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Weather in Poland

Contrary to some misconceived beliefs, Poland does not derive it’s name from the North Pole. Polar bears do NOT live in Poland and it isn’t cold all the year round.

Poland covers most of the same latitude range as the U.K. and it may surprise some people to learn that arguably the U.K. lies closer to the North Pole !

The weather in Poland generally conforms with the four seasons.

Spring weather in Poland

Spring starts in March and although it’s still possible to have a cold snap at this time it’s also equally possible that an early heatwave could arrive. As March moves into April and May then you can expect plenty of sunshine with increasing temperatures. It’s not unusual to have temperatures of between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit in April and May !

Summer weather in Poland

Although Poland can enjoy hot temperatures in the Spring it’s in the summer months when things can really start to heat up. Poland has long, hot, Continental summers and you can generally expect to have at least a good four weeks of hot, sunny weather at some point in the summer months. This brings with it the inevitable thunderstorms and thunderstorms on the Continent can be dramatic and violent. Poland is also prone to summer deluges but once the rain stops then the clouds normally disperse to allow the air to warm up again.

Autumn weather in Poland

September in Poland is often regarded as one of the best months. Temperatures are generally in the 70′s which makes it much more bearable than the intense heat of the summer months. Evenings in September can be surprisingly chilly, especially near the sea. September and October is also the time to admire the glorious Autumnal colours of the Polish landscape and Poland can give New England a good run for it’s money in this department. In November, temperatures can drop significantly and quite frankly anything is possible e.g. snow, wind, rain etc.

Winter weather in Poland

Polish winters can be extremely cold and it’s not unusual for temperatures to fall below – 20 C degrees. However, these bitter conditions are not necessarily maintained for very long but one should prepare for them nevertheless. Winter in Poland brings it’s own beauty and heavy snowfalls transform the skeletal forests into “postcard perfect” images. Most Poles will tell you that snow in Poland isn’t what you’re probably used to in the U.K. The snow in Poland tends to be less “sloshy” and when accompanied by clear blue skies can really be a beautiful time of the year. As a country accustomed to harsh winters the Poles have different ways of making the most of the winter snowfall. Many places offer sleigh rides through the forests concluding the trail with a winter barbecue around an open fire and copious amounts of hearty food and drink.focus !

“We’re goin’ where the sun shines brightly. We’re goin’ where the sea is blue. We’ve seen it in the movies. Now let’s see if it’s true.” You may not have seen a Polish summer before, but, yes, it is true. A summer holiday in Poland is playing with the waters and the sun – exploiting the outdoors to the hilt and indulging the sportsman within you. If you are an extrovert and a sports enthusiast, then summer in Poland is your dream come true.

The months between May and August are a combination of spring and summer and the sun sports a molten gold hue. Biking, trekking, long distance running, kayaking and canoeing are pursued anxiously; people lust for life in the sun. This sun frenzy is again revived in the months of September and October, which are warm and dry, usually, and known as the “golden Polish autumn”.

North Poland is where the action is, if you are interested in sailing and windsurfing. Most of the lakes are found in this part of the country. Interconnected by rivers and canals, some long and winding sailing routes are distinctive features of these water bodies. The adjoining picturesque landscapes, swaying woods that whistle, aquamarine suds and the piercing yellow all around, make sailing an exquisite pleasure, a lazy dream that charms the mind into numbness and puts the body onto song.

Moderate winds and other favorable conditions have made Drawa, Kashubia, Ilowa, Olsztyn, and Suwalki Lakelands develop as renowned water-sports region. The jewel in the crown, among these places, is, however, the Mazurian Lake District.

The Mazurian Lake District is fondly and proudly called as the ‘land of the thousand lakes’. Numerous postglacial lakes connected with snaking canals and rivers, form a huge water stretch of about 1200 kilometers long. This region is famous throughout Europe and Mamry Sniardwy, two of Poland’s largest lakes, are found here.

Many water sports centers are built along the lakes. In Gizycko, sometimes called Poland’s water sports capital, you can find numerous marinas, hotels, hostels and many places renting out water sport equipment. Other important lakeside centers are those of Mikolajki, Ruciane-Nida, Wragowo and Wegorzewo. These centers have a good supply of comfortable accommodation with excellent facilities. They all offer a full range of services for yachting enthusiasts and many attractive events for summer tourists.

The town of Augustów is very popular with lovers of boating and windsurfing as it is located amidst lakes and very close to the edge of the magnificent Augustów Forest. The forest stretches far to the north and reaches Lake Wigry, a favorite destination for sailors. In addition to the lakes, the coastal waters of the Baltic Sea are also a windsurfer’s delight. Polish seaside resorts are famous for their beautiful sandy beaches and favorable winds. Beach sports are also in vogue.

Some lakes have the “quiet-zone” tag. The ear spluttering motorboats, jet skis and excursion boats are scrupulously banned. These places are meant to bring out the ornithologist, the angler in you. Many varieties of cormorants grace these quiet waters; patient anglers have been known to catch Northern pike or European catfish, some weighing up to 50 kilograms. On Lake Necko in Augustów, one of the great attractions is a water ski lift.

Canoeing is the king of summer activities in Poland. It does not require exceptional skill to begin and you may not become a champion but it is easy to get the hang of it, quickly. There are over 2000 courses along wild, unregulated rivers for both experienced and novice canoeists. This activity is ideal for both the loner and the one who is involved with the family.

Canoe ride organizer companies take care of everything from guides, canoes, food and camping equipment, booking places for you to stay overnight, and organizing campfires and excursions to country towns or the numerous nature reserves. An organized outing, always, teems with the possibility of making new acquaintances. An individual ride, on the other hand, spells freedom.

The most popular canoeing course in Poland is the Masurian Krutynia Route. The river is almost 100 km long and flows through many scenic lakes. The Krutynia is a relatively easy route, enticing the canoeists with its breathtaking scenery. The Brda routes in the Bytów Lakeland (Pojezierze Bytowskie) and the Tuchola Forest. The Radunia in Kashubia and the Drawa in the Drawa Lake District. It also traces the rivers in the Suwalki Region (the Czarna Hancza flowing through Lake Wigry and the Augustów Forest) but the best part it covers is the Rospuda. Lovely and wild are some of the other major canoeing trails in other rivers.