Summer is over which means it’s high time to take warm sweaters and jackets out of the closet and get ready for the cold weather. But don’t worry, if you’re planning to travel to Poland in the coming months, you should know that the winter atmosphere here can be magical, especially in a mountainous setting. What are the best places to visit in Poland during winter? 

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What should you know about winter in Poland? Weather & temperature

What should you know about winters in Poland before you get on a plane or bus? The average temperature in Poland during winter is around 0°C (32°F), with occasional spikes below freezing. The coldest month is January, while February is usually the snowiest.

It’s worth noting that in the mountains, temperatures can drop to -20°C (-4°F) or lower. Therefore, if you’re planning a trip to Poland, make sure to pack appropriate clothing, especially if you intend to visit any of the country’s ski resorts.

Why is a visit to Poland in winter a good idea?

Are you wondering if it’s worth visiting Poland in December, January or February? There are numerous reasons to do so, including:

  • Winter in Poland is a great time to enjoy traditional Polish cuisine, such as bigos (a hunter’s stew), pierogi (dumplings), and placki ziemniaczane (potato pancakes).
  • The Christmas markets in Polish cities are some of the best and most magical in Europe.
  • If you’re a fan of winter sports, Poland is an excellent destination, with a number of world-class ski resorts in Zakopane, Karpacz, Szklarska Poręba, and many more.
  • Winter is also a great time to enjoy Poland’s spas and thermal baths, which are often located in picturesque mountain settings.
  • Poland offers a lot of historic sites that look even more beautiful when covered with snow.

Sounds convincing? So, what are the best places to visit in Poland during winter?

Top places to visit in Poland

If you’re looking for inspiration, check out our list of top places to visit in Poland during winter:

Warsaw

The capital of Poland is a great place to visit at any time of year, but it really comes to life during the Christmas season. Be sure to check out the Old Town, which is decorated with festive lights, and explore the Christmas markets on Nowy Świat and Krakowskie Przedmieście.

If you’re not a fan of Polish Christmas markets, don’t worry—Warsaw has tons of other attractions for you to see! You can tour all the historic sites in the city, including Łazienki, the Royal Castle, or the Palace of Culture and Science, but that’s just the start of it! Other attractions include numerous ice skating rinks, local concerts, and a rich nightlife.

You should also consider a visit to Górka Szczęśliwicka, a place near the city center where you can go skiing, sledding, play tennis and do lots of other sports. It’s a great place for families, as you can book sports lessons for your children, but adults will also have great fun there. You should definitely add it to your Warsaw bucket list!

Kraków

It’s another must-visit Polish city. The main square is beautifully decorated for Christmas, and there are also great markets to explore, along with a number of interesting museums and galleries.

Kraków is well known for many tourist attractions—you’ll find something for yourself whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a whole family! What should you do on your visit to this city?

  • Visit the Wawel castle—if you’re traveling with kids, you should absolutely walk down the Wawel Dragon’s lair—the entrance is on the castle grounds, and it takes you down the hill right to the famous dragon monument. The Wawel Dragon breathes fire every now and then, though the exact time intervals depend on the season—check them out beforehand, and time your sightseeing to give your children this experience!
  • Uncover the Medieval Market Square—if you’re more of a history geek, we highly recommend visiting one of the best museums in Kraków—the Rynek Underground. There, you can learn about the history of Market Square, admire its historical layers, and see artifacts dating back to the 14th century. Mind that the museum is closed on the second Monday of each month—plan your trip accordingly!
  • Admire the winter landscape from the top of Kościuszki Mound—while the Mound might be away from other tourist attractions, it’s a great place to look at the city from above, make some great photos worth adding to your trip journal in YouMap, Instagram or other social media.
  • Enjoy the nightlife—the Market Square, the Jewish District, and the Hotel Forum all offer great clubs and pubs.

Additionally, Kraków is one of the best places to visit in Poland in winter due to its location. You can easily get to Zakopane and Bukowina Tatrzańska from Kraków, making this city a great base if you plan a longer visit.

Zakopane

This popular winter resort town in the south of Poland is located in the Tatras mountains. It’s a great place to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. It’s an ideal place to visit in Poland if you love lots of snow and cold temperatures.

If you’re lucky enough, you might get to watch a ski jumping competition on the Wielka Krokiew—this winter sport is extremely popular in Poland. You can also enjoy the traditional local cuisine, try one of the nearby hiking trails, and immerse yourself in the Polish Highlander (Górale) culture.

Bukowina Tatrzańska

This town, close to Zakopane, is a popular winter sports destination and offers a wide range of activities such as skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and sledding. The town is also home to a number of thermal baths which are perfect for relaxing after a day on the slopes.

If you prefer an active trip but winter sports aren’t your cup of tea, you should absolutely go hiking. Several charming trails start in Bukowina Tatrzańska, many of which are easy enough to bring your children and family with you. Believe us, the views are breathtaking!

Kołobrzeg

It’s one of the best places to visit in Poland in winter. The city is located in northwestern Poland, on the Baltic Sea coast. Kołobrzeg is known for its beautiful beaches and scenic coastline. In winter, it mesmerizes with its peacefulness, which makes it an ideal destination for everyone who wants to unwind, enjoys long walks, and would like to inhale iodine.

What if you like tourist attractions and don’t want to slow down too much? Kołobrzeg is still a great choice. The town is known for:

  • its charming temples,
  • one of the oldest Polish lighthouses,
  • the Mice City—an exhibition with over 500 different (alive) mice featuring species from all around the world,
  • a fun aquapark.

The old town also deserves a mention, and so does the possibility of renting a boat or a yacht and embarking on a true adventure. If you want a bit of both worlds: relaxation and active fun, Kołobrzeg is definitely one of the best places to visit in Poland, whether it’s winter or summer!

The takeaway

These are only a few of the best places to visit in Poland in winter months. If you’re planning a trip to this Slavic country, you should definitely put them on your bucket list.

Looking for more inspiration and unique destinations? Download the YouMap social mapping app or checkout this map created by a YouMapper, detailing his adventures in Poland!