Best Time to Visit Poland
Last updated: November 8, 2025
Poland is a country of rich history, charming old towns, and breathtaking natural landscapes. From the medieval streets of Kraków and Warsaw’s vibrant culture to the Tatra Mountains and Baltic Sea coast, every season brings its own atmosphere. The best time to visit Poland depends on whether you prefer lively summer festivals, golden autumn walks, or peaceful snowy escapes.
🌸 Spring (March – May): Blossoms, Fresh Air, and Fewer Crowds
Spring is one of the most pleasant times to explore Poland. As the country awakens from winter, parks and countryside bloom with colour, and the weather becomes mild and comfortable. It’s ideal for sightseeing, outdoor cafés, and discovering Poland’s cultural heritage before the summer crowds arrive.
Highlights:
- Mild temperatures (10–20 °C)
- Perfect for city breaks in Kraków, Warsaw, and Wrocław
- Cherry blossoms in parks and botanical gardens
- Fewer tourists and better hotel deals
☀️ Summer (June – August): Sunshine, Festivals, and Outdoor Adventures
Summer is the peak travel season in Poland, bringing warm temperatures, long days, and lively festivals. It’s a wonderful time to explore the Baltic coast, hike in the Tatra Mountains, or enjoy open-air concerts and cultural events across the country.
Highlights:
- Warm temperatures (20–30 °C)
- Great for beach trips to Gdańsk, Sopot, and Gdynia
- Music and film festivals throughout the season
- Expect more tourists and higher accommodation prices
🍂 Autumn (September – November): Golden Scenery and Cultural Calm
Autumn is a fantastic time to visit Poland, with crisp air, fewer tourists, and stunning foliage. The cities are quieter, the countryside glows in shades of gold and orange, and it’s an excellent season for cultural sightseeing and photography.
Highlights:
- Pleasant temperatures (10–18 °C)
- Beautiful autumn colours in parks and forests
- Harvest festivals and wine celebrations
- Great value on hotels and flights
❄️ Winter (December – February): Snow, Christmas Markets, and Skiing
Winter in Poland is full of festive charm. Snow often covers the cities, Christmas markets fill the squares with lights and warmth, and ski resorts in Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains offer great winter sports. It’s also a wonderful time for cosy cafés and traditional Polish comfort food.
Highlights:
- Cold temperatures (−5 to 5 °C)
- Magical Christmas markets in Kraków, Wrocław, and Gdańsk
- Excellent skiing and snowboarding in the Tatras
- Lower prices outside the holiday period
🇵🇱 In Summary
- Best for sightseeing: May – September
- Best for skiing: December – March
- Best for fall colours: September – October
- Best for budget travel: March – April and November
From the cobblestone streets of Kraków to the mountain trails of Zakopane and the breezy beaches of Gdańsk, Poland offers a rich variety of experiences in every season. Whether you’re drawn by culture, nature, or cuisine, you’ll find that Poland’s charm shines all year round.
Top Travel Tips for Poland
- Entry Requirements (Schengen Area): Poland is part of the Schengen Zone. Citizens of the EU/EEA can enter freely. Many non-EU visitors (including US, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens) can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. An ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will be required for these visitors in the future, so check official EU websites before your trip.
- Currency: Poland uses its own currency, the Polish Złoty (PLN), not the Euro. While credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities, hotels, and restaurants, it is highly recommended to carry some cash (złoty) for smaller purchases, local markets, and rural areas.
- Power Adapter: Poland uses Type E power sockets (which also work with Type C plugs). This socket has two round pins and a hole for an earthing pin. The standard voltage is 230V and 50Hz.
- Tipping: Tipping is appreciated but not strictly mandatory. In restaurants, if a service charge isn't already included, a tip of 10-15% for good service is customary. For taxis, rounding up the fare is common.
- Tap Water: The tap water in Poland, especially in major cities like Warsaw and Kraków, is safe to drink and meets high EU quality standards. Some locals may filter it to improve the taste, but it is not necessary for safety.
Things to do in Poland
Explore the historic castles of Kraków, reflect at Auschwitz-Birkenau, discover the rebuilt Old Town of Warsaw, or hike the Tatra Mountains. Book your tours and activities easily via our trusted partners: