Krakow's cold catches people out because it's wet, not dramatic. Winter lows sit just below freezing and January brings 14 rain days, so the real problem is damp feet and a chill that gets in. Summer isn't dry either, with 13 rain days in July.
Krakow weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 4°C39°F | 7°C45°F | 12°C54°F | 15°C59°F | 19°C66°F | 24°C75°F | 26°C79°F | 26°C79°F | 22°C72°F | 15°C59°F | 8°C46°F | 4°C39°F |
| Low | -2°C28°F | -1°C30°F | 2°C36°F | 5°C41°F | 8°C46°F | 14°C57°F | 16°C61°F | 15°C59°F | 12°C54°F | 7°C45°F | 1°C34°F | -1°C30°F |
| Rain days | 14 | 10 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 8 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryHighs of 4–7°C (39–45°F) and lows of -2°C (28°F) to -1°C (30°F). January has 14 rain days, December just 8. Pack a properly warm coat, a hat, gloves and waterproof shoes for the slushy Main Square and the Christmas market.
Spring
March–MayHighs go from 12°C (54°F) in March to 19°C (66°F) in May, but March lows are 2°C (36°F), so mornings stay cold. Expect 12 to 13 rain days a month. A warm layer under a rain shell handles almost every day.
Summer
June–AugustPleasant, with highs of 24–26°C (75–79°F) and lows of 14–16°C (57–61°F). It's also wet: 13 rain days in July and 12 in August, often short downpours. Light clothes, a packable rain shell and a sweater for evenings along the Vistula.
Autumn
September–NovemberSeptember is lovely at 22°C (72°F), then it falls fast, to 15°C (59°F) in October and 8°C (46°F) in November with lows near 1°C (34°F). Around 10 to 11 rain days a month. Bring a warm jacket from October on.
What to bring to Krakow
0 of 19 packedMost months in Krakow bring 10 to 14 rain days, and a shell that packs into its own pocket can live in your bag until the next shower hits.
Summer storms roll through Krakow fast, so keep this light waterproof jacket in your day bag instead of gambling on the forecast.
- A warm wrapClothing
A wool or cashmere wrap is the easy extra layer for -2°C (28°F) January evenings in the Main Square, and it doubles as a blanket on the flight.
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20LBags & Luggage
Weather sealing on the main compartment and zips keeps your phone and layers dry on a wet day walking Kazimierz.
The sliding EU plug fits Poland's C and E sockets, and the USB ports charge your phone and watch off one outlet.
- Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
On a dry summer day, this light, washable knit sneaker with a traction outsole handles the cobbled Old Town for hours. The knit soaks through in a downpour, so watch the forecast.
- Hydro Flask 18 oz Standard Mouth Bottle with Flex CapWater Bottles & Hydration
Rated 12 hours hot, so you can carry coffee or tea through a cold morning on Wawel Hill.
Clothing
- Insulated winter coat · 1Winter lows sit just below freezing
- Thermal base layers · 2 setsDamp chill Dec–Feb
- Warm hat, scarf and gloves · 1 set
- Light layers for summer · 3July and August reach 26°C
- Modest cover-up for churches · 1
Footwear
- Waterproof boots · 1 pairJanuary has 14 rain days
- Wool socks · 4 pairsDamp feet are the real problem
Gear
- Compact umbrella · 1Summer is wet too, 13 rain days in July
Health and toiletries
- Hand cream and lip balm
Documents and money
- Passport
- Some Polish złoty in cashCurrency is the złoty, not the euro
Tech
- Phone charging cable · 1
What shoes should you pack for Krakow?
Waterproof walking shoes or boots for most of the year. The Old Town and Kazimierz are cobbled, and the walk up Wawel Hill and around the Planty adds up. The Wieliczka Salt Mine tour means hundreds of steps underground, so wear something with grip and support.
What do people wear in Krakow?
Casual and practical. Locals wear dark jeans, a good coat and sensible shoes, and nobody dresses up much outside a nice dinner or the opera. For Auschwitz-Birkenau, dress respectfully and expect to spend hours outdoors.
What plugs does Krakow use?
Poland uses type C and E sockets at 230V. A standard two-pin EU plug fits both. If you're coming from the US, UK or Australia, bring a universal adapter with an EU plug.
Tours and things to do in Krakow
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Krakow.
What should you leave at home for Krakow?
Summer packing that's all sandals, and a big umbrella. Short storms hit even in July, and an umbrella is a pain in the crowds on Floriańska Street. A packable shell does the job better.
Around Krakow
Packing for Krakow: questions people ask
What should I wear in Krakow in winter?
A warm, ideally waterproof coat, a hat, gloves and waterproof shoes. Highs are 4–7°C (39–45°F) and lows drop to -2°C (28°F) in January.
Does it rain a lot in Krakow?
More than people expect. Most months have 10 to 14 rain days, and summer brings frequent short downpours.
What should I wear to Auschwitz-Birkenau?
Respectful, comfortable clothes and good walking shoes. Much of the visit is outdoors, so dress in layers for the weather that day.
Is Krakow cold in December?
Yes. December highs average 4°C (39°F) with lows of -1°C (30°F), though it's the driest month at 8 rain days.
What plug adapter do I need for Krakow?
Poland uses type C and E sockets at 230V. A universal adapter with a two-pin EU plug fits both.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.