Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Zakopane in January
This is the coldest month in Zakopane: highs average 28°F (-2°C) and lows 16°F (-9°C), with about 2.2 in (56 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 41/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 28°F (-2°C)
- Avg low
- 16°F (-9°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.2 in (56 mm)
- Humidity
- 95%
- Cloud cover
- 81%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 25 min
- Comfort score
- 41/100 · Tough
What January feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 28°F (-2°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Average lows of 16°F (-9°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
About 2.2 in (56 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 81%.
Daylight is short, roughly 8 h 25 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are August.
- Comfort holds steady from December (41 → 41/100).
- Our Kraków & the Tatras route recommends May – Sep, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 16°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Zakopane in January
With highs near 28°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Gazdowo Kuźnia
Timber-walled inn at the top of Krupówki for pierogi and grilled meats.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 28°F.
Góralski Browar
Brewery restaurant on Krupówki pouring its own beers.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Karczma Zapiecek
Wooden highlander inn serving Podhale dishes, with live folk band most evenings.
Why now A cozy break on a 28°F day.
Tatra Museum
Museum of Podhale highlander life, nature and art.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 28°F.
Old Church and Pęksowy Brzyzek Cemetery
Wooden 19th-century church and cemetery with carved highlander grave markers.
Why now A way to spend part of a cold day out of the wind.
Nearby in January
- Wieliczka in January~48 mi · highs 32°F, 1.8 in rain or snow · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Kraków in January~53 mi · highs 33°F, 1.8 in rain or snow · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Budapest in January~131 mi · highs 36°F, 1.5 in rain or snow · 5°C (8°F) warmer by day, drier
- Vienna in January~179 mi · highs 37°F, 1.7 in rain or snow · 5°C (10°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.
Zakopane in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Zakopane?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 41/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are August. Expect highs of 28°F (-2°C) and 2.2 in (56 mm) of rain or snow. Our Kraków & the Tatras route recommends May – Sep, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Zakopane in January?
Average highs are 28°F (-2°C) and average lows 16°F (-9°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Zakopane in January?
Not much: about 2.2 in (56 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the 4th-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 38.5 in (978 mm).
What should I pack for Zakopane in January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 16°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Zakopane
Planning Zakopane in January?
Share this January plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.