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- Best time to visit Poland
Best time to
visit Poland
Poland is an excellent destination for year-round travel. As the seasonal changes impact the environment, meadows mountains and towns emerge wearing a new set of colours. That said, spring and autumn are often regarded as the best times to visit Poland - especially during April and September. The weather during the Shoulder Seasons is pleasant, and the crowds are relatively small, making it a much more cost-effective time to travel. The Peak Season occurs during summer as tourists flock to Poland in the thousands. School holidays enable the months to be filled with summer activities, festivals and town parties, making it the busiest time of the year. During Poland's Low Season (November to February), many attractions close due to bad weather and minimal tourism - aside from the ski resorts which are in full swing.
Did you know?
The Polish have two personal celebrations - a birthday and a 'name day'. A name day celebrates the day of the Saint whom that person was named after - often more important than their birthday!
The weather
in Poland
Poland has a typical European climate, following four distinct seasons. Summers tend to be all sunshine and warmth, with winters shifting to dark, cold and bitter. However, be warned! Poland is also renowned for its unpredictable weather, so be sure to pack for all eventualities.
If you are travelling during the shoulder seasons (March, April & August), be sure to pack a lightweight jacket as the evenings will still drop to chilly temperatures. Even though prices are significantly cheaper during low season, Poland receives heavy rainfall with temperatures often falling below freezing, causing much of the country to close for winter.
Best time for hiking in Poland
Poland isn't all about its fascinating ancient cities. The Polish countryside has some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe, perfect for a hiking trip. October is considered to be one of the best times to go hiking in Poland. An explosion of autumn colours sweep across the country as the rainfall mostly lets up, revealing dry weather and clear skies. Spring is another perfect time to go hiking in Poland. Days tend to be bright and warm with wildflowers blanketing the rolling hills. The Tatra Mountains are one of the best places to go hiking in Poland - more specifically Morskie Oko and Zakopane which rest at the foothills of the High Tatras. Make sure you pack waterproofs, especially if you are travelling during the shoulder months.
Four seasons in Poland
Autumn
September-November
Autumn is an excellent time to travel to Poland. The weather tends to be comfortable; however, towards the end of October, bitter cold and strong winds begin to creep in. It’s an excellent time for exploring the cities and engaging in cultural festivities.
Winter
December-January
During winter, temperatures generally dip below freezing with the majority of attractions closing for the season. Travelling around the country can be challenging but with winter comes enchanting Christmas markets and ancient towns dusted with snow. Winter is also the ski season.
Spring
March-May
Spring in Poland is excellent weather-wise. The temperature is lovely and warm, the skies are mostly clear, and the festival season is beginning to creep into the calendar. Some attractions will still be closed in March, but by April everything should be open. Spring is the perfect time for city-hopping.
Summer
June-August
Summer is peak season in Poland so expect crowd numbers as well as prices to soar. Temperatures can reach extreme highs, as the streets and parks are full of children on school holidays. Some of Poland’s most significant events occur during summer so you can be sure to see a party or two!
Festivals & events
in Poland
The Polish calendar is jam-packed with events and festivities throughout the year. The majority of festivals in Poland are focused around preserving their rich cultural heritage by keeping age-old traditions alive. The Polish have a particular love of music and theatre, with performances being the focus of many events. Literature, traditional folklore, and plenty of delicious Polish food will always be in attendance too. Here’s our pick of some of the best events in Poland.
The Baltic Days of
Jewish Culture
Gdansk
(June)
A two-day event wherein several concerts, recitals, lessons in Hebrew, seminars and exhibitions take place. Poetry readings, as well as the author meet-and-greets, are the most popular reasons for attending. There's also an incredible selection of Jewish street food to sample!
Zielona Gora Wine
Festival
Zielona Gora Town
(September)
The Zielona Gora Wine Festival celebrates the harvesting of Grapes from the local vineyards surrounding the region. Opening with a huge parade through the city centre, the festival lasts for a total of nine days and includes concerts, street theatre, folklore and lots of Polish street food.
New Years' Eve Party
Krakow
(December 31st)
Christmas time in Poland can be magical, but spending New Year's Eve in Krakow is always a highlight. The RynekGlowny arena hosts the largest open-air New Year’s Eve party in Poland. At midnight, the sky will be filled with an epic lights and laser show in replacement for the usual fireworks.
Wianki
Krakow
(22nd June)
Originally Wianki was a celebration of the Summer Solstice where people gathered to jump over fires, have their fortune read and enact ancient rituals. Today Wianki mainly consists of musical concerts, cultural activities and an incredible display of fireworks.
All Saint's Day
All cities in Poland
(1st November)
One of the most important events of the year, All Saint’s Day is held in commemoration of those who were lost during the tragedies of WW2. It's a silent event where cemeteries are decorated with flowers and candles, giving the entire place a warming golden glow.
Christmas
All over Poland
(25th-30th December)
Christmas in Poland is enchanting. Festive markets are dotted all over the country, serving gallons of mulled wine and delicious Polish delicacies. Visit an ice rink, pop to see the Polish Santa, or walk amongst the fairy-lit streets of Medieval Town centres searching for a cosy, Christmassy pub.
Magicians Carnival
Festival
Lublin
(28th July)
More than 100 magicians travel to Lublin every year for an entire festival celebrating all things magic! However, this isn’t just about nifty card tricks and pulling rabbits out of top hats - you’ll find acrobats, jugglers, mimes and all sorts of magical performances.
Chopin Summer
Concerts
Warsaw
(Summer)
Lasting throughout the entirety of summer, Chopan Summer Concerts is not to be missed. Finishing the week off every Sunday, Lazienki Park in Warsaw hosts a free concert of Chopin and other world-renowned classical artists. The perfect way to spend a summer afternoon!
Other public holidays to be aware of when planning your trip to Poland
- 1 January - New Year's Day
- 6 January - Epiphany
- 12 April - Easter Sunday
- 13 April - Easter Monday
- 1 May - Labour Day
- 3 May - 3 May Constitution Day
- 31 May - Whitsun
- 11 June - Corpus Christi
- 15 August - Armed Forces Day
- 15 August - Assumption of Mary
- 1 November - All Saints’ Day
- 11 November - Poland Independence Day
- 25 December - Christmas Day
- 26 December - 2nd Day of Christmas