Weather Overview

Warsaw has a typical climate for continental Europe: cold winters and warm, often humid summers. The rainiest months are normally June and July, although it’s advisable to bring a good pair of waterproof shoes whenever you travel, as a sudden downpour can show up at any time. The late summer months can also be stiflingly hot, although 20-23°C is the average temperature. Air conditioning is not all that common so be prepared with other ideas for cooling off if you’re caught in a heat wave.

Winters can be frigid, with constant snow and icy roads. Average temperatures in the coldest month of January are around –5°C, although it’s perfectly possible to catch the winter season during a mild, rainy spell, or during a cold snap at around -20°C. Bring warm boots and an adequate, fleece-lined coat – if you don’t, all the Warsaw grannies will stop you on the street for some finger-shaking at your inappropriate apparel.

Spring can take a while to get into motion, but once it does, it’s breathtaking. The city transforms completely. Temperatures will probably hover around 10-12°C. But the prize of all seasons (if you are lucky) is the autumn, a magnificent, golden season full of rich colour, mild temperatures and quite a bit of pleasant sunshine. It doesn’t happen every year, but Poland can have some spectacular Indian summers, called the "golden Polish autumn" (złota polska jesien) in Polish. Like in the rest of northern Europe, autumn often begins quite abruptly with the start of September, and average temperatures drop to around 10°C, falling nearer 5°C in October. Bring your hat and gloves if you come to admire the autumnal outdoors.

Warsaw average temperature

Warsaw has a ‘humid continental’ type climate, with mild summers and cold winters. July temperatures typically average around 20 degrees Celsius, whereas January temperatures average -3 degrees.

 
Warsaw average rainfall

Winters are relatively dry, with most rainfall occurring in the summer. July is generally the wettest month and January the driest.