6°C (21°F). The record low is -30.7°C (-23°F), set in 1987. January averages 21mm of precipitation across 15 days, nearly all falling as snow. Snow cover typically lasts 50 to 60 days per winter, and January ground snow depth averages 8 to 12cm. Sunshine is limited to about 40 hours for the entire month, roughly 1.3 hours per day. The Vistula River often freezes partially, and ice skating rinks appear in Old Town Square and near the National Stadium. Wind chill from easterly continental winds can make it feel 5 to 8 degrees colder than the air temperature. events and festivals in Warsaw
February Weather in Warsaw: Lingering Winter
February remains firmly winter, though slightly less severe. Daytime highs edge up to 0°C (32°F) with overnight lows around -5°C (23°F). Precipitation averages 25mm over 14 days, with snow still the dominant form. February 2012 saw Warsaw’s coldest temperature of the 21st century at -25°C. However, late February can bring the first hints of thaw, with occasional days reaching 5°C. Snow cover persists but begins to thin. The month averages 60 hours of sunshine. Hotel rates remain at winter lows, typically 30 to 40 percent cheaper than summer peaks, making this a budget-friendly time to visit if you dress for the cold. best neighborhoods in Warsaw
March Weather in Warsaw: Transition Month
March brings rapid change as winter releases its grip. Daytime highs reach 6°C (43°F) while nights still dip to -1°C (30°F). The month receives 28mm of precipitation across 14 days, mixing rain and wet snow. By late March, daytime temperatures can hit 12 to 15°C on sunny days but crash back to near-freezing if a cold front moves through. March 2013 saw 20cm of snowfall mid-month, while March 2014 was nearly snow-free. Sunshine increases to 120 hours. The first outdoor cafe tables appear on Nowy Swiat street, though blankets and heaters remain essential. Layering is critical this month, as mornings can be -3°C while afternoons reach 10°C. where to stay in Warsaw
April Weather in Warsaw: Spring Arrives
April brings genuine spring weather to Warsaw. Highs climb to 13°C (55°F) with lows around 4°C (39°F). Precipitation increases to 35mm over 13 days, mostly as rain. The last spring frost typically occurs around April 20, though freezing nights have been recorded as late as May 8. Sunshine jumps to 160 hours. Lazienki Park bursts into bloom with tulips and cherry blossoms, and the Vistula riverbank paths become popular for cycling and walking. April 2024 brought an unusual heatwave with temperatures reaching 29°C on April 29. Wind is common, averaging 14 km/h, so a windproof jacket remains useful even on sunny days. Warsaw travel tips
May Weather in Warsaw: Pleasant Spring
May is one of Warsaw’s most pleasant months. Daytime highs average 19°C (66°F) with lows of 9°C (48°F). Rainfall increases to 52mm across 14 days, often as afternoon thunderstorms that clear quickly. May 2005 recorded a heatwave peak of 31°C. The month receives 220 hours of sunshine. Outdoor dining dominates the restaurant scene, particularly along the Vistula Boulevards and in the courtyards of Old Town. The city’s 80-plus parks are at their greenest. May 1 to 3 is a major holiday period (Labour Day and Constitution Day), when many Varsovians leave the city, creating lighter crowds at attractions but some restaurant closures. Hotel prices begin rising but remain below July-August peaks. Warsaw weather guide
June Weather in Warsaw: Early Summer
June brings early summer warmth with average highs of 22°C (72°F) and lows of 12°C (54°F). This is Warsaw’s wettest month alongside July, averaging 66mm of rain over 14 days. Thunderstorms are common, typically in late afternoon, and can produce 20 to 30mm of rain in an hour. The summer solstice brings 16 hours and 45 minutes of daylight. Sunshine totals 240 hours. The Vistula riverbanks fill with pop-up bars and outdoor cinema screenings. June 2019 saw a record June temperature of 35.6°C. Air conditioning is not universal in Warsaw, particularly in older buildings and some mid-range hotels, so check before booking if you’re sensitive to heat. Mosquitoes appear near the river and in parks, so bring repellent for evening walks.
July Weather in Warsaw: Peak Summer
July is Warsaw’s warmest month. Daytime highs average 24°C (75°F) with lows of 14°C (57°F). Heatwaves push temperatures above 30°C for 5 to 10 days in a typical July, and the all-time July record is 36.4°C (set in 2013). Rainfall averages 78mm across 14 days, often arriving as brief but intense afternoon storms. Humidity averages 72 percent, making hot days feel sticky. Sunshine totals 250 hours. The city empties somewhat in July as residents head to the Baltic coast or Mazury lake district, meaning shorter lines at museums and easier restaurant reservations. However, hotel rates are at their annual maximum. Warsaw’s outdoor pools, including the Moczydlo water park (entry 25 PLN), open fully. The Wianki festival on the Vistula draws thousands for the midsummer celebration in late June or early July.
August Weather in Warsaw: Late Summer
August remains warm but slightly cooler than July. Highs average 23°C (73°F) with lows of 13°C (55°F). Precipitation drops to 63mm over 13 days. The record August high is 37°C (set in 2015 during a severe European heatwave). Sunshine decreases slightly to 230 hours. August 15 is a public holiday (Polish Armed Forces Day and Assumption of Mary), marked by a large military parade when it falls on a weekend. The second half of August often brings the first hints of autumn, with cooler nights and occasional morning fog along the Vistula. Late August hotel prices begin their seasonal decline. The Chopin concerts in Lazienki Park run every Sunday at noon through late September, free and outdoors.
September Weather in Warsaw: Early Autumn
September delivers some of Warsaw’s best weather, with summer warmth lingering but crowds thinning. Highs average 18°C (64°F) with lows of 9°C (48°F). Rainfall is 42mm over 13 days. The month receives 150 hours of sunshine. Early September often sees days above 25°C, while late September can already feel autumnal with highs around 13°C. The Warsaw Autumn contemporary music festival runs in the second half of September. Trees in Lazienki Park begin turning gold and red by the third week. Hotel prices drop to shoulder-season levels, typically 15 to 25 percent below July peaks. This is the last reliable month for outdoor dining without heaters.
October Weather in Warsaw: Autumn Sets In
October brings proper autumn to Warsaw. Highs average 12°C (54°F) with lows of 5°C (41°F). The first frost typically arrives between October 15 and 25. Rainfall averages 36mm over 14 days. Sunshine drops to 90 hours. The month can produce pleasant surprises, October 11, 2023 reached 24°C, but gray, drizzly days are more common. Autumn foliage in Warsaw’s parks peaks around mid-October, with Lazienki Park and Wilanow Palace gardens offering the best displays. The Warsaw Film Festival runs in mid-October. By month’s end, outdoor cafes have mostly packed up, and the city shifts to its indoor rhythm. Hotel rates are at autumn lows.
November Weather in Warsaw: Late Autumn
November is Warsaw’s gloomiest month. Highs average 5°C (41°F) with lows of 1°C (34°F). Rainfall is 38mm over 16 days, making it the month with the most precipitation days, often as cold drizzle. Snow becomes possible by mid-November, though the first lasting snow usually waits until December. Sunshine is a meager 40 hours for the entire month. All Saints’ Day (November 1) is a major holiday when Poles visit family graves, cemeteries like Powazki are lit by thousands of candles, creating a uniquely atmospheric spectacle. Independence Day on November 11 features a large nationalist march through central Warsaw that can disrupt traffic and public transport. Hotel rates reach their annual minimum, and tourist sites are nearly empty of visitors.
December Weather in Warsaw: Winter Returns
December brings winter back to Warsaw. Highs average 1°C (34°F) with lows of -3°C (27°F). Precipitation is 34mm over 17 days, with snow increasingly likely by mid-month. The record December low is -24°C (-11°F). Sunshine totals only 30 hours, making it the darkest month. The Christmas market in Old Town Square runs from late November through December 23, with mulled wine (grzaniec, about 12 PLN), traditional pierogi, and handcrafted ornaments. New Year’s Eve sees fireworks over the Vistula and a large outdoor concert near the Palace of Culture and Science. Hotel rates spike for New Year’s Eve but otherwise remain at winter lows through Christmas week. Warsaw’s Christmas illuminations along the Royal Route (Krakowskie Przedmiescie and Nowy Swiat) draw crowds from across Poland.
Warsaw Monthly Weather Averages at a Glance
| Month | High (°C/°F) | Low (°C/°F) | Rain (mm) | Rain Days | Sun (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | -2 / 28 | -6 / 21 | 21 | 15 | 40 |
| Feb | 0 / 32 | -5 / 23 | 25 | 14 | 60 |
| Mar | 6 / 43 | -1 / 30 | 28 | 14 | 120 |
| Apr | 13 / 55 | 4 / 39 | 35 | 13 | 160 |
| May | 19 / 66 | 9 / 48 | 52 | 14 | 220 |
| Jun | 22 / 72 | 12 / 54 | 66 | 14 | 240 |
| Jul | 24 / 75 | 14 / 57 | 78 | 14 | 250 |
| Aug | 23 / 73 | 13 / 55 | 63 | 13 | 230 |
| Sep | 18 / 64 | 9 / 48 | 42 | 13 | 150 |
| Oct | 12 / 54 | 5 / 41 | 36 | 14 | 90 |
| Nov | 5 / 41 | 1 / 34 | 38 | 16 | 40 |
| Dec | 1 / 34 | -3 / 27 | 34 | 17 | 30 |
