Climate and monthly weather forecastKraków, Poland

The climate of Kraków

Located in the southern region of Poland, Kraków experiences a Marine west coast climate with a warm summer, categorized as Cfb under the Köppen climate classification. Predominantly, the city's climate is marked with significant weather variations across different seasons.

Throughout the year, Kraków's temperatures display a clear oscillating trend, with the summer months of June, July, and August recording the highest averages from 21.9°C (71.4°F) to 24.2°C (75.6°F). Winters are often icy and cold, with the temperature plunging to as low as -4.9°C (23.2°F) in January. Furthermore, the range of daily temperatures also becomes broad during summer, with variations between 13.7°C (56.7°F) and 24.2°C (75.6°F), while in winters, there is a lesser swing from -4.9°C (23.2°F) to 1.8°C (35.2°F).

In terms of rainfall, the city receives relatively consistent rainfall of between 33mm (1.3") and 90mm (3.54") throughout the for most parts of the year, resulting in a relatively damp environment, with the months from May to August receiving the highest rainfall above 70mm (2.76"). Kraków's monthly humidity varies between 71% and 87%, highlighting the general humid nature of the city.

Despite the frequent rainfall, the city also gets a fair amount of sunshine, particularly from May to August. The summer months boast longer daylight durations from 15.4 hours to 16.3 hours, providing ample opportunities to explore the city's historic attractions and lush landscape.

The best time to visit Kraków

Travelers planning a visit to Kraków should consider the late spring and early summer, specifically between May and June. During these months, the city enjoys warmly pleasant temperatures, with highs ranging from 19.4°C (66.9°F) to 21.9°C (71.4°F) and lows from 8.8°C (47.8°F) to 11.9°C (53.4°F). The abundant sunshine, accounting for 6.1 to 6.8 hours per day, allows ample daylight for sightseeing. Rainfall during this time averages between 82mm (3.23") and 90mm (3.54"), so light rain gear may be beneficial.

The worst time to visit Kraków

Winter months, particularly from late December to February, are considered to be the least appealing for visitors. During this phase, Kraków's temperatures can sink to frigid levels, dropping from -4.9°C (23.2°F) to -3.6°C (25.5°F), with highs rarely rising above 2.5°C (36.5°F) in February. The short daylight hours from 8.2 hours to 10.1 hours and limited sunshine of 1.1 to 1.9 hours daily can significantly restrict outdoor activities.

Spring weather in Kraków

Spring in Kraków, which starts from March and lasts through to May, is a moderately warm season. During this period, temperatures gradually escalate from 7.5°C (45.5°F) in March to 19.4°C (66.9°F) in May. The lowest temperature also ascends from -0.6°C (30.9°F) to 8.8°C (47.8°F). Although the city sees increased rainfall from 39mm (1.54") to 82mm (3.23"), the spring blooms and longer daylight of 11.9 to 15.4 hours daily make it a visually appealing time to visit.

Summer weather in Kraków

In summer, from June to August, the city witnesses the warmest weather, with highs peaking to 24.2°C (75.6°F) in July. The lowest temperature remains comfortable, averaging from 11.9°C (53.4°F) to 13.7°C (56.7°F). Ample daylight varying between 15.9 hours and 16.3 hours, and the abundant sunshine, ranging from 5.9 to 6.8 hours, make the summer a popular time for tourists. Rainfall increases during this period, with the highest reaching 90mm (3.54") in June, so visitors should be prepared for showers.

Autumn weather in Kraków

Autumn in Kraków, extending from September to November, experiences a cooling trend with temperatures declining significantly from 18.4°C (65.1°F) in September to 6.5°C (43.7°F) in November. Lower temperatures also reduce from 9.3°C (48.7°F) to 0.3°C (32.5°F). Although daylight hours reduce to between 9.1 hours and 12.6 hours, the season offers a mild climate ideal for exploring the city's fall foliage. Rainfall sees a slight decrease, varying from 41mm (1.61") to 61mm (2.4").

Winter weather in Kraków

Kraków's winter, from December to February, is characterized by low temperatures ranging from -4.9°C (23.2°F) to 1.8°C (35.2°F) and limited daylight from 8.2 hours to 10.1 hours. Sunshine hours fall to their lowest at 1.1 hours to 1.9 hours, while the city receives near consistent rainfall from 33mm (1.3") to 39mm (1.54"). Despite the bone-chilling cold, the snow-capped cityscape provides a unique charm to the city during this season.

Weather in January

The first month of the year in Kraków, Poland, comes with a spell of the cold, as temperatures plunge to a low of -4.9°C (23.2°F) and rise to a maximum of 1°C (33.8°F). January brings a distinctly frigid feel, with the constant need to bundle up and keep warm. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February ushers in a slight deviation from January's chilly extremes, with a bit more sunshine gracing the city. A gradual increase in the daylight duration offers precious extra time to experience the city's charm. The residents gear up for the arrival of spring, even though the winter chills persist, making it advisable to dress in layers. Weather in February »

Weather in March

The advent of March marks a noticeable shift in Kraków's weather, as temperatures can rise to 7.5°C (45.5°F) and the wintry chill starts to lose its bite. The arrival of spring dresses the cityscape in vivid colors, rewarding the city's inhabitants for enduring the harsh winter. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April is a time of transition in Kraków, Poland as the grip of winter slackens and blossoms bring life to the city streets. It's a month where the city buzzes with activity, as the growing daylight hours, up to approximately 13.8 hours, are utilized to the fullest. Weather in April »

Weather in May

With the arrival of May, the weather in Kraków hits a comfort spot, blending warmth and a refreshing breeze. The month gets drenched with 82mm (3.23") of rainfall, the second most in a year, adding a dash of the monsoons to the spring landscapes. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June brings with it an unmistakable summer feel, welcoming tourists and locals to a diverse range of outdoor activities. The highest level of sunshine, up to around 6.8 hours a day, graces Kraków during this month. The increasing daylight hours and ample sun make it a fine time to indulge in the city's open-air events. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July signals the peak of summer, with the average temperatures soaring to a yearly high of 24.2°C (75.6°F), but failing to plummet below a comfortable 13.7°C (56.7°F). The long daylight hours and ample sunshine coupled with the warm weather entice tourists to take in the city's offerings. Weather in July »

Weather in August

As August arrives in Kraków, Poland, despite the temperatures barely shifting from July, the hints of approaching fall start to appear. The summer basks in its own warmth, yet leaves the city with a sense of longing for the cooler days. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September announces the onset of autumn in the city, with the landscape transforming into a canvas of vibrant colors. The weather, while leaning towards cooler temperatures, remains quite bearable and pleasant. It's a beautiful time to stroll around the Old Town or hike in the Kraków Valleys Landscape Park, spotlit by 5.1 hours of sunshine. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Kraków, Poland is a symphony of colors, as autumn transforms the city into a picturesque masterpiece. A slight nip in the weather, creeping in from late September, is more pronounced in this month, leading people back into their coats and jackets. Weather in October »

Weather in November

As November falls over Kraków, the colorful canvas of autumn starts to fade away under the increasingly colder weather. An air of tranquillity encompasses the city, with the dropping daylight hours hinting at the advances of the impending winter. Weather in November »

Weather in December

Wrapping up the year in Kraków brings forth the captivating charm of winter, with temperatures plunging to -3.6°C (25.5°F) and scarcely climbing over 1.8°C (35.2°F). Echoing January, December reinstates the cold extremes, sealing the year with a frigid end. Weather in December »