When you picture autumn in Warsaw, you probably imagine crisp air, shorter days, and a steady slide from mild to chilly. On average, daily high temperatures start around 70°F in early September and drop to about 38°F by late November. Cloud cover increases, and daylight hours shrink at a surprising pace. The whole season feels like a time of change, not just in the weather but in the city’s mood too.
September often brings comfortable days and cool evenings. By November, you’ll get a taste of winter, with the first hints of snow showing up.
Rainfall tapers off as fall goes on, but the skies turn grayer, giving Warsaw a softer, muted look. The wind picks up, and you can really feel that brisk autumn bite by late November.
The city feels different compared to summer’s warmth or the deep freeze of winter. If you’re planning a trip, it helps to know what to expect when it comes to temperatures, rainfall, and daylight.
Overview of Warsaw’s Fall Climate
Fall in Warsaw means cooler air, shorter daylight, and a steady push from late-summer warmth toward winter. You’ll see clear changes in cloud cover, daylight, and precipitation every few weeks.
Geographical Context and Location
Warsaw sits in east-central Poland, right on the Vistula River, at about 367 feet (112 meters) above sea level. The city doesn’t have mountains nearby to block cold air.
Because it’s inland, Warsaw’s climate can be a bit unpredictable. Air masses from the Atlantic, continental Europe, and even the Arctic all have a say in the weather.
The land around Warsaw is mostly flat, with fields and built-up areas. Weather systems move in and out quickly, so a sunny morning can turn cloudy by the afternoon.
Temperate Continental Climate Explained
Warsaw has a temperate continental climate, so you get warm summers, cold winters, and in-between seasons like fall that sometimes catch you off guard. Continental climates swing more between day and night than places near the sea.
In fall, temperatures drop steadily. Average daily highs go from 70°F (21°C) in early September down to 38°F (3°C) by late November. Lows slide from 52°F (11°C) to about 30°F (-1°C).
Clouds increase as autumn rolls on. Overcast or mostly cloudy skies climb from 47% in early September to 73% by late November.
Daylight drops fast, too. You lose more than five hours of daylight from the start of September to the end of November.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Rainfall drops as the season moves forward. In September, you’ll see about 1.6 inches (40 mm) of rain, but by late November, it’s closer to 0.9 inches (23 mm).
Early fall brings more rain than snow, but by November, you’ll get some mixed precipitation and the first light snow.
Snow usually waits until late in the season. November can bring up to 1.5 inches (4 cm) of snow, but plenty of years get less.
Winds pick up, increasing from about 9 mph in early fall to nearly 11 mph by late November. Most winds come from the west. When you mix wind with dropping temperatures, late fall can feel colder than you’d expect.
Daylight saving time ends in late October, so sunrise and sunset both happen about an hour earlier. By the end of November, the sun sets before 3:30 PM—not a lot of time for outdoor plans.
Average Temperatures During Fall
Fall in Warsaw brings a steady drop in temperatures, shorter days, and more gray skies. The season moves quickly from September’s mild warmth to the near-winter chill of late November.
Monthly Temperature Trends: September to November
In September, daily highs hit about 21°C (70°F), with lows around 11°C (52°F). The first half of the month still feels pretty gentle.
By October, things cool off. Highs average 13°C (55°F), and lows fall to about 6°C (43°F). You’ll notice crisp mornings and evenings—layers suddenly make sense.
November feels much colder. Highs drop to about 5°C (41°F), and lows hover near 0°C (32°F). Frost starts to show up, and the first snow isn’t far behind.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| September | 21°C / 70°F | 11°C / 52°F |
| October | 13°C / 55°F | 6°C / 43°F |
| November | 5°C / 41°F | 0°C / 32°F |
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
Early fall afternoons can be warm, but nights cool off quickly. September brings the biggest swings between day and night.
By October, the difference shrinks a bit, but mornings still feel chilly even if afternoons are okay. You’ll probably want a jacket handy all day.
In November, daytime highs rarely get much above freezing, and nights often slip below. Cold mornings and early sunsets really drive home that winter’s almost here.
Historical Temperature Extremes
Averages help, but extremes tell a different story. In early fall, temperatures can still spike to 27°C (81°F) on rare warm days. It doesn’t happen often, but it’s not impossible.
Late November can bring nights as cold as -8°C (17°F). These lows aren’t typical, but they pop up enough to make you think about frost and ice.
For a little context, Warsaw’s hottest summer days average 24°C (75°F), while the coldest winter days settle around -5°C (23°F). Fall sits right in the middle, and the shift happens fast.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Autumn in Warsaw shifts away from summer’s wetter days toward cooler, more unpredictable precipitation. Rainfall drops as the season goes on, but gray skies and dampness stick around. You’ll get light rain, the odd shower, and by late November, the first snow.
Monthly Average Rainfall in Fall
Rainfall in autumn shows a steady decline. September is the wettest month of the season, with about 50–60 mm of rain. October drops to 40–45 mm. By November, it’s down to 35–40 mm, and snow chances start to rise.
Here’s a quick look at average rainfall by month:
| Month | Avg Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| September | 50–60 |
| October | 40–45 |
| November | 35–40 |
Even though the totals drop, the number of cloudy and damp days doesn’t fall as quickly. The ground stays moist, especially in October when cooler air slows down evaporation.
Frequency of Rainy Days
In fall, you can expect 10–13 days of measurable rain per month. September usually has the most, while November brings fewer rainy days but more mixed precipitation.
Most rain comes in short bursts, not long storms. This makes it a bit easier to plan around the weather, but you’ll still want an umbrella or raincoat—especially in September, when sudden showers are common.
By November, you’ll see fewer rainy days, but the weather feels damp thanks to constant clouds and the first snow.
Types of Precipitation in Autumn
Autumn precipitation starts as mostly rain in September, shifting to a mix of rain and snow by late November. Early fall brings light to moderate rain. Drizzle often shows up in the mornings and evenings.
In October, you might notice sleet on colder days. November usually brings the first snow showers, but they’re light and tend to melt quickly. Wet snow is more common than the dry, powdery kind at this point.
This mix makes autumn travel a bit unpredictable. If you’re exploring the city, waterproof shoes and layers will help you handle whatever the weather throws at you.
Humidity and Atmospheric Conditions
In Warsaw, humidity rises steadily through fall, and you’ll start to feel it more as the season goes on. The extra moisture in the air changes how the cold feels and how comfortable you are outside.
Relative Humidity Levels by Month
Warsaw’s relative humidity stays high most of the year, but fall really pushes it up. In September, you’ll see averages around 75–77%—not bad when it’s still mild outside.
By October, humidity jumps to about 80–83%. Days start to feel damper, and chilly evenings feel even colder.
In November, humidity peaks at about 89%—that’s the highest of the year. Shorter days and heavy clouds make the air feel thick and damp.
| Month | Avg. Relative Humidity | Notable Effect |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~75–77% | Mild, tolerable moisture |
| October | ~80–83% | Noticeable dampness |
| November | ~89% | Very high, air feels heavy |
These numbers reflect Warsaw’s continental climate. As autumn slides into winter, the air just keeps getting damper and chillier.
Impact on Comfort and Health
High humidity in cool weather makes outdoor activities feel a bit less pleasant. When the air is damp, your body loses heat faster, so 10°C with 85% humidity feels colder than the same temperature on a dry day.
This is especially true in late fall. Walking or biking can leave you chilled, even if you dress warmly. Indoors, you might notice condensation on the windows and a bit of stuffiness.
Humidity also affects health. People with asthma or breathing issues may struggle more in damp air. Joint stiffness and aches aren’t uncommon during Warsaw’s humid fall months.
You can stay more comfortable by wearing layered, breathable clothes and running a dehumidifier indoors. Paying attention to both temperature and humidity helps you get through the season.
Wind and Sunshine in Autumn
In autumn, you’ll notice shorter days, more clouds, and less sunshine in Warsaw. Winds get stronger, and cloudy skies become the norm as winter approaches.
Average Wind Speed and Direction
Winds in Warsaw during autumn usually average 11–15 km/h (7–9 mph). Breezes feel stronger in late October and November when cooler air moves in from the north and west.
The prevailing wind direction changes, but westerly and northwesterly winds show up most often. These winds bring cooler, damp air and make it feel colder than it actually is.
Calm days still happen, especially in early September. By late autumn, gusts become more common. Open areas like parks or along the Vistula River feel windier, while the city center blocks some of the breeze, though you’ll still find sharp gusts between buildings.
Monthly Sunshine Hours
Sunshine drops fast in the fall. In September, you get about 5–6 hours of sunshine per day. By October, it’s down to 3–4 hours, and in November, you might only see 2 hours or less.
This means outdoor plans are easier in early autumn, but late autumn requires more flexibility. Evenings come early, with sunset before 4:00 p.m. in November.
The difference between early and late autumn is obvious. September still feels bright, while November is dim and overcast for much of the day. If you like walking tours or outdoor markets, you’ll probably enjoy September and early October the most.
Typical Cloud Cover
Cloud cover creeps up as autumn moves along. In September, you’ll see partly cloudy skies about half the time. By October, overcast days start to take over, and in November it’s cloudy most days.
Usually, cloud cover jumps from around 47% in early autumn to more than 70% by late autumn. That’s the main reason sunshine hours drop off so fast.
You’ll spot those gray skies often, especially in November, when low clouds and fog hang around. It doesn’t rain all the time, but the thick cloud layer can stick around for hours, leaving the city in a soft, muted light.
Comparing Fall Weather to Other Seasons
Warsaw’s climate changes quickly in the second half of the year. Temperatures fall, daylight shrinks, and the kind of precipitation shifts, so you’ll notice a big difference from the late summer warmth and the colder, tougher days of winter.
Transition from Summer to Fall
When summer wraps up in Warsaw, you can’t miss the steady cooling trend. Average highs drop from about 70°F (21°C) in early September to 38°F (3°C) by late November. Nights get chilly too, with lows going from the low 50s°F (10–12°C) down to almost freezing.
Cloud cover thickens fast. In early September, skies often look partly clear, but by late fall, gray days are the norm. Rain doesn’t fall as often as it does in summer, though you’ll still get some quick showers in September.
Daylight really takes a hit. You lose almost 5½ hours of daylight from the start of September to the end of November. Sunsets shift from after 7 PM in early fall to before 3:30 PM as the season closes out.
If you’re visiting, you’ll go from warm evenings outside in September to bundling up and planning your day around shorter daylight by late November.
How Autumn Differs from Winter
Winter in Warsaw feels colder and more settled than fall. By December, average highs barely reach freezing, and lows drop well below it. Fall, on the other hand, still gives you a mix of cool and mild days earlier in the season.
Snow gets more common in winter. In fall, you rarely see snow until late November, when it finally shows up more often. By the middle of winter, snow covers the ground regularly, and rain almost disappears compared to autumn.
Winds pick up a bit in late fall and stay brisk through winter, usually coming from the west. With freezing temperatures, winter feels a lot harsher than the up-and-down chill of autumn.
Daylight is another big difference. Fall days get shorter fast, but winter locks in the shortest stretches, with less than 8 hours of sunlight in December. That makes winter feel darker and colder than the still-changing, unpredictable days of autumn.
Tips for Visiting Warsaw in the Fall
Fall in Warsaw brings cooler days, shorter daylight hours, and a mix of sunshine, rain, and fog. You’ll want to prepare for changing weather but also take advantage of seasonal events, colorful parks, and the city’s unique autumn culture.
Recommended Clothing and Gear
Temperatures in Warsaw during fall swing from the upper 60s °F (about 20°C) in early September to close to freezing by late November. You’ll need to pack layers. A light jacket or sweater works for September, but by November you’ll want a warm coat, hat, and gloves.
Rain pops up pretty often, so a compact umbrella or a waterproof jacket is a smart choice. Streets get damp, and parks can be muddy, so comfortable waterproof shoes beat sneakers any day.
Daylight disappears fast, especially late in the season. It’s handy to carry a small flashlight or just use your phone light for those dim walks.
Here’s a quick packing guide:
| Item | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Waterproof jacket | Frequent rain showers |
| Warm coat | Cold mornings and evenings |
| Sturdy shoes | Wet streets and park paths |
| Scarf, hat, gloves | Necessary by late fall |
| Umbrella | Light but steady rain |
Outdoor Activities and Events
Fall really feels like the perfect time to wander through Warsaw’s parks. Łazienki Park and Saxon Garden turn into a sea of gold in October, so if you’re after great photos or just want a peaceful walk, that’s the moment to go.
Sometimes, fog rolls in during early mornings. It gives the city’s old streets this mysterious, almost magical vibe.
In November, you might want to check out royal residences like the Royal Castle or Wilanów Palace. They sometimes let people in for free, which is always a nice surprise.
These places often put on concerts or exhibitions that feel just right for the colder months.
If you’re around in early November, you’ll see cemeteries like Stare Powązki glowing with thousands of candles for All Saints’ Day. Honestly, it’s a hauntingly beautiful tradition—hard to forget.
When it comes to food, restaurants start serving up seasonal dishes like mushroom soup, roast goose, or all sorts of pumpkin meals.
Warm drinks are everywhere too. Mulled wine seems to show up on every menu, and it’s perfect for those chilly evenings.
In neighborhoods like Saska Kępa, small cafes keep buzzing, even when it’s cold outside.