Best time to travel to Poland

Choosing the right time for your trip to Poland can make all the difference. It's important to consider climatic elements, seasonal events and busy tourist periods to maximize your travel experience.

Photo d'un paysage localisé en Pologne

Location

Climate

January -3.6→0.7°C
0.88mm
7:38→16:06
February -2.7→3.1°C
0.96mm
6:55→16:58
March -0.4→7.8°C
0.8mm
5:54→17:53
April 4→13.6°C
1.18mm
5:43→19:43
May 9→18.4°C
2.35mm
4:46→20:33
June 13.6→23°C
2.28mm
4:22→21:05
July 15.2→24.3°C
2.66mm
4:41→20:56
August 15.2→24.5°C
2.28mm
5:27→20:07
September 10.8→19°C
1.89mm
6:16→19:00
October 6.6→13.4°C
1.42mm
6:54→17:37
November 3.1→7.7°C
1.07mm
7:01→15:56
December -1→3.1°C
1.03mm
7:41→15:37
-3.6→0.7°C
-2.7→3.1°C
-0.4→7.8°C
4→13.6°C
9→18.4°C
13.6→23°C
15.2→24.3°C
15.2→24.5°C
10.8→19°C
6.6→13.4°C
3.1→7.7°C
-1→3.1°C
Jan 7:38→16:06
Feb 6:55→16:58
Mar 5:54→17:53
Apr 5:43→19:43
May 4:46→20:33
Jun 4:22→21:05
Jul 4:41→20:56
Aug 5:27→20:07
Sep 6:16→19:00
Oct 6:54→17:37
Nov 7:01→15:56
Dec 7:41→15:37
0.88mm
0.96mm
0.8mm
1.18mm
2.35mm
2.28mm
2.66mm
2.28mm
1.89mm
1.42mm
1.07mm
1.03mm

The different seasons in Poland and their characteristics

Poland's climate is a mixture of continental and oceanic, with significant regional variations. In general, Poland has four distinct seasons:
  • Spring (March to May): The weather is starting to warm up, the trees are blossoming and the days are getting longer. Average temperatures range from 8 to 18°C.
  • Summer (June to August) : The hottest time of the year, with temperatures reaching 30°C. It's also the peak tourist season.
  • Autumn (September to November): Temperatures are gradually dropping, leaves are changing color and days are getting shorter. Average temperatures are between 10 and 15°C.
  • Winter (December to February): The coldest season, with temperatures dropping to -20°C, especially in mountainous regions. Snowfalls are frequent.

Major cultural events in Poland

Throughout the year, Poland offers a multitude of cultural and artistic events, attracting visitors from all over the world. Here are just a few of the must-see events:

Jewish Culture Festival in Krakow

Held every year in late June/early July, the festival is a tribute to the rich Jewish history of Krakow and Poland. It features concerts, workshops, exhibitions and lectures on Jewish culture and tradition.

Warsaw International Film Festival

This prestigious festival takes place every year in October and presents a selection of international and Polish films. It is one of the most important film events in Eastern Europe.

Wrocław Capital of Culture

Every year, the city of Wrocław hosts numerous cultural events, including concerts, exhibitions, dance and theater performances. These events generally take place between May and September.

Public holidays in Poland

Poland celebrates several public holidays throughout the year, during which some tourist attractions and businesses may be closed. So it's essential to plan your trip accordingly. Here are some of the most important public holidays:
  • January 1st : New Year's Day
  • January 6 : Epiphany
  • March/April : Good Friday and Easter Monday (dates vary)
  • May 1st : Labour Day
  • May 3 : National holiday
  • Corpus Christi : A religious festival celebrated 60 days after Easter (date varies)
  • August 15 : Assumption of the Virgin Mary
  • November 1st : Toussaint
  • November 11 : Independence Day
  • December 25 and 26 : Christmas

Low and high season periods

There high season in Poland generally runs from June to August, with a peak in tourism during the summer months due to pleasant temperatures and numerous cultural events. Accommodation prices are also higher during this period. Visit low season takes place mainly from November to March, with cooler temperatures and fewer cultural events. However, accommodation prices are generally lower and tourist sites less crowded. Visit mid-season (April-May and September-October) offer a balance between pleasant weather and affordable prices. What's more, many cultural events take place during this period, making it an excellent time to visit Poland.

Insurance

Your credit card does not cover you in all situations, that is whyIt is essential to take out insurance before you leave to avoid any unpleasant surprises. If you need to see a doctor or be hospitalized, in some countries, medical costs are very high and you will then find yourself having to pay several thousand euros.

Our partner Chapka Insurance proposes the contract CAP ASSISTANCE 24/24 with many essential guarantees.

Flights

Your flight has been cancelled or delayed ?
You may be eligible for a compensation of up to €600 ! For this, lawyers are responsible for handling your claim with the airline and are only paid when the reimbursement is effective.

In conclusion, no financial risk for you, only advantages!

Immigration statistics for Poland

According to official data published by Poland's Central Statistical Office (GUS), the number of foreigners living in the country has risen significantly in recent years. Here are some key figures:
  • The number of foreigners living in Poland rose by more than 50% between 2010 and 2018, from 103,000 to almost 430,000.
  • Ukrainians are the largest immigrant group in Poland, accounting for around 68% of total foreign residents.
  • Other major nationalities include Belarusians, Vietnamese, Indians, Russians and Germans.

The reasons behind this growth

There are a number of factors behind this rise in the number of foreigners in Poland. On the one hand, the country's favorable economic situation is attracting many workers in search of jobs and better living conditions. On the other hand, more and more foreign students are choosing Poland to pursue their higher education, thanks in particular to relatively low tuition fees and a high-quality educational offering.

Most popular visas in Poland

Depending on the reason for their stay and their nationality, foreigners wishing to come to Poland must obtain a visa adapted to their situation. Here are the main types of visa issued by the Polish authorities:
  • Schengen visa (type C) : intended for short tourist, business or family stays, it allows free travel within the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days over a 180-day period.
  • National visa (type D) : granted for long-term stays such as study, work or family reunification, it gives the right to reside in Poland for a period of between 3 months and 1 year, renewable.
  • Temporary residence permit : Valid for up to 3 years, it is granted to people with a legitimate reason, such as employment, studies or family ties in Poland.
  • Permanent residence permit : obtained after 5 years of legal and uninterrupted residence in Poland, it confers the right to live and work indefinitely in the country.
Citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area do not need a visa to enter Poland. However, if they wish to reside in the country for more than 3 months, they must apply for a residence permit.

International tourism figures for Poland

Poland has also seen a considerable boom in tourism in recent years, thanks in particular to its rich cultural and natural heritage and constantly improving tourist infrastructure. Here are a few key statistics:
  • In 2018, Poland welcomed almost 19 million foreign tourists, an increase of 6% on the previous year.
  • Germans are the most numerous visitors to Poland, followed by Britons, Ukrainians, Italians and French.
  • The tourism sector accounts for around 6% of Polish gross domestic product (GDP) and employs over 670,000 people.

Poland's top tourist destinations

Among the must-see sites that attract tourists to Poland are :
  • Krakow : The former royal capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts a rich historical and architectural heritage.
  • Warsaw : A modern, dynamic capital, it is the symbol of the Polish renaissance after the destruction of the Second World War.
  • Wrocław: Nicknamed the "Polish Venice", this picturesque town is famous for its canals and charming little islands.
  • The Tatra Mountains: located in the south of the country, they offer breathtaking panoramas and are ideal for hiking, climbing and skiing.