Poland, located in Central Europe, is a country of diverse landscapes, including vast plains, rugged mountains, forests, lakes, and long coastlines along the Baltic Sea. It is bordered by Germany to the west, the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south, Ukraine and Belarus to the east, and Lithuania and the Baltic Sea to the north. Covering 312,696 square kilometers, Poland’s geography is primarily flat, especially in the central and northern regions, which are part of the North European Plain. The southern part of the country is more mountainous, dominated by the Carpathian and Sudeten mountain ranges.
Poland experiences a temperate continental climate with four distinct seasons. Winters can be cold, particularly in the northeast and mountainous regions, while summers are warm and pleasant, especially in the central and western parts of the country. Poland’s proximity to the Baltic Sea moderates the climate in coastal areas, while the eastern regions experience more extreme weather patterns, with hotter summers and colder winters. Due to its varied geography, the weather in Poland can differ significantly depending on the region and season.
Poland Weather by Month
January
General Overview
- Average temperature: -6°C to 2°C (21°F to 36°F)
- Snowfall: Heavy snowfall, especially in the mountains and eastern regions
January is the coldest month of the year in Poland. Temperatures often drop below freezing, particularly at night, and snow is common, especially in the eastern and mountainous regions. Coastal areas along the Baltic Sea are slightly milder, but they also experience cold winds and occasional snow. The ski resorts in the Tatra Mountains are busy during this time, with ideal snow conditions.
Regional Differences
- Northern Poland (Gdańsk, Szczecin): Cold with snow, temperatures between -4°C and 2°C (25°F to 36°F)
- Central Poland (Warsaw, Łódź): Cold and snowy, temperatures around -5°C to 0°C (23°F to 32°F)
- Southern Poland (Kraków, Zakopane): Colder with heavy snow in the mountains, temperatures ranging from -6°C to 1°C (21°F to 34°F)
- Eastern Poland (Lublin, Białystok): Very cold with frequent snowfall, temperatures around -6°C to -2°C (21°F to 28°F)
January is perfect for winter sports in the mountains, though city visits can be challenging due to the cold and snow.
February
General Overview
- Average temperature: -5°C to 3°C (23°F to 37°F)
- Snowfall: Snow continues, especially in the mountains and eastern regions
February is still part of winter in Poland, with cold temperatures and regular snowfall. In some regions, temperatures may begin to rise slightly toward the end of the month, but the weather remains cold overall. Ski resorts remain popular, and the snow cover persists in most areas, particularly in the east and in higher altitudes.
Regional Differences
- Northern Poland: Cold and windy, with occasional snow, temperatures between -3°C to 3°C (27°F to 37°F)
- Central Poland: Cold with snow and icy conditions, temperatures around -4°C to 1°C (25°F to 34°F)
- Southern Poland: Cold, with heavy snow in mountainous areas, temperatures ranging from -5°C to 2°C (23°F to 36°F)
- Eastern Poland: Very cold with frequent snow, temperatures around -5°C to -1°C (23°F to 30°F)
February remains an excellent month for winter sports, though in the cities, the cold weather and snow can make outdoor sightseeing less comfortable.
March
General Overview
- Average temperature: -1°C to 8°C (30°F to 46°F)
- Snow/Rain: Snow continues early in the month, transitioning to rain by the end
March marks the transition from winter to spring in Poland. The early part of the month is still cold, particularly in the mountains and eastern regions, but temperatures start to rise gradually. Snow is still common, but by the end of the month, rain becomes more frequent, especially in the lowlands and coastal areas.
Regional Differences
- Northern Poland: Cold with rain and occasional snow, temperatures between 0°C to 6°C (32°F to 43°F)
- Central Poland: Gradually warming, with a mix of snow and rain, temperatures around -1°C to 6°C (30°F to 43°F)
- Southern Poland: Cool, with snow in the mountains, but rain in the valleys, temperatures ranging from 0°C to 8°C (32°F to 46°F)
- Eastern Poland: Cold with occasional snow and rain, temperatures around -2°C to 4°C (28°F to 39°F)
March is a transitional month, with some signs of spring in the southern and central regions, but winter conditions still prevail in the mountains and eastern areas.
April
General Overview
- Average temperature: 4°C to 14°C (39°F to 57°F)
- Rainfall: Frequent rain showers, snow limited to the highest mountains
April brings the true beginning of spring to most of Poland, with milder temperatures and more frequent rainfall. Snow is mostly limited to the high mountain regions, and the rest of the country experiences blooming trees and flowers. However, April weather can still be unpredictable, with sudden cold snaps or rainy days.
Regional Differences
- Northern Poland: Milder, with more rain and temperatures between 5°C to 12°C (41°F to 54°F)
- Central Poland: Warming up, with regular rain and temperatures around 4°C to 14°C (39°F to 57°F)
- Southern Poland: Pleasant, with snow in the mountains and rain in the lowlands, temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F)
- Eastern Poland: Cool with occasional rain, temperatures around 4°C to 12°C (39°F to 54°F)
April is a great time to explore Poland’s cities and countryside as the weather becomes more pleasant, though it’s advisable to carry an umbrella due to frequent rain.
May
General Overview
- Average temperature: 9°C to 19°C (48°F to 66°F)
- Rainfall: Moderate rainfall, with warmer and sunnier days
May is one of the most pleasant months in Poland, with mild temperatures and blooming landscapes. The weather is warmer, and the days are longer, making it a popular time for outdoor activities. Rain showers are still common, but they are usually brief and followed by sunny spells. May is when Poland’s parks and countryside come to life with vibrant colors.
Regional Differences
- Northern Poland: Warm with occasional rain, temperatures between 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F)
- Central Poland: Pleasant with regular showers, temperatures around 9°C to 19°C (48°F to 66°F)
- Southern Poland: Warm, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), snow is gone from most mountainous regions
- Eastern Poland: Cool but warming, with temperatures around 8°C to 17°C (46°F to 63°F), occasional rain
May is an ideal time for visiting Poland’s historic cities, hiking in the mountains, or enjoying the natural beauty of the countryside.
June
General Overview
- Average temperature: 13°C to 23°C (55°F to 73°F)
- Rainfall: Occasional thunderstorms, but mostly warm and sunny
June marks the start of summer in Poland, with warm and pleasant weather across the country. The days are long, with up to 16 hours of daylight, making it a perfect time for outdoor activities, including hiking, sightseeing, and visiting the Baltic coast. Thunderstorms can occur, but they are usually short-lived.
Regional Differences
- Northern Poland: Warm with some rain and temperatures between 13°C to 22°C (55°F to 72°F)
- Central Poland: Warm and sunny, with temperatures around 14°C to 23°C (57°F to 73°F), occasional rain
- Southern Poland: Hotter, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 24°C (59°F to 75°F)
- Eastern Poland: Warm, with temperatures around 12°C to 22°C (54°F to 72°F)
June is one of the best months for travel in Poland, with comfortable temperatures and plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for both city visits and nature excursions.
July
General Overview
- Average temperature: 15°C to 26°C (59°F to 79°F)
- Rainfall: Warm with regular thunderstorms, particularly in the mountains
July is the warmest month in Poland, with hot temperatures and long sunny days. It is also the peak of the summer tourist season, with many people flocking to the Baltic coast and mountain resorts. Thunderstorms are more frequent, especially in the mountains, but they provide a welcome break from the heat.
Regional Differences
- Northern Poland: Hot with temperatures around 16°C to 24°C (61°F to 75°F), occasional thunderstorms
- Central Poland: Warm and sunny, with temperatures between 15°C to 26°C (59°F to 79°F)
- Southern Poland: Hot with thunderstorms in the mountains, temperatures ranging from 17°C to 27°C (63°F to 81°F)
- Eastern Poland: Warm, with temperatures around 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), occasional thunderstorms
July is the perfect month for beach holidays along the Baltic Sea or hiking in the mountains, but travelers should be prepared for the possibility of afternoon thunderstorms.
August
General Overview
- Average temperature: 14°C to 25°C (57°F to 77°F)
- Rainfall: Warm with occasional rain showers and thunderstorms
August remains part of the summer season, with warm temperatures and frequent sunny days. Rain showers and thunderstorms still occur, particularly in the mountainous regions. The weather is pleasant across the country, with slightly cooler temperatures toward the end of the month as autumn approaches.
Regional Differences
- Northern Poland: Warm with occasional rain, temperatures between 14°C to 24°C (57°F to 75°F)
- Central Poland: Hot with occasional thunderstorms, temperatures around 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F)
- Southern Poland: Warm with thunderstorms in the mountains, temperatures ranging from 16°C to 26°C (61°F to 79°F)
- Eastern Poland: Warm with occasional rain, temperatures around 14°C to 24°C (57°F to 75°F)
August is still ideal for outdoor activities, though the end of the month may bring the first signs of cooler autumn weather, particularly in the northern regions.
September
General Overview
- Average temperature: 10°C to 19°C (50°F to 66°F)
- Rainfall: Cooler with occasional showers, especially in the north
September marks the beginning of autumn in Poland, with cooler temperatures and less frequent rainfall. The weather is still pleasant, especially in the early part of the month, making it a great time to explore Poland’s cities and countryside. The trees begin to change color, offering beautiful autumn scenery.
Regional Differences
- Northern Poland: Cool with occasional rain, temperatures between 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F)
- Central Poland: Mild with occasional showers, temperatures around 11°C to 19°C (52°F to 66°F)
- Southern Poland: Warm early in the month, with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F)
- Eastern Poland: Cooler with occasional rain, temperatures around 9°C to 17°C (48°F to 63°F)
September is a great time for hiking and sightseeing, especially as the crowds begin to thin and the autumn colors start to appear.
October
General Overview
- Average temperature: 5°C to 14°C (41°F to 57°F)
- Rainfall: More frequent rain, with cooler and shorter days
October brings cooler temperatures and more frequent rainfall to Poland. The autumn colors are in full bloom, making this month ideal for scenic drives and nature walks. However, the weather becomes more unpredictable, with chilly mornings and evenings, and the first frosts appearing toward the end of the month.
Regional Differences
- Northern Poland: Cool and rainy, with temperatures between 6°C to 12°C (43°F to 54°F)
- Central Poland: Cool with occasional rain, temperatures around 5°C to 14°C (41°F to 57°F)
- Southern Poland: Cooler, with temperatures ranging from 6°C to 15°C (43°F to 59°F)
- Eastern Poland: Cold and wet, temperatures around 4°C to 12°C (39°F to 54°F)
October is perfect for enjoying Poland’s natural beauty, especially in the forests and mountain regions, though visitors should be prepared for colder weather.
November
General Overview
- Average temperature: 0°C to 8°C (32°F to 46°F)
- Rain/Snow: Cold with frequent rain and the first signs of snow
November is a cold and wet month in Poland, marking the transition from autumn to winter. Rain is frequent, and snow may begin to fall in some regions, particularly in the mountains and eastern parts of the country. The days are shorter, and frosts become more common, especially at night.
Regional Differences
- Northern Poland: Cold and rainy, with temperatures between 1°C to 7°C (34°F to 45°F)
- Central Poland: Cold with occasional rain or snow, temperatures around 0°C to 7°C (32°F to 45°F)
- Southern Poland: Cold with snow in the mountains, temperatures ranging from 1°C to 8°C (34°F to 46°F)
- Eastern Poland: Cold with frequent frost, temperatures around -1°C to 6°C (30°F to 43°F)
November is a quieter time for travel, as the cold and wet weather makes outdoor activities less appealing.
December
General Overview
- Average temperature: -5°C to 3°C (23°F to 37°F)
- Snowfall: Increasing snowfall, particularly in the mountains and eastern regions
December marks the beginning of winter in Poland, with cold temperatures and frequent snowfall, especially in the mountains and northern regions. The holiday season brings a festive atmosphere to the cities, with Christmas markets and decorations adding to the charm. Ski resorts begin to open as snow accumulates in the mountains.
Regional Differences
- Northern Poland: Cold with snow and wind, temperatures between -2°C to 3°C (28°F to 37°F)
- Central Poland: Cold with regular snow, temperatures around -3°C to 2°C (27°F to 36°F)
- Southern Poland: Snow in the mountains, with temperatures ranging from -5°C to 3°C (23°F to 37°F)
- Eastern Poland: Very cold with snow, temperatures around -4°C to 1°C (25°F to 34°F)
December is a magical time to visit Poland, especially for those interested in winter sports or experiencing the festive holiday season.
Summary of Poland’s Climate by Region
Northern Poland (Gdańsk, Szczecin)
- Best months: June to August (warm and pleasant)
- Winter months: December to February (cold with snow)
Central Poland (Warsaw, Łódź)
- Best months: May to September (mild and sunny)
- Winter months: December to February (cold with snow)
Southern Poland (Kraków, Zakopane)
- Best months: May to September (warm and ideal for hiking)
- Winter months: December to February (cold with heavy snow in the mountains)
Eastern Poland (Lublin, Białystok)
- Best months: May to September (mild and pleasant)
- Winter months: December to February (cold with frequent snow)
Poland’s climate offers four distinct seasons, with hot summers, cold winters, and mild springs and autumns. The best time to visit depends on personal preferences, with summer offering the warmest weather and winter providing excellent conditions for skiing and other winter sports. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for sightseeing and exploring the country’s natural beauty.