Poland holidays

Find out when most people are booking Poland breaks with our brief guide to when to go…

The biggest demand for holidays in Poland comes during the summer months of July and August and in the festive period leading up to Christmas. Weekend breaks anytime between spring and autumn are also popular, so it is wise to book as far in advance as possible to secure your holiday at the best price.

The cities of Warsaw and Krakow experience similar weather. Summer days can be warm and pleasant when it doesn’t rain (there’s always a chance of a shower in Poland), with temperatures between 18C and 25C. Spring and autumn are mild with cool evenings, while winter chills can be biting between December and February. 

From classical music and Yuletide fun to traditional dumplings, here are just three of the top annual events in Poland…

Chopin Summer Concerts in Warsaw; June-September/October: A series of piano concerts, including open-air performances at the weekend, take place in Lazienki Park to honour the life and work of Chopin. It is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the melodies of this musical maestro. 

Pierogi Festival in Krakow; August: Celebrate the humble Polish dumpling during this fun, summer event. You can tuck into the savoury snacks at any time of the year, but the organisers insist that festival pierogi are the best.

Christmas Markets; November-December: Both Warsaw and Krakow host wonderfully festive Christmas markets in the weeks leading up to December 25. The square of Rynek Glowny is the place to be in Krakow (decorated glass is a speciality here), while Yuletide visitors to Warsaw should head to Old Town. Book early to secure your winter break. 

There is no end to the ways you can make the most of holidays in Poland. Here are just a few ideas…

Grown-up families: Arrive in Warsaw and make a beeline for the Palace of Science and Culture – the tallest building in Poland. The terrace on the 30th floor is an excellent vantage point that offers far-reaching views.

Romance: Krakow is a romantic city, but you can add to the atmosphere by taking your cherished other half to the footbridge that spans the Vistula River (‘Wisla’ in Polish) and sealing your love with the clink of a padlock. Many couples have already added their love token to the fencing on the bridge.

Active types: The well-known ski resort of Zakopane, in the Tatra Mountains, can be reached by road from Krakow in two-and-a-half hours.

Shopping: The Christmas Markets are undeniably charming, and great for delightful little stocking fillers and handmade trinkets. But if you travel at other times of the year, the flea markets in the Krakow district of Kazimierz are an interesting alternative. You don’t have to spend a single zloty to savour the unique atmosphere.

Nightlife: Lively nights can be had in both Warsaw and Krakow, with both cities home to bars, pubs and nightclubs. Start your summer evening on an open-air terrace before dancing the night away in a club. New venues open all the time in these cities; ask a local for tips on old favourites or hip new openings.