Early winter · Weather & things to do
Kraków in December
Kraków sees its driest month, with just 1.6 in (41 mm) of rain or snow, highs of 36°F (2°C) and lows of 25°F (-4°C).
With a comfort score of 43/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 36°F (2°C)
- Avg low
- 25°F (-4°C)
- Rain or snow
- 1.6 in (41 mm)
- Humidity
- 92%
- Cloud cover
- 80%
- Daylight
- ~7 h 52 min
- Comfort score
- 43/100 · Tough
What December feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 36°F (2°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Average lows of 25°F (-4°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Expect about 1.6 in (41 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 80%.
Daylight is short, roughly 7 h 52 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May and July – September.
- Freezing nights return: average lows drop to 25°F.
- Snow becomes likely from December, so check road and trail conditions.
- Shortest days of the year, about 7 h 52 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 54/100 in November to 43/100.
- Our Kraków & the Tatras route recommends May – Sep, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 25°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Kraków in December
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Main Market Square and Cloth Hall
One of Europe's largest medieval squares, centered on the arcaded Cloth Hall.
Wawel Royal Castle
Hilltop castle and cathedral where Polish kings were crowned and buried.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 36°F.
Kościuszko Mound
Earthen mound on the city's west edge with views to the Tatras on clear days.
Pod Aniołami
Polish cooking in Gothic cellars, known for grilled meats and pierogi.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 36°F.
Alchemia
Candlelit Kazimierz bar with a cellar stage for live music.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Nearby in December
- Wieliczka in December~8 mi · highs 36°F, 1.6 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Zakopane in December~53 mi · highs 31°F, 2.1 in rain or snow · 3°C (6°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Budapest in December~182 mi · highs 37°F, 1.7 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Vienna in December~206 mi · highs 39°F, 1.7 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Kraków in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Kraków?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 43/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May and July – September. Expect highs of 36°F (2°C) and 1.6 in (41 mm) of rain or snow. Our Kraków & the Tatras route recommends May – Sep, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Kraków in December?
Average highs are 36°F (2°C) and average lows 25°F (-4°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Kraków in December?
Not much: about 1.6 in (41 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 30.9 in (786 mm).
What should I pack for Kraków in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 25°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Planning Kraków in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.