Kraków in December
In December, Kraków averages 2°C (36°F) during the day and -3°C (27°F) at night, with around 12 days of rain (35 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear. Snowfall occurs on roughly 6 days.
December in Kraków is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How December compares to the rest of the year in Kraków
December is one of the coolest months in Kraków (11th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (6th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 11°C below the annual average (13°C). December runs 4°C cooler than November (6°C) and cools 1°C in January (1°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Kraków
Times shown for Kraków local time (Europe/Warsaw), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Kraków — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Kraków's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Kraków in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Off-peak) and Kraków's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Kraków
This is off-peak for Kraków — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.
Why this tier: challenging tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Kraków
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
❄️ Snowy — Kraków in December
Gear: Frequent snowfall. Waterproof boots and a real insulated coat are essential — not a fashion peacoat.
Kraków in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1°C / 34°F | -5°C / 23°F | 30 mm | 12 | 7 |
| February | 2°C / 36°F | -5°C / 23°F | 30 mm | 10 | 7 |
| March | 7°C / 45°F | -1°C / 30°F | 35 mm | 11 | 3 |
| April | 14°C / 57°F | 4°C / 39°F | 45 mm | 11 | — |
| May | 19°C / 66°F | 9°C / 48°F | 75 mm | 12 | — |
| June | 22°C / 72°F | 12°C / 54°F | 85 mm | 13 | — |
| July | 24°C / 75°F | 14°C / 57°F | 110 mm | 14 | — |
| August | 24°C / 75°F | 13°C / 55°F | 85 mm | 11 | — |
| September | 19°C / 66°F | 9°C / 48°F | 55 mm | 10 | — |
| October | 13°C / 55°F | 4°C / 39°F | 45 mm | 11 | — |
| November | 6°C / 43°F | 0°C / 32°F | 45 mm | 12 | 2 |
| December | 2°C / 36°F | -3°C / 27°F | 35 mm | 12 | 6 |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Kraków in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Kraków in December?
In December, Kraków averages a high of 2°C (36°F) and a low of -3°C (27°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Kraków in December?
December can be fairly wet in Kraków, with about 12 rainy days on average and roughly 6 snow days.
Is December a good time to visit Kraków?
December is cold. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Kraków in December?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Kraków for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.