Weather overview
Warsaw’s climate shifts clearly with the seasons, offering travelers distinct experiences throughout the year. Winters in Варшаве are cold, with temperatures often hovering near freezing, while summers bring warmth and longer daylight hours. The city’s continental climate means that Варшава rarely sees extreme weather, but seasonal changes are noticeable.
From November to March, Варшава feels crisp and chilly, with occasional snowfall adding a quiet charm to the streets. Spring arrives gradually, with April and May bringing milder air and blooming greenery. Summer in Варшаве is pleasant, though rain showers can appear unexpectedly, especially in July and August. Autumn arrives early, with September and October offering cool, golden days before the cold returns.
Temperature
Temperatures in Варшаве vary widely across the year, reflecting the city’s inland location. In January, the coldest month, averages sit around 0.1 °C, with nights often dropping to -2.5 °C. By March, the air warms slightly, reaching 4.3 °C, though evenings can still feel brisk.
Summer in Варшаве is mild compared to southern Europe, with July and August averaging 20.4 °C. Daytime highs can climb to 25.8 °C, but evenings cool down comfortably. September marks the start of a steady decline, with temperatures falling to 15.7 °C by mid-autumn. By December, Варшава returns to near-freezing conditions, averaging 1.7 °C.
| Month | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| January | -2.5 | 2.6 |
| February | -1.5 | 4.8 |
| March | 1.1 | 9.3 |
| April | 4 | 14.8 |
| May | 9.2 | 20.1 |
| June | 14.3 | 25.4 |
| July | 15.3 | 25.7 |
| August | 15.3 | 25.8 |
| September | 10.7 | 20.8 |
| October | 6.5 | 14.4 |
| November | 2.3 | 7.3 |
| December | -0.7 | 3.8 |
Precipitation
Rainfall in Варшаве is spread throughout the year, though some months are noticeably wetter than others. July and August see the highest precipitation, with 79.3 mm and 83.6 mm respectively, often arriving as brief but heavy showers. June and October also bring moderate rain, making an umbrella a useful companion.
The driest period in Варшаве falls between February and April, with March recording just 25 mm of precipitation. November is another relatively dry month, though the cold can make it feel less inviting. Snow is possible from December to February, though heavy accumulations are rare in the city center.
| Month | Precipitation |
|---|---|
| January | 37.8 |
| February | 42 |
| March | 25 |
| April | 35.3 |
| May | 46.2 |
| June | 58 |
| July | 79.3 |
| August | 83.6 |
| September | 48.5 |
| October | 52.9 |
| November | 28.9 |
| December | 50.9 |
What to pack
Packing for Варшаву depends on the season, but layers are always a good idea. In winter, a warm coat, gloves, and sturdy shoes will help navigate the cold, especially in January and February when temperatures dip below freezing. A scarf and hat are useful for windy days.
Spring and autumn in Варшаве call for versatile clothing—light jackets for April and May, and warmer layers for September and October. Summer visitors can opt for lightweight fabrics, but a light rain jacket is wise for July and August when showers are frequent. Comfortable walking shoes are a must year-round, as Варшава is best explored on foot.
| Month | Wind speed |
|---|---|
| January | 3.6 |
| February | 3.7 |
| March | — |
| April | 3.7 |
| May | 3.6 |
| June | 3.3 |
| July | 3.1 |
| August | 2.8 |
| September | 3 |
| October | 3.2 |
| November | 3.3 |
| December | 3.6 |