For many first-time visitors to Poland their vacation starts in a large city but there is so much more to see in Poland than just the cities. Once you get out and see the Polish countryside during your vacation to Poland you will fall in love with the place.
Poland is not the most well-known or popular European summer destination. When you visit Poland in the summer, you will find warm temperatures awaiting you. Poland has a typical European continental climate in the summer months. Average temperatures vary from 25° to 35° Celsius. Summer in Poland can be absolutely glorious.
Summer in Poland
Where to go in Poland in the summer? You will find that for vacations in Poland, the southern Poland weather conditions are the warmest in the Polish summer months. A good time to visit Poland is also the shoulder season around mid-September.
You will be able to exchange the rain jacket for your summer holidays to Poland and grey winter weather for warm clothes or T-shirts and forget about the cold winter season. Summer is considered the best time to visit Poland with people and tourists flock to the Baltic Sea to enjoy their beach holidays in Poland or the Southern Mountains.
With the rainiest season over, less unpredictable weather and the ski resorts closed, the average temperatures rise bringing people to the beach for their summer holidays in Poland and national parks.
Best areas to visit in Poland in summer
You will find the best places to visit in Poland during summer are the towns on the Baltic Coast. They are pleasantly warm and draw people in from all over the country looking for sunny days by the water.
Some of the main Polish vacation summer in Poland destinations on the Baltic Coast include the cities of Sopot, Gdansk, Gdynia, Kolobrzeg and Rewa. These are constantly ranked as some of the places to visit in Poland in summer.
- Sopot: Known for its long wooden pier and sandy beaches, Sopot is a popular seaside resort town with a lively nightlife and contemporary music scene in the peak season
- Gdańsk: This historical port city is known for its well-preserved Old Town, beautiful architecture, and rich cultural heritage. The town of Gdansk is popular not only in the high season but all year round with people who visit Poland
- Rewa: a charming town located in the Pomerania region, known for its stunning beaches and relaxed atmosphere. Its white sand beaches are popular for a Poland family holiday. On warm days and during the hot periods of summer in Poland it can get very crowded.
- Gdynia: Known for its modern architecture and excellent marina, Gdynia is a popular spot for sailing and water sports on sunny days.
- Kolobrzeg: another charming coastal town during the warmer temperatures, with a wide range of options to enjoy the seaside for your summer holiday in Poland. This northern coast location is ideal for sports to spa resorts in warm temperatures.
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Summer Festivals in Poland
During the summer on the Baltic Coast, you will be able to find an international festival or two happening. In Gdansk, the Mystic Festival at the shipyard draws people from the major cities to see popular Polish bands.
In Gdynia, The Open’er Festival is one of the largest summer music festivals in Poland featuring a truly international lineup for music lovers. These festivals are held in summer to avoid the rainy days and sudden storms that winter is known for.
A little further away but still in the northern part of Poland is the Poznan Good Taste Festival, while in the capital you will find the Warsaw Film Festival and the Cross Culture festival. Both are great events to visit in the pleasantly warm summer in Poland.
Down south, without the threat of the rainy season and frequent rain showers, the temperatures continue to rise with the Jewish Cultural Festival in Kraków and the Good Beer Festival in Wroclaw in south-eastern Poland.
See more festivals in Poland: 12 festivals in Poland you don’t want to miss!
Visiting the Tatra Mountains in summer
The Tatra Mountains, also known as the Tatras, is a mountain range located in southern Poland and northeastern Slovakia. They are the highest mountain range in the Carpathian Mountains and the highest in Poland.
The Tatras are known for their unique alpine landscapes, including glacial lakes and valleys, as well as for their rich flora and fauna. Top Poland outdoor activities in this summer destination include hiking, skiing, and mountaineering. The Tatra National Park, which covers parts of both Poland and Slovakia is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
There are several popular vacation spots in Poland located in the Tatra Mountains when you visit Poland during summer, each offering a unique experience. Some of the most well-known towns include:
- Zakopane: Known as the winter capital of Poland, Zakopane is a popular destination for skiing and winter sports. It is also a popular destination in the pleasant weather of Poland summer for hiking and outdoor activities
- Karkonosze: A popular destination for both winter and summer activities, Karkonosze is home to several ski resorts as well as hiking trails. A visit in early spring sees fewer tourists before it heads towards grey winter conditions and the ski season
- Szklarska Poręba: A picturesque town located in the Karkonosze Mountains, Szklarska Poręba is popular for its hiking trails and scenic views. After a bitterly cold winter, it’s great to get outside with light clothes in the Polish weather
- Kościelisko: A small village located in the Tatras, Kościelisko is popular for its natural beauty and outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing
- Bukowina Tatrzańska: This village is located in the Tatra Mountains and is known for its thermal baths, skiing and hiking trails.
Poland is great to visit with its distinctive seasons of summer and early spring providing good weather before winter and the low season’s cool rains and snow showers arrive. Summer in Poland is a wonderful time to visit and will make you want to return in any season.
Quick checklist for your trip to Poland
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FAQs about visiting Poland
For anyone wanting to visit Poland in summer, there are a few frequently asked questions that we can answer to make your vacation in Poland a success.
What is the hottest month in Poland?
The hottest month in Poland is usually July, with average temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius (68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit) in the lowlands and can reach up to 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) in some regions in Poland.
The temperature can be higher in some years, especially in the south and western parts of Poland, but generally, the weather is quite pleasant during summertime, with occasional thunderstorms.
What is the typical weather in Poland?
The typical weather in Poland varies depending on the season. In the winter, temperatures can drop below freezing and there can be snowfall. In the spring and fall, temperatures are generally mild and there can be rain.
In Poland in summer, temperatures can reach up to 30 degrees Celsius and there can be occasional wet summers and thunderstorms. Overall, the climate in Poland is considered temperate with four distinct seasons.
How cold are Polish winters?
Polish winters can be quite cold, with the average temperature frequently dropping below freezing.
Average temperatures in January, the coldest month, range from -5 to -1 degrees Celsius (23 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit) in the lowlands and can drop to -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit) in the mountains.
Snowfall is common in many regions of the country and it can be quite heavy in some areas. The eastern regions of Poland are generally colder than the west and the south.
What is the coldest month in Poland?
The coldest month in Poland is January, with average temperatures ranging from -5 to -1 degrees Celsius (23 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit) in the lowlands and can drop to -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit) in the mountains. The coldest areas are usually in the east and the mountains, where temperatures can drop well below freezing and snowfall is common in the low season.
What is the best month to visit Poland?
The best month to visit Poland depends on what you’re interested in seeing and experiencing. If you’re looking to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and sightseeing, the late spring months (May, June) or summer (July, August) are the best times for a summer vacation in Poland.
The weather is generally warm and there are many festivals and events taking place. If you’re looking to experience the Christmas markets and winter sports, December-February would be the best months to visit.
The Fall or Autumn (September, October) is a good time to visit as well, as the leaves change color and the early winter weather is still mild. Overall, it depends on what you want to see and do on your Poland summer holidays .
Is Poland safe for travel?
Violent crime is rare in Poland, but like most countries petty crime, such as pickpocketing, is common. Thieves often work in small groups, so be aware in tourist areas and near hotels, markets, ATMs, currency exchange bureaus and public transport.
Whether you are looking for the perfect base for family holidays in Poland or you are looking for some adventurous holidays to Poland there are so many Poland vacation spots that have a plethora of activities for you to discover!
We hope this article from us here at Poland Travel Expert has given you all of the very best options on things to do in summer in Poland and has you planning what to do in Poland in summer.
If you are looking to extend your European trip by adding another country then a visit to Poland is the perfect addition.
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Author Bio: Mark Wyld
Mark Wyld is a Father, husband, traveller, and writer at Poland Travel Expert and other blogs. I have accumulated a wealth of experience over multiple visits to Poland. Thanks to our friends in Poland, we stay connected to the pulse of the nation, ensuring that our content is up to date with our first hand experience. The information on this website is backed by genuine expertise.