It is generally very cold in Poland during Christmas, with temperatures typically hovering around or slightly below freezing (0°C / 32°F). December is often a mix of cold rain, sleet, and snow, with nights often falling to around -4°C or lower.
Because of Christmas (our post on Christmas traditions in Poland) and New Year's Eve, December is a favorite month for many Poles. The name of the month – grudzień – comes from the Polish word gruda, meaning frozen ground. The average temperature in December in Poland drops below zero: -0,16°C / 32°F.
Just like the UK, winter in Poland is usually cold, grey, and wet. Once December arrives, temperatures start to plummet, the days become shorter, and there's a high chance of snow. Winter officially lasts from December to March, however high up on the mountains, the snow can stick around right up until May.
It can get freezing cold during winter in Poland. But if you wrap up well, you'll still be able to enjoy its countryside, museums and beautiful towns. What's more, spending Christmas in Poland is amazing as the country throws itself into the Yuletide spirit.
Footwear is a big part of cold weather clothes for Poland, so don't skimp here — your feet will thank you. For active adventures, pack thermal wear Poland travel and warm layers Poland to stay comfortable in the cold.
The "333 rule" in clothing refers to two popular minimalist fashion concepts: the viral TikTok trend of using 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 shoes to create numerous outfits (9 items total) for styling practice, and the more extensive Project 333, where you select 33 items (including clothes, shoes, and accessories) to wear for three months, excluding essentials like underwear, workout gear, and sleepwear, to simplify your wardrobe and reduce decision fatigue. Both methods focus on versatility, quality over quantity, and creating a functional capsule wardrobe.
In the city (Kraków or Warsaw), warm boots with decent soles are enough, but for Zakopane you really want something with traction because the ground can be a mix of packed snow, slush, and ice, and even the town centre can get slick.
December is one of the coldest times of the year in Krakow. Winter is in full swing and the region's oceanic climate is very cold with temperatures often dropping below freezing. The possibility of frost and snow is very high, so make sure to pack lots of winter clothes for your trip.
Christmas Eve and Christmas are one of the most important family holidays in Poland. There are many traditions and customs during this special holiday. Traditional carp, a Christmas tree with apples, and carols from house to house…
In practice, winters are usually cold and snowy. You can expect a good foot or more of snow in January and February. In spring, March and April can be quite chilly whereas May is usually much warmer – see the temperatures chart. Summer is hot and dry.
Winter. Winters in southern Poland can be changeable like the rest of Europe, but prolonged spells of one type of weather are most likely. Krakow can experience some harsh conditions with deep freezes and snow. During the shorter days temperatures through December and January can stay well below freezing.
Does it snow in Poland during December? Yes, snow is pretty likely during December. There's also a good chance that there will be ice and snow on the ground, so pack appropriate footwear and clothing.
Yes, Poland is generally considered a budget-friendly holiday destination in Europe, offering great value for money, especially for food, transport, and activities, though costs rise in popular spots like Krakow and Warsaw and during peak season. You can save significantly by exploring lesser-known regions, traveling in shoulder seasons (spring/autumn), and using budget airlines, making it a cheap European trip without sacrificing experience.
In Krakow, DO learn basic Polish phrases, try pierogi, validate public transport tickets, explore local markets, be respectful in churches, and use ride-sharing apps like Bolt for transport. DON'T drink alcohol in public, make insensitive jokes about Polish history, be loud in religious sites, touch historical monuments, or assume everyone accepts cash only; always validate transport tickets, and be cautious of jaywalking and late-night solo walks.
The 54321 packing rule is a travel strategy for creating a versatile capsule wardrobe, suggesting you pack 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 layering pieces/shoes, 2 bags/dresses, and 1 of each accessory (like sunglasses, hat, or swimsuit) to simplify packing, reduce overpacking, and easily mix-and-match outfits for a trip, often fitting into a carry-on. It's a flexible formula, easily adjustable for different trip lengths, destinations, and weather by swapping categories, like adding more swimsuits for a beach trip or more outerwear for cold weather.
