If you’re planning a summer trip to Warsaw, knowing what kind of weather to expect really makes a difference. Summers in Warsaw usually feel warm, with average daytime highs around 23–25°C (73–77°F), and sometimes you’ll see peaks near 30°C (86°F).
You get long daylight hours, so it’s easy to spend time in the city’s parks, at outdoor cafes, or just wandering along the riverfront.
Mornings and evenings tend to feel comfortable, with cooler lows around 12–14°C (54–57°F). Rain happens in summer, especially in July, which is the wettest month, but showers don’t usually last long and sunshine often follows.
This mix of warmth and occasional rain gives Warsaw a nice balance for sightseeing or just relaxing.
Overview of the Climate of Warsaw
Warsaw has a temperate continental climate shaped by its inland location, far from large bodies of water.
You’ll notice cold, snowy winters, warm summers, and clear shifts between seasons. Rainfall spreads out pretty evenly across the year.
Climate Classification and Location
Warsaw sits in east‑central Poland on the Vistula River, about 100 meters above sea level. Its climate falls under the humid continental (Dfb) category in the Köppen system.
So, winters get cold but not arctic, and summers are warm but never tropical.
Since the city is inland and far from the ocean, it doesn’t get much of that coastal moderation. Temperatures swing more between seasons than in western Europe.
Warsaw sits on a flat plain, so winds from the west and northeast move through easily. Westerly winds bring moist air from the Atlantic, while easterly winds can bring colder, drier air from Russia.
That mix of air masses makes the city’s weather pretty variable.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Warsaw goes through four distinct seasons. Winter (December–February) brings cold, often below-freezing temperatures, and regular snowfall.
Spring (March–May) starts chilly and damp but warms up as the months go by, with trees and flowers blooming.
Summer (June–August) brings average highs around 24–26°C (75–79°F). Days stretch long, with 8–10 hours of sunshine, and short thunderstorms happen pretty often.
Humidity stays moderate, so the heat doesn’t usually feel overwhelming.
Autumn (September–November) cools off quickly, with temperatures dropping from the mid‑teens Celsius in September to nearly freezing by late November.
You’ll see more clouds, especially in October and November, when skies stay overcast about 70–75% of the time.
Rainfall stays moderate year‑round, averaging about 550 mm (22 in) annually. Summers are just a bit wetter, and winters a bit drier.
Temperature Extremes
Most days stay within seasonal averages, but Warsaw does get its share of extremes. In January, average temperatures hover around –1 to –2°C (28–30°F), but sometimes cold snaps push readings below –10°C (14°F).
Historical lows have even dropped below –20°C (–4°F).
Summers are usually mild, but during heat waves, temperatures can climb above 30°C (86°F). These hot spells don’t last long but can feel pretty intense, especially downtown where concrete and asphalt trap the heat.
It’s kind of wild—winters can bring heavy snow and biting cold, while summers sometimes get as hot as southern Europe. That wide range really defines Warsaw’s climate.
Typical Summer Weather in Warsaw
Summers in Warsaw bring steady warmth, longer days, and a mix of sunny and rainy stretches.
You’ll usually get comfortable conditions for outdoor fun, though showers and humidity shifts pop up now and then.
Average Summer Temperatures
From June through August, daytime highs usually land between 21°C and 24°C (70°F–75°F). July is the warmest month, often reaching 23°C–24°C (73°F–75°F).
At night, lows typically fall between 12°C and 14°C (54°F–57°F), so evenings feel cool but not cold.
Heatwaves don’t happen often, but sometimes temperatures push toward 30°C (86°F). These hot spells pass pretty quickly and cooler days usually follow.
The steady warmth makes summer reliable for sightseeing, walking tours, and outdoor events. Extreme heat is rare, so you can stay outside for hours without much trouble.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Humidity in Warsaw during summer stays moderate, usually between 60% and 75%. Most days, the air feels comfortable, though July can feel a bit stickier because of the rain.
Rain usually comes as short bursts or afternoon showers, not all-day storms. July is the wettest month, averaging 70–75 mm of rainfall.
Still, rain rarely ruins plans for long.
Winds tend to be light to moderate, averaging 10–15 km/h (6–9 mph). Breezes help on warmer days, especially in parks or near the Vistula River.
Strong winds are rare in summer, so you can count on stable conditions for walking or cycling.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine
Warsaw enjoys long summer days, giving you plenty of time outside. In June, daylight lasts up to 16.5–17 hours, with sunrise before 5:00 a.m. and sunset after 9:00 p.m.
By August, days get a bit shorter but still offer about 14.5 hours of light.
Sunshine averages 8 to 10 hours per day, especially in June and July. Even when it rains, skies usually clear up quickly, leaving bright afternoons.
The UV index ranges from 5 to 6, which counts as moderate to high. Sun protection is a good idea, especially around midday when the sun is strongest.
All that daylight and sunshine really make summer perfect for exploring Warsaw’s outdoor spots.
Summer Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Rainfall in Warsaw during summer stays moderate but steady, with July usually being the wettest month.
You’ll see a mix of light showers, the occasional heavy downpour, and frequent clouds that shape the city’s summer weather.
Monthly Rainfall Averages
Rainfall in Warsaw goes up as summer moves along. June usually brings around 70–75 mm of rain, while July peaks at about 85–90 mm, making it the wettest month.
August drops off a little, averaging 65–70 mm.
So, you’ll get the most rain in mid-summer, but it rarely messes up daily life. Rain tends to come in short bursts, so you can usually get back outside after a quick pause.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) | Climate Note |
|---|---|---|
| June | 70–75 | Start of wetter period |
| July | 85–90 | Peak rainfall |
| August | 65–70 | Gradual decline in rain |
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rain in Warsaw spreads out over many days, but it’s not like every day is a washout. In summer, you can expect 11–13 rainy days per month.
Usually, these are scattered showers, not hours of steady rain.
That means you’ll probably want an umbrella or light jacket, but the weather changes fast. A morning shower might turn into clear skies by lunch.
The climate here favors quick rain events, not long gloomy stretches.
Travelers often find that summer rains don’t cancel outdoor plans. Instead, wet and dry periods just take turns throughout the day.
Thunderstorms and Weather Variability
Thunderstorms happen pretty often in Warsaw during summer, especially in July when warm and moist air meet up.
These storms usually bring brief but heavy downpours, some lightning, and gusty winds.
Storms tend to develop quickly in the late afternoon or evening. They don’t last long, but they can get intense.
This kind of variability is just part of Warsaw’s humid continental climate, where a sunny afternoon can flip to stormy by dinner.
It helps to stay flexible. Carry rain gear and check the forecast before heading out, but don’t let the chance of a shower keep you inside.
Comparing Summer to Other Seasons
Warsaw’s summer brings mild warmth, longer days, and more rain compared to the rest of the year. If you compare spring, autumn, and winter, you’ll see big differences in temperature, daylight, and precipitation.
Spring Versus Summer Weather
Spring in Warsaw starts off cool and gradually warms up by late May. In March, average highs sit near 44°F (7°C), while May gets up to about 66°F (19°C).
Nights stay chilly, often dipping below 50°F (10°C) even at the end of spring.
By summer, daytime highs rise to 71–75°F (22–24°C), with July being the hottest. Nights are milder, averaging 55–57°F (13–14°C), which feels much nicer than spring evenings.
Rainfall goes up as well. May averages around 1.7 inches, while June and July bring closer to 2.1 inches each. Showers happen more often in summer, but they’re usually short.
The biggest change is daylight. May gives you about 15.8 hours of light, but in June, that stretches to nearly 17 hours.
Summer Versus Autumn Weather
Autumn cools down quickly in Warsaw. September still feels nice, with highs around 65°F (18°C), but by November, daytime temperatures drop to about 42°F (6°C).
Nights fall into the 30s°F (1–4°C), so it feels much colder than summer evenings.
Rainfall drops compared to summer. September averages 1.4 inches, and November only 1.0 inch. Showers become less common, but skies get cloudier.
By October, the chance of overcast days goes above 50%, so you don’t get the sunny stretches of July.
Daylight also shrinks fast. September still offers about 12.6 hours, but November falls below 9 hours. That quick change makes autumn feel darker and less lively than summer.
Winter Contrasts
Winter in Warsaw feels like a whole different world compared to summer. Average highs in January hover near 33°F (1°C), with lows around 24°F (-4°C).
Snow is common, averaging 1.9 inches in both January and February.
Instead of summer’s rain, winter brings more snow and mixed precipitation. Days get much shorter, with December offering only 7–8 hours of daylight.
The sun sets as early as 3:30 PM, which really limits outdoor time.
Cloud cover is thickest in winter. December skies are overcast about 71% of the time, compared to just 43% in July.
That makes winter feel pretty gray and closed in, while summer feels wide open and bright.
Best Times to Experience Warm Summers in Warsaw
You’ll find Warsaw’s warmest and sunniest days between late spring and early autumn. Temperatures stay comfortable for hours outdoors, and the city’s parks, riverside walks, and cultural events all come alive.
Ideal Months for Outdoor Activities
June, July, and August feel like the best months for outdoor activities in Warsaw. During these months, daily highs usually sit between 21°C and 24°C (70°F–75°F).
Nights cool off to around 12°C–14°C (54°F–57°F), which is actually quite comfortable. You can stay out all day without worrying about crazy heat.
Summer brings a bit more rain, especially in July, but most showers end quickly. June offers up to 16.5 hours of daylight, so you get loads of time for sightseeing, cycling, or just wandering around.
If you’d rather avoid big crowds but still want decent weather, try late May or early September. During these weeks, temperatures usually hang around 18°C–22°C (64°F–72°F). You can enjoy open-air spaces with a little more elbow room.
Here’s a quick look at the numbers:
| Month | Avg High °C (°F) | Avg Low °C (°F) | Daylight Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| May (late) | 18–20 (64–68) | 8–10 (46–50) | 15–16 |
| June | 21–22 (70–72) | 11–13 (52–55) | 16–16.5 |
| July | 23–24 (73–75) | 13–14 (55–57) | 15–16 |
| August | 22–23 (72–74) | 12–13 (54–55) | 14–15 |
| September | 18–20 (64–68) | 9–11 (48–52) | 12–13 |
Tourism and Local Events
In summer, Warsaw buzzes with tourists. You’ll spot more people in the Old Town, along the Vistula River boulevards, and across the city’s 79 parks. Nearly a quarter of Warsaw is green space, which feels pretty impressive.
From June through August, outdoor concerts, film screenings, and food festivals pop up everywhere. The Chopin concerts in Łazienki Park happen on Sundays, and honestly, they’re a highlight for a lot of visitors.
Street festivals and cultural fairs fill the summer months too, showing off Polish food, crafts, and music. These events are easy to join since you’ll usually find them free and out in public parks or squares.
If you want a lively vibe, July and August are packed with events. Late May and September feel a bit quieter but still have plenty going on, and you can skip the big crowds.
Practical Tips for Visiting Warsaw in Summer
Warm days, long daylight, and the chance of sudden rain all shape how you’ll want to pack for Warsaw. Thinking ahead about what you bring—and how you deal with the sun—can really help you enjoy your trip.
What to Pack for the Weather
Summers here often bring daytime highs between 20°C and 30°C (68°F–86°F). Light, breathable clothes work best, but toss in a light jacket or sweater for those cooler evenings.
You’ll want comfy walking shoes because you’ll probably spend hours exploring parks, museums, and old streets.
Rain shows up fairly often, especially in July, so it’s smart to carry a compact umbrella or lightweight raincoat. Showers don’t usually last long but can get heavy.
A small daypack comes in handy for water, snacks, or tossing in your rain gear.
Don’t forget sunglasses and a hat—the sun sticks around for ages in summer. If you’re planning to hit outdoor pools or the Vistula River beaches, pack swimwear and quick-dry clothes.
A reusable water bottle is a good call too, since you’ll find plenty of public fountains with safe drinking water.
Health and Safety in the Sun
Long summer days in Warsaw pull you outside more than usual. Grab some broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and remember to slather it on every few hours, especially if you’re sweating or the weather surprises you with rain.
Don’t forget to drink water. It’s honestly easy to lose track, but carrying a bottle helps, especially if you’re wandering around Łazienki Park or those busy Old Town squares.
The heat isn’t usually extreme, but on humid afternoons, it can sneak up on you.
Find shade around midday, since that’s when the sun really goes for it. Duck into a museum or a café now and then to cool off.
If you get bothered by pollen, keep in mind that late spring and early summer can trigger higher counts. Maybe pack your meds just in case.