Getting Around is Easy
The Weather
Warsaw weather is like a “you won another ticket” lottery win: not great, not terrible. The yearly average hovers around 8–9°C, but as with all stats, that doesn’t tell the whole story. So what can you realistically expect?
The Weather
← Back to ArticlesThe sweet spot in Warsaw runs from mid-April to mid-October, with a few deviations thanks to climate anomalies. Here’s the breakdown:
April to May
Things start to look up around mid-April. By Majówka (the long weekend around May 1st), you’ll see grills fired up and pale Warsaw residents sunbathing in local parks. Pro tip: Majówka combines May 1st (Labour Day) and May 3rd (Constitution Day) into a week-long excuse for relaxation (with some strategic vacation days thrown in).
May and June are usually chef’s kiss weather—sunny, warm, and perfect for picnics, outdoor cafés, and pretending you don’t secretly love pierogi on a blanket.
July to August
July is where things heat up—literally and figuratively. Expect scorching days, summer storms, and those torrential downpours that somehow drench you even if you’re just sprinting from tram to café. August often takes it up a notch with temperatures soaring past 30°C, so consider air conditioning when choosing a hotel or apartment (still not a standard here).
On the bright side, summer evenings are idyllic. Restaurant gardens are buzzing, and the breeze along the Vistula makes everything feel a little more bearable than the sweltering afternoons in the concrete jungle.
September to October
Enter Polish golden autumn, when Warsaw really shows off. Think crisp air, colorful leaves, and sunny, dry days (if the weather gods are kind). Locals make the most of the last sunny moments—expect packed outdoor tables and frantic vitamin D hoarding.
Mentally, though, residents are bracing for the gray fog of the months to come. The motto? "Enjoy it while it lasts."
November to March: The Dark Times
- November: Let’s call it Polish De La Muerte. Head to Powązki Cemetery on All Saints’ Day for a hauntingly beautiful experience—thousands of candles lighting up the graves in the early darkness (the sun sets around 4 PM). The fog and chill might even make you believe you like this early dusk nonsense. Spoiler: you don’t.
- December: It’s all about Christmas lights, decorations, and the sweet, syrupy promise of mulled wine (good luck avoiding a sugar hangover). If you’re smart, pack a thermos with spiked ginger tea or sneak some Baileys into your takeout coffee. Snowy Christmas? Rare these days. But at least there are Christmas markets to complain about.
- January and February: The true test of endurance. These are the coldest and windiest months, filled with general exhaustion from the weather. It’s worse than November, but by now, we’re used to it. Also, it’s winter break season, so there’s a glimmer of hope in all the whining. If you’re considering visiting Warsaw for the first time? Don’t. Trust me.
- March: Finally, a faint glimmer of hope. It’s usually dry and windy, with the spring equinox (March 21st) offering a symbolic fresh start. After this, it’s all about counting down the days until mid-April when life in Warsaw becomes enjoyable again.
TL;DR
If you're planning a visit, aim for April to October for optimal enjoyment. November to March? Either embrace the gloom or escape via Chopin Airport.
