Visiting Poland in Winter: What You Need to Know (2026)
THINKING ABOUT VISITING POLAND IN WINTER? POLISH WINTERS ARE NO JOKE! HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Winter in Poland is BRUTAL! It is cold and snowy. In fact, visiting Poland during winter was probably the coldest I have ever been.
But, it’s worth mentioning that winter in Poland is also incredibly beautiful. From the snow-capped Tatra Mountains to the enchanting Christmas markets, winter is a perfect time to visit- even if it’s cold. We had such an amazing trip seeing the magic of the winter season in Krakow and Warsaw, and it made the cold worth it!
Winter is a fantastic season to travel since there are often fewer crowds and cheaper accommodations. But, the Polish winter weather can be unpredictable, with frequent snowstorms and freezing temperatures being pretty common.
Traveling to Poland in winter is awesome, but planning ahead is key (it saved me so many times!) and will help you have an awesome trip to Poland.
What’s Winter Weather Like in Poland?
Winter in Poland is different than other parts of Europe, as it is quite cold and snowy. Here is what you need to know about winter weather in Poland:
How Cold is Winter in Poland?
Winter in Poland can be very cold.
In Poland’s largest city, Warsaw, average temperatures in January can range from 2℃ to -5℃, while near the Tatras Mountains average temperatures are around 0℃ to -7℃.
When I visited Poland in winter (just after the Christmas holiday!), there were some days that I could barely be outside for more than a few minutes without ducking into a warm restaurant for a coffee.
It felt like no matter how many layers I wore, the wind was whipping through them and biting at my skin!
Does it Snow in Poland in Winter?
Yes, it does snow in Poland! There is the possibility of snow in Poland from November through April, with the snowiest months being January and February.
Believe it or not, there was actually snow on the ground every day we were there! During the peak winter months, it is normal for the ground to be covered in snow. It’s stunning and turns the entire city into a picture out of some type of winter wonderland.
Best Places in Poland to Visit During Winter
There are many great places to visit in Poland, but some are especially fantastic during wintertime. Below is a list of the best places to visit during the winter months in Poland:
1. Krakow
Krakow is one of the most visited cities in Poland, and for good reason. The city was mostly untouched during World War II and retains much of its old-world, medieval charm. Krakow is known for its Jewish Quarter, the Old Town (Stare Miasto) that is surrounded by remnants of the city walls, and for Rynek Glowny, which is the market square that dates back to the 13th century.
One of the best parts about visiting Krakow in winter is visiting the Christmas markets that are set up in Rynek Glowny, next to the Renaissance Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica. We had a blast sipping on some mulled wine and indulging in traditional Polish food as we wandered through the market stalls.
Krakow is also a popular place to visit since it makes for easy day trips to sites like the Salt Mines and Auschwitz. These places are still open throughout the winter season, and typically there will be fewer crowds during this time of year.
2. Warsaw
The capital city of Warsaw is also a great place to visit in winter. While the weather may be cold and snowy, there are still plenty of things to see in do in Warsaw, from wandering the old town with some mulled wine to visiting one of Poland’s best museums.
If you visit in December, make sure to check out the Warsaw Christmas Market of Castle Square. It is full of market stands selling unique gifts and tasty treats. The square is adorned with Christmas lights, which gives the entire place an enchanting feel- like you almost stepped right into the holiday. In the center, there is a large outdoor ice-skating rink, which is the perfect activity for a winter evening.
Tip: Don’t leave the Christmas market without trying the Hungarian Langos- it is a traditional treat that I devoured in about 5 seconds!
Another great thing about visiting Warsaw in the winter is that it is easy to escape the biting Polish cold. Warsaw is packed full of many interesting museums and indoor activities to keep you warm. Visit the apartments and state rooms at the Royal Castle or check out the fascinating Polin Museum to learn more about the history of the Polish Jewish people in Warsaw.
Another great way to warm up is by visiting the Vodka Museum and tasting some of Poland’s most famous spirits. Plus, Warsaw is also becoming well-known for its craft beer scene, and there are a few different beer tours available in the city.
3. Zakopane
Zakopane is easily one of the most popular places to visit during winter in Poland. This Polish resort town is located near the Slovakian border, in the Tatras Mountains.
Zakopane itself is a small mountain town with only around 30,000 residents. But in the winter, it becomes one of the most popular ski destinations in Europe thanks to the many resorts that dot the area. The ski season runs from December through March, and ski lifts are open from the early morning to late in the evening.
Winter in Zakopane is especially pretty, as the snow covers the town and its old cobblestone streets and alpine-like architecture. In the town center, there is a large ice-skating rink, as well as horse-drawn carriage rides. It is an incredible winter destination that almost feels like it’s out of a storybook.
Plus, Zakopane is almost like a spa town, with access to multiple natural thermal springs. There’s nothing quite as magical as slipping into the warm water under a beautiful snowfall. It’s something you just have to experience!
4. Gdańsk
Located on the Baltic Sea, Gdańsk is a great city to visit in Poland during the winter. Gdańsk is known for its amber trade, as well as its colorful row of small houses.
One of the highlights in Gdańsk is visiting the Długi Targ, otherwise known as the Long Market. This is a 500m street that is best known for its colorful buildings and the iconic town hall. There are plenty of shops and restaurants along the street, making it the perfect place to wander around on a cold day and warm up with some hot coffee.
For those interested in WWII history, Gdańsk is a great place to visit due to its historical significance. Gdańsk was where the first shots occurred when the German forces invaded Poland, marking the beginning of WWII. Today, you can visit the Museum of the Second World War, which tells the story of the events that led up to WWII.
Tip: I highly recommend taking this WWII walking tour in Gdansk, which includes admission to the Museum of the Second World War.
5. Wisla
The small town of Wisla is located in Southern Poland and is surrounded by the Silesian Beskids mountain range. Wisla is a popular skiing town for both locals and tourists. It is close to several popular ski resorts such as Soszów ski resort and Nowa Osada ski resort.
If you’re into outdoor adventure and winter sports, Wisla is a great small town to visit during Poland’s colder season. It’s the perfect place for those looking to ski and snowboard in a less touristy and more local area.
What to Wear In Poland in Winter
Have I mentioned that winter is cold in Poland? Yeah, freaking cold! So it is essential to dress warmly in layers. Below is a list of things you might want to consider wearing in Poland during winter:
✔️ Winter Jacket – Don’t bother traveling to Poland during colder months without this. A down jacket lined with fur is your best bet! And you definitely want one that is more than waist-length.
✔️ Hat – The wind whips around in Poland. A hat or two will help keep your ears warm.
✔️ Gloves or Mittens – Preferably waterproof or thicker ones.
✔️ Scarf – A perfect wintertime accessory (You can also buy these at the Christmas markets!)
✔️ Thermal Leggings – These layer under pants and are great for keeping warm while out exploring
✔️ Sweater – A few of these will serve you well. Cozy on up and beat the cold.
✔️ Waterproof Boots – If you’re out exploring all day, you have to keep your feet dry. The snow will bleed right through regular boots, freezing your toes in no time.
✔️ Waterproof Rain Coat – To keep you dry in case of rain or sleet
⭐ If you’d like to know what other items to bring for international travel, check out my full packing list here!
Top Things to Do During Winter in Poland
Even in wintertime, there are many things to do in Poland. Below is a list of the top 5 things to do during winter in Poland:
Take A Winter Visit to Auschwitz Concentration Camp
The Auschwitz Concentration Camp complex consisted of over 40 concentration and extermination camps that were operated in Poland by the Nazis during World War II. Today, the site of Auschwitz serves as a memorial site and museum. While it has a dark past, it is one of the most significant historical sites in Poland and it is an important place to visit.
Even after visiting Auschwitz multiple times, I still find myself visiting each time I am in Krakow. Even during winter, a visit to these camp grounds was no less moving and impactful. If you have time, you should absolutely fit this into your Poland itinerary.
The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial site is open year-round, and admission is free so that everyone can have the chance to visit and learn more about the atrocities that took place here during WWII. There are also guided tour options available.
Explore Zakopane & the Tatra Mountains
Exploring Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains is one of the best things to do during a Polish winter. There are so many cold weather activities in this area, and the scenery around the town and mountains is almost unreal during snowy months!
The Tatra Mountains became known as Tatra National Park in 1955 and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its alpine peaks, pine trees, and wildlife, these mountains quickly became popular for those seeking outdoor adventures.
Zakopane, a small town at the base of these mountains, is the perfect place to visit in winter if you’re looking for amazing skiing and snowboarding.
While skiing in Poland isn’t as well known, perhaps, as skiing in the Swiss Alps, it is certainly much more affordable and just as incredible. Popular ski resorts in Zakopane include Kasprowy Wierch and Szymoszkowa Ski Resort.
Another must-do winter activity in Zakopane is to take the funicular up to the top of Gubałówka mountain for amazing views over the Tatra Mountains. You’ll be able to see the beauty and rugged landscape of Poland for miles!
After spending a day out skiing or exploring the mountain views, relax in one of the thermal spas in Zakopane. The best thermal baths to visit are the Chocholowskie Thermal Baths. Here, there are over 30 outdoor and indoor pools and saunas, plus things like kid’s water playgrounds, salt caves, and other amazing amenities.
Truth be told, there’s nothing quite as spectacular as sitting outside in the winter weather, warm in the waters of the natural thermal baths. You definitely want to pencil in a visit to Zakopane, thermal baths, and the Tatra Mountains in your Poland winter itinerary.
⭐ If you’re looking for an easy way to visit the Chocholowskie Thermal Baths, this tour includes pickup and transport from your Krakow hotel, plus a visit to the Chochołów wooden village, a ticket to the funicular, and entry to the baths!
Enjoy a Traditional Polish Dinner
There is no better way to end a cold winter’s day than by having a hearty Polish dinner at a cozy restaurant. I could not get enough of the delicious and filling Polish food- it warms you straight down to your bones (which is needed during that Polish winter!).
You have to try my favorite Polish food, Bigos, a traditional stew often served in a bread bowl, and, of course, as many pierogi as you can stand to devour!
One of the best ways to enjoy a traditional Polish dinner is by attending a Polish Folk Show and Dinner. This experience allows you to try some of the best Polish cuisines from different regions. It’s also a fantastic way to learn more about Polish culture, listen to traditional music, and watch the dancers in traditional folk costumes.
If a show isn’t up your alley, try a meal at local restaurants Restauracja Polska or Pod Aniołami Restaurant; I cannot recommend both enough!
Wander Around the Christmas Markets
Wandering through the local Christmas Markets is one of the best things to do in Poland in December. Cities such as Krakow and Warsaw have beautiful Christmas markets, filled with holiday lights and a festive atmosphere.
Both markets were amazing when I visited, and I found many unique souvenirs and gifts, as many vendors sell handmade items at the market stalls. Plus, the Christmas markets are also full of delicious Polish treats like sausages, gingerbread, and even other international dishes.
The snowy weather, historic city centers, and festive decorations make the Christmas Markets in Poland some of the best in Europe.
Check Out a Museum
Visiting a museum is a great way to escape the cold, and Poland has many interesting museums throughout the country. The larger cities, such as Warsaw, Gdańsk, and Krakow, in particular, have plenty of museums to visit.
As Poland played a large role in WWII and the Holocaust, there are many history museums throughout the country such as the POLIN Museum and the Museum of the Second World War.
In addition to history museums, there are art museums such as the Museum of Contemporary Art, plus light-hearted and fun museums such as the Vodka Museum and Be Happy Museum.
FAQ: Poland in Winter
Poland is an incredible place to visit in any season. Here are some commonly asked questions and answers about visiting Poland in winter.
Is Poland Worth Visiting in Winter??
Yes, Poland is absolutely worth visiting in the winter. It was so amazing to see the country covered in snow- like a magical winter wonderland. Plus, we didn’t miss out on anything just because it was winter! All attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest are still open as normal.
Also, since winter is considered off-season in Poland, there are many great deals on hotels and fewer crowds, which is just another benefit to visiting Poland in winter.
Should I Visit Poland in Winter?
You should definitely visit Poland, but only plan to visit in winter if you can take the cold! This was honestly the most jarring part of my winter visit.
December through February are snowy and ridiculously chilly. So, if you plan to visit at that time, make sure you come prepared with some warm clothes. That being said, Poland is incredibly beautiful in the winter, and it is still a great time to visit.
What is Poland Like in Winter?
Poland is cold and snowy in the winter. The weather can be a bit unpredictable, and snowstorms are common, especially in the peak winter months of December through February.
The days are also shorter and tend to be more cloudy and gray versus the summertime. However, Poland is still a great place to visit in the winter as there are many things to do at this time.
What Can I Do In Poland in Winter?
There are many things to do in Poland during the winter, from exploring Christmas Markets to wandering the beautiful cities.
One of the best things to do is visit the Tatra Mountains and Zakopane thermal boths, or go skiing or snowboarding. Poland has several ski resorts, and it is one of the most affordable countries to go skiing in all of Europe.
However, you can also still visit year-round places like Auschwitz, the Wieliczka Salt Mines, or the local restaurants and museums in winter, too!
How Cold Does Poland Get In Winter?
Poland can get very cold in the winter, as the climate is influenced by polar air currents coming down from Russia and Scandinavia. On average, daytime winter temperatures in Poland are around 2℃ to 5℃, but with wind chill and at night time, those temperatures can drastically drop into the negatives.
Final Thoughts About Visiting Poland in Winter
When it comes down to it, there are many reasons to visit Poland in winter. While the weather is cold and snowy, there are still so many things to do during the wintertime. From skiing in the Tatra Mountains to exploring the Christmas markets, to visiting historically significant sites… you won’t miss out on anything by choosing to visit Poland during this time.
Wintertime is also a slower season, which means there will be fewer crowds and lower prices in many of the Polish cities. So, while the weather may be chilly and unpredictable, with some planning ahead it is possible to have an incredible trip to Poland during the winter.
