Poland in December-February

Winter in Poland is very cold, especially in January, when the average temperature is 27 degrees Fahrenheit—with nights dipping into the low negatives. Though it's not typically targeted as the most desirable time of year to visit, if you pack right and prepare for the snow, wind, and rain, you'll be here to appreciate the beauty of Poland's snow-covered cities and holiday spirit without the crowds that warmer weather brings.

Holidays & Events

• January 1: New Year's Day
• January 6: In Poland, Epiphany is celebrated with a series of parades symbolically welcoming the Wise Men. Songs are sung, performances come to life in the streets, and celebratory religious rituals are carried out at churches on the parade routes. With the day off from work, throngs of Poles join in the festivities, and Epiphany has come to signify the ringing in of zapusty, or carnival season. 

Must See

Typically beginning in the last week of November, the Christmas market in Krakow is not to be missed. Dozens of wooden stalls fill Rynek Glowny, the city's main square, and vendors sell anything from Christmas decorations, jewelry, and other crafts, to savory meals, desserts, and alcoholic beverages. 

Poland in March-May

March ushers in more sun, though temperatures remain relatively cool with the average around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. By May, the average temperature has typically worked its way up to just below 60. Frequent rains nourish the land, and like the delicate crescendo of a Chopin piano trill, vegetation rises gently from the earth, gradually transforming the surrounding landscapes into a vibrant sea of green. As the forests throughout Poland grow more dense, the idyllic, castle-laden countryside emits an undeniable European charm. 

Holidays & Events

• April 1: Easter
• May 1: May Day is a celebration to welcome in the warmer weather. The holiday tends to also serve as an honorary Labor Day, with occasional marches taking place to celebrate workers' rights. 
• May 3: Poland's Constitution Day commemorates the 1791 declaration of the country's constitution. Citizens get the day off from work, and often attend parades, speeches by public figures, and other celebratory events.

Must See

Easter is a very important holiday in Poland with traditions typically beginning a week before, on Palm Sunday, when many people bring dried pussy willow branches (actual palms don't grow here) to church to be blessed. You're likely to see people filling the streets, proudly displaying their beautiful handcrafted "palms." The ritual symbolizes Jesus' return to Jerusalem before his crucifixion. Some towns even hold contests to see who made the tallest, most intricate, or impressive makeshift palm. 

The following week leading up to Easter is a very popular time for people to take care of their spring cleaning and housework. For some, this week is observed as a period of fasting, and many take time to visit ornately decorated representations of Jesus' tomb to pray. The famous egg-painting tradition usually occurs the Saturday night before Easter. Known in Poland as pisanki— which stems from a root word meaning "to write"—the tradition is meant to ensure a productive harvest, and actually dates back 5,000 years to a time when eggs were thought to have magical properties. Depending on how the eggs are painted, some results turn out incredibly detailed, with beautiful, festive patterns on them.

On Easter Day, aside from traditional religious ceremonies, many Poles dedicate their time to elaborate feasts, usually with an extensive array of Easter cakes. After the actual holiday comes to a close, the final tradition is known as Wet Monday—a quirky, yet captivating day when boys are known to run through the streets, throwing water at girls in their neighborhoods. As a spectator, you may want to bring a poncho.

Poland in June-August

Explore Poland during June, July, and August, and expect an average temperature of about 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Tourists flock to Poland around this time, as festivals and concerts are in full swing, and there's plenty of lody (Polish ice cream) to go around. If you're having trouble choosing which summer month is right for you, it may help to note that July tends to be the rainiest. 

Holidays & Events

• July: Krakow's annual Crossroads Festival takes place in the city center and showcases traditional and folk music.
• July and August: Every Saturday, outdoor jazz concerts take place in Warsaw and are open to the public. Known as "Jazz at the Old Town," it is one of the longest festivals in all of Europe. Polish jazz musicians are joined by performers from all over the world, and diverse musical acts attract people far and wide to enjoy the lively festivities. 
• Mid-summer: On the banks of Krakow's Wisla River, the annual Wianki festival takes place. Translated into English as "wreaths," this event includes music, cultural arts, and a wreath decorating contest.

Poland in September-November

The vibrant greens of summer give way to yellows and oranges as September stains the thickly forested mountains a tapestry of autumnal shades. Fall in Poland welcomes temperatures ranging from the high 30s to the high 50s (Fahrenheit). As peak tourism season begins to die down, and rains pick up, it's a nice quiet time to visit, but layering your clothing is key. 

Holidays & Events

• October: The 10-day Warsaw International Film Festival celebrates international filmmakers and highlighting new and exciting trends in the film industry. 
• November 1: Also a day to remember and honor those who have passed, and sometimes referred to as the Day of the Dead, All Saints Day is celebrated each year, mainly to commemorate saints. 
• November 11: Polish Independence Day is celebrated annually in recognition of the country's 1918 establishment of the sovereign Second Polish republic.
• November: All Souls Jazz Festival, Europe's oldest jazz festival, takes place in Krakow, and brings musicians from all over the world together for a night of music and celebration.