Winter in Warsaw brings cold air, short days, and frequent snow, changing the city’s look and feel. You’ll face long, freezing months where daytime highs often hover near 0°C, and nights drop well below freezing. This climate can be tough but also leaves a lasting impression, especially if you want to experience the city in its quietest season.
Snow falls often, and icy winds make the air feel sharper than the numbers suggest. Sunshine is scarce, with December offering some of the shortest days, while thick clouds usually keep the sky gray.
These conditions set the rhythm for daily life and travel in winter.
Knowing Warsaw’s winter climate helps you get ready for more than just the cold. It gives you a sense of what to expect with temperatures, snowfall, and daylight, so planning becomes less of a guesswork and more about enjoying your trip.
Overview of Warsaw’s Winter Climate
Warsaw’s winter brings cold temperatures, plenty of clouds, and not much daylight. Snow shows up regularly, days are short, and things feel colder than the rest of the year.
Location and Climate Classification
Warsaw sits in central Poland at about 106 meters (349 feet) above sea level (see GeoNames geographical database). The city has a humid continental climate, which means cold winters and warm summers, but no real dry season.
In winter, average daily highs reach about 1°C to 2°C (34°F to 36°F), and nighttime lows often drop to -4°C (25°F) or colder. Snow happens a lot, but rain and freezing rain mix in too.
Clouds stick around most of the time. About two-thirds of December and January days are overcast, so sunshine drops to just 2–3 hours per day. The city feels colder than the temperature alone would suggest.
Humidity stays high, usually around 80%, adding to the chill. Winds blow at a moderate pace, but they can feel stronger in wide-open areas, especially by the Vistula River.
Seasonal Patterns and Duration
Winter usually runs from late November through early March, with the coldest stretch in January and February. During these months, daily highs rarely rise above freezing, and snow can stick around for days or weeks.
Daylight is shortest in December, averaging only 7 to 8 hours. By February, the days get a bit longer, but sunshine is still hard to find.
Precipitation drops in winter compared to summer. Monthly averages fall around 25–40 mm, mostly as snow or sleet. Heavy snowstorms aren’t the norm, but you’ll deal with icy sidewalks and packed snow on smaller streets.
Tourism slows down. Landmarks are quieter, but you’ll need warm clothes and sturdy shoes to handle icy conditions.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Compared to summer, winter in Warsaw feels like a different world. Summer highs often reach 25–30°C (77–86°F), and daylight stretches for 16–17 hours in June and July. In winter, highs barely reach freezing, and daylight drops to less than half what you get in summer.
Spring and autumn serve as transition periods. Spring brings more sun and milder days, while autumn cools off quickly after September. Rain falls more often in these seasons, with 60–90 mm per month, while winter is drier.
If you visit in winter, the city’s pace slows down. People spend more time indoors, and outdoor life shrinks. This seasonal contrast really defines Warsaw’s climate.
Typical Winter Temperatures in Warsaw
Winter temperatures in Warsaw stay close to freezing, with plenty of nights dipping well below 0°C. December through February brings steady cold, and January usually feels the harshest.
Average Highs and Lows by Month
In December, daily highs average around 2°C, and lows often fall to -2°C. Nights feel even colder when the wind picks up and clouds roll in.
January is the coldest month. Highs hover near 0°C, and lows drop to about -5°C. Sometimes, cold spells keep temperatures below freezing for several days.
By February, things ease up a bit. Highs rise to about 3°C, and lows sit near -3°C. Days grow longer, but the nights are still cold.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| December | 2°C | -2°C |
| January | 0°C | -5°C |
| February | 3°C | -3°C |
These averages give you a decent idea of what to expect, but weather can change quickly.
Temperature Extremes and Records
You’ll want to be ready for extremes, too. Warsaw sometimes sees winter lows below -10°C, and on rare nights, even below -14°C. This usually happens in January when skies clear out.
Highs above 5–7°C show up now and then, but don’t count on it. Occasionally, daytime temperatures hit 10°C, mostly during short thaws in February.
The coldest days blow in with strong eastern winds. When warmer Atlantic air moves in from the west, temperatures spike for a day or two. You might see both in one week, so packing layers is smart.
Hourly and Daily Variations
Temperatures swing between day and night. Mornings are usually the coldest, with lows right before sunrise. By early afternoon, things warm up by a few degrees, but in mid-winter, it’s still often below freezing.
In January, mornings average near -5°C, and afternoons might reach 0°C. The daily swing isn’t huge, but you’ll feel it outside.
Clouds play a role, too. Clear nights cool off faster, while overcast skies trap some warmth. On those rare sunny winter days, the cold often feels sharper.
Snowfall and Precipitation Patterns
Winter in Warsaw brings frequent snow, light to moderate rainfall, and long stretches of cloudy skies. Moisture hangs in the air, but the form—snow, sleet, or rain—depends on the temperature.
Average Snowfall Amounts
Snow falls from late November through March, with the most piling up in January and February. On average, Warsaw gets 30 to 40 cm (12–16 inches) of snow per winter season.
Snow usually comes in smaller, repeated bursts instead of big storms. This creates a steady snow cover that can last for weeks, especially when it stays cold.
Snow depth in the city doesn’t match Poland’s mountain regions, but it’s enough to affect daily life. Crews clear main roads fast, but side streets and parks keep their snow longer, so you’ll see winter conditions stick around.
Rainfall and Mixed Precipitation
With temperatures often near 0°C (32°F), you’ll notice a lot of switching between snow, freezing rain, and sleet. This mix pops up most in December and March when mild Atlantic air sweeps in.
Average liquid precipitation is 20–35 mm per month in winter, which is less than in summer but still steady. Instead of big storms, winter brings lighter, drawn-out precipitation over many days.
Rain won’t outnumber snow, but when it falls, it usually comes as cold drizzle or light showers. If temperatures drop, these can freeze on the ground and make the city slippery.
Wet and Dry Days in Winter
Expect about 10 to 13 days each month with measurable precipitation, including both snow and rain. Completely dry spells are rare, but they happen when cold continental air settles in.
Cloudy days far outnumber clear ones. December is especially dark, with sunshine in short supply.
Dry days usually show up when high-pressure systems from the east move in. These bring colder, more stable weather and cut down on snowfall for a few days. This back-and-forth between wet and dry shapes Warsaw’s winter rhythm, as seen in long-term data sets like those from the Global Land Cover Share project.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine Hours
Winter in Warsaw means lots of cloud cover, little sunshine, and short days. Overcast skies are the norm, sunny breaks are rare, and daylight hours change fast from December through February.
Cloudiness Trends Through Winter
Warsaw winters really stand out for heavy cloud cover. In December, clouds cover about 80–83% of daylight hours, so you only get brief moments of sunshine. January and February look similar, with clouds dominating about 75–80% of the day.
Moist air from the Atlantic and Baltic Sea keeps these clouds hanging over central Poland. Weather systems stall out, which means bright days are few and far between.
Satellite data, like from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), shows how Warsaw’s flat terrain lets cloud layers linger. There aren’t any mountains to break things up.
Most winter days feel dim, with only an occasional afternoon clearing. If you love photography, you’ll notice this makes outdoor shots tricky.
Average Sunshine Duration
Sunshine hours in winter are short and scattered. December offers only about 1 hour 15 minutes of sun per day, January bumps up to around 1 hour 40 minutes, and February nearly 2 hours per day.
| Month | Avg. Sunshine Hours/Day | % of Daylight Sunny |
|---|---|---|
| December | ~1h 15m | 17% |
| January | ~1h 40m | 21% |
| February | ~1h 55m | 20% |
Even when the sun peeks out, it’s often through thin clouds or haze. The light isn’t strong, so it still feels a bit gloomy.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, try to schedule them near midday—that’s when you’re most likely to catch some sun.
Daylight Length Changes
Daylight changes a lot over the winter. In December, Warsaw gets only about 7 hours 48 minutes of daylight. By January, you get around 8 hours 18 minutes, and in February, it jumps to nearly 10 hours.
| Month | Avg. Daylight Hours |
|---|---|
| December | ~7h 48m |
| January | ~8h 18m |
| February | ~9h 50m |
The winter solstice in late December brings the lowest sun angle, with the midday sun only about 14–18° above the horizon. Shadows stretch out, and even at noon, the light feels weak.
As February moves along, daylight increases fast, giving you a bit more time outdoors. Still, the low sun and constant clouds keep things dim compared to spring or summer.
Humidity, Wind, and Other Atmospheric Conditions
In winter, Warsaw hits you with high humidity, regular winds, and steady pressure patterns that change how the cold feels. These factors play into comfort, travel, and what you should wear outside.
Relative Humidity Levels
Humidity stays high all winter. Average values usually sit between 80% and 89%, with November and December being the dampest. This makes the cold feel sharper and can really cut through your layers.
When temperatures hang around 0°C, that humidity makes things feel even colder. Moist air also means more fog and low clouds. You’ll see fewer clear days than in spring or summer.
If you’re visiting, pack clothes that keep out moisture. Waterproof jackets and insulated boots make a difference when humidity mixes with snow or slush. High humidity also leads to icy sidewalks, so walking gets tricky fast.
Wind Speed and Direction
In winter, Warsaw gets frequent winds that really add to the chill. Average wind speeds usually hit 10–15 km/h, but sometimes storms push gusts even higher.
Winds mostly come from the west and northwest, which pulls in colder air from northern Europe.
Wind chill matters a lot. Even if the thermometer says it’s just below freezing, steady winds can make it feel much colder.
You’ll notice this quickly if you spend time outside, whether you’re walking downtown or heading out of the city.
Watch out for exposed spots like bridges, open squares, or riverbanks. Winds seem much stronger in those places.
A windproof jacket and a good scarf help a lot. If you’re planning outdoor activities, keep in mind that wind can shift fast, especially when a front passes through.
Atmospheric Pressure Trends
Frequent shifts in atmospheric pressure shape Warsaw’s winter weather. Sea-level pressure usually sits around 1000–1020 hPa, but a sudden drop can mean snow or rain is on the way.
High-pressure systems bring colder, clearer days, while low-pressure ones come with clouds and precipitation.
These ups and downs make the weather feel different every day. If pressure drops, you’ll probably get damp, unsettled weather.
When pressure rises, skies clear up, but the temperature drops.
Some people feel physical discomfort like headaches or fatigue when pressure changes. If you’re traveling, it’s smart to check local forecasts—pressure swings often signal quick changes in Warsaw’s winter weather.
Practical Considerations for Winter Visitors
Winter in Warsaw means freezing temperatures, plenty of snow, and shorter days. You’ll want to dress for the cold, plan for possible travel delays, and maybe even try some seasonal activities that show off the city’s winter vibe.
What to Pack and Wear
Expect temperatures below freezing, especially in January when it hovers between -4 °C and 1 °C. Snow and icy winds are pretty common, so packing the right clothes really matters.
Bring a heavy winter coat, insulated gloves, a warm hat, and a scarf. Waterproof boots with good grip make a big difference since sidewalks get slippery.
Layer up—thermal shirts, sweaters, and fleece jackets keep you warm both inside and out.
If you’ll be walking a lot, wool socks and lined shoes help. A small umbrella might come in handy, though you’ll see more snow than rain.
Sunglasses can be useful too on bright days when sunlight bounces off the snow.
Travel and Transportation
Warsaw Chopin Airport handles most international flights. Winter weather can cause some delays, but the airport deals with snow and ice pretty well.
Public transport—trams, buses, and the metro—usually runs smoothly, even in snow. Tickets don’t cost much and you can get them at kiosks or machines.
If you rent a car, make sure it has winter tires because roads get slippery.
Taxis and ride-hailing apps are easy to find, but traffic slows down when it’s snowing hard.
You can walk around the city center, but icy sidewalks can slow you down, so give yourself extra time to get from place to place.
Seasonal Activities and Events
Winter brings a mix of cultural and festive experiences you just won’t find any other time of year. Holiday markets usually pop up through December, offering traditional food, crafts, and all sorts of decorations.
You’ll see ice skating rinks set up in places like Old Town Square. If the weather cooperates, parks and nearby forests turn into perfect spots for winter walks.
On those colder days, I’d pick a museum or gallery. They’re warm, and you’ll get a real sense of Polish history and culture.
Local restaurants roll out hearty seasonal dishes like pierogi and bigos. Honestly, nothing beats that comfort food when it’s freezing outside.
Special concerts and holiday light displays keep the city buzzing, even when it’s cold.