Are you thinking about visiting Krakow in February? We’d say it’s a great idea even though it’s one of the coldest months of the year. There’s a high chance you’ll see the beautiful scenes of Krakow covered in a thick layer of snow, but on the flip side, the coldest season is slowly making space for spring. That means the days are getting longer, and you are more likely to see sunshine than the month before. You’ll also notice the city is not too busy, which is a great relief if you’ve ever seen the old town in the height of summer.
This guide to Krakow in February will talk you through the ins and outs of visiting the most popular city in Poland during the shortest month of the year. We’ll talk you through the weather and give you some tips on what to wear and what to do there. We’ll also list a few of our favourite hotels for winter stays in Krakow. So, let’s begin…
This guide to Krakow in February is just one part of our complete guide to Krakow in winter – read that for even more inspiration!
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What’s in this guide to Krakow in February
The weather in Krakow in February
One thing you can be sure of the weather in Krakow in February, it will be cold. The shortest month is only the second in this regard to January. That means it’s not uncommon to see freezing temperatures whether you visit before or after Valentine’s Day. You can expect similar levels of coldness to December, only with a reversed trajectory – it gets warmer as the month goes on. On average, it stays close to zero Celsius, with lows of -5 C and highs of 3 C.
February is also one of the driest months of the year in Krakow so you can expect more sunshine than in January and December. There are usually six days of rainfall, which could easily be snow if it’s cold enough (and it often is). The most romantic month of the year is also one of the best for winter sports in Poland.
What to wear in Krakow in February
It might be getting a little warmer than a month before, but don’t be fooled… February in Krakow is still in the midst of winter. Yup, the days are getting longer, and the sunshine is more likely than in January and December, but it’s still very cold. That means, it’s definitely a good idea to bring a winter coat and a bauble hat along. We’d recommend bringing gloves, and thermal layers too – it can sometimes be as cold as -10 C.
You should also bring good waterproof footwear with some thermal isolation. Something that will be good for snow and rain would be ideal because you can’t be sure what to expect in Krakow in February. There are also times when temperatures climb into double figures in the second half of the month, so don’t leave your sunglasses at home.
Top things to do in Krakow in February
Krakow in February might be among the coldest times to visit the city but that doesn’t mean there is nothing to do there. In fact, it’s quite the opposite! You might want to split up the time exploring the city with a hot cup of tea here and there, but luckily there are plenty of cosy cafes to do so. So, let’s take a look at what are the best things to do in Krakow in February:
Romantic Valentine’s Day dinners
Valentine’s Day might not have been a Polish tradition 30 years ago, but things have changed and now Poles enjoy and celebrate this romantic event. Many restaurants in Krakow will have special menus for the 14th and might rearrange their tables to fit as many couples as possible. You’ll notice smiling girls with flowers in their hands and loving couples walking around the city holding their hands. Yup, it’s a lovely day to be in Krakow but be sure to book a table in advance if you want a romantic dinner for two.
Go skiing
February is the height of skiing season in Poland and Krakow is a great base to hit the slopes down south. Despite not being the coldest month of the year, that’s when you can usually expect the best snow conditions. Especially if you visit in the first two weeks. Days are also longer and despite that not being a problem in most resorts (many slopes in Poland are lit) it’s much nicer. You won’t feel the cold as much as you did in January, and you might be able to tan your face during lunch breaks.
The only downside, though, is the Polish winter break also takes place in February. That means you’re likely to experience long queues to the lifts, and traffic in and out of Zakopane. Hotels in the mountains might also go up in price, so it’s a good idea to book accommodation in advance.
Krakow walking tour
February might seem a bit too cold for some to explore the city on a walking tour, but we think it’s a great time to do so. Walking tours operate all year round, but for obvious reasons, summer sees the biggest crowds. That means if you join the group in the winter, you’ll have much more space to ask the questions you might have. Plus, if you’re lucky, you might get to explore snowy Krakow, which is beautiful.
Enjoy the nightlife
Most youngsters will agree that one of the best things about Krakow is its vibrant nightlife. Luckily, things don’t go quiet here in the winter so you can be sure that you’ll have plenty to do on those dark, cold evenings. So, go out and enjoy the bustling bars in Kazimierz or the old town, there are loads to choose from. If you want to meet other fellow travellers head to the statue on the main square at 9 pm and look for a large pink sign to join Krakow’s best pub crawl.
Where to stay in Krakow in February
There are oodles of fantastic hotels in Krakow so you shouldn’t have much trouble finding a nice place to stay. The good news is that February, despite being half term break in Poland, isn’t considered the high season in Krakow. That means you will be able to find some great bargains all over the city. Here are a couple of our favourites:
Hotel Pod Różą
This is one of the most beautiful historic hotels in Krakow. It’s in the heart of the old town, on Florianska street which leads from the famous gate to the main square. It’s in an old but restored building, which features a lovely interior design and a luxury spa. It’s well worth forking out to stay in one of the best 5-star accommodations in the city.
Warszauer Hotel
It’s a cosy boutique hotel in the heart of Kazimierz – a stone’s throw from bustling Plac Nowy. It’s a new building with comfortable and modern rooms. It might not be the cheapest in the area, but it certainly is one of the most excellent spots.
Liebeskind Boutique Hotel
If you’re looking for a comfy mid-range option in a good location then look no further than Liebeskind Boutique Hotel. It’s a lovely pad by Planty park that surrounds the old town. It won’t break the bank and you’re only 2-minutes away from the main square.
Downsides to travelling to Krakow in February
February is when winter in Krakow is slowly coming to an end and the days are getting longer and longer. That said, you can still expect early sunsets and cold temperatures, so that might not be ideal if you want to spend a lot of time outdoors. It’s also when the Polish schools have their winter break so places like Zakopane might be packed, which also means queuing for lifts and more expensive hotels.
As with all other winter months in Krakow, cold weather increases the risks of high pollution levels. That’s because of the type of heating used in many Polish homes, and sadly the air in February in Krakow can be really bad.
Is February a good time to visit Poland?
February is a great time to visit Poland if you’re planning to hit the slopes. That’s the height of the skiing season that usually sees the best conditions of the year. Places like Zakopane and Bialka Tatrzanska will be bustling at this time of the year.
How warm is Krakow in February?
Warm might not be the best word to describe the temperatures in Krakow in February. It’s rather cold and often freezing throughout the month. You can expect temperatures to oscillate close to zero Celsius with a possible couple of degrees below or under that mark. That said, the final week of the month sometimes sees double figures with a record of nearly 20 C.
Is Krakow worth visiting in winter?
Krakow is definitely worth visiting in the winter if you want to see the beautiful snowy scenes in the city. That said, you’re not guaranteed to see snow in Krakow during the coldest season, and you may find rain and sleek instead. However, Krakow is a great place to visit throughout the year, even if the weather isn’t ideal.
