The climate of Zakopane
Located in southern
Poland,
Zakopane boasts a climatic characterization well-defined in the Dfb category of the Köppen climate classification. This sort of climate represents a humid continental one, with no dry season and a warm summer. Throughout the year, Zakopane experiences appreciable shifts in temperature, rainfall, and snowfall due to its geographical positioning.
Analyzing the climate information of Zakopane, the average high temperatures fluctuate from -1.4°C (29.5°F) in winter to 21.3°C (70.3°F) in summer. The lows, on the other hand, range from a chilly -7.4°C (18.7°F) in the colder months to a more bearable 10.3°C (50.5°F) during the summer. Rainfall shows considerable variation, with the heaviest rains falling during the months of
May through
August, averaging from 69mm (2.72") to 120mm (4.72"). However, drier periods are also observed between
December and
February with average rainfall numbers of 32mm (1.26") to 51mm (2.01").
There is an impressive volume of snowfall during the winter months, reaching as high as 350mm (13.78") in December. The presence of snow is also evident during early spring and late autumn, though notably lighter. An interesting pattern can be observed in relation to sunlight hours which reach their peak in
June with 16.2 hours of daylight, and descend to a low of 8.3 hours in December.
The best time to visit Zakopane
The optimal time for a visit to
Zakopane largely depends on the preferences of the visitor. For those seeking to enjoy the pleasant weather, the months from
June to
August can be considered ideal. During these months, the average high temperatures range from 18.9°C (66°F) to 21.3°C (70.3°F), while the lows hover from 8.5°C (47.3°F) to 10.3°C (50.5°F). This period also presents a sunshine duration of 9.9 hours to 10.3 hours per day, providing ample opportunity for outdoor activities. Although this is also the period with some of the highest rainfalls, with averages from 69mm (2.72") to 97mm (3.82"), the relative humidity remains comfortable, ranging from 76% to 81%.
The worst time to visit Zakopane
If tolerating extremely cold temperatures and heavy snowfall isn't in the agenda, the period from
December to
February might not be the best time to visit
Zakopane. During these months, the average high temperatures plunge from -1.4°C (29.5°F) to 3.9°C (39°F), whilst the average lows dip from -7.4°C (18.7°F) to -3.3°C (26.1°F). The months of December and
January experience an overwhelming snowfall of 224mm (8.82") to 350mm (13.78").
Spring weather in Zakopane
Spring in
Zakopane, happening from
March to
May, sees a gradual rise of temperature and a steady increase of precipitation. The average high temperature moves upwards from 3.9°C (39°F) to 14.6°C (58.3°F), and the low temperature swings from -3.3°C (26.1°F) to 4.8°C (40.6°F). Rainfall increases along with the temperature, starting from 37mm (1.46") in March to a surprising 120mm (4.72") in May. The amount of daylight also increases significantly during spring, ranging from 11.9 hours to 15.3 hours.
Summer weather in Zakopane
Summer which occurs from
June to
August, is the most appealing season in terms of weather. During this period, the high temperature fluctuates within the comfortable limits from 18.9°C (66°F) to 21.3°C (70.3°F) and the low temperature varies from 8.5°C (47.3°F) to 10.3°C (50.5°F). Despite the high rainfall, ranging from 69mm (2.72") to 97mm (3.82"), the overall humidity remains rather manageable between 76% to 81%.
Autumn weather in Zakopane
Autumn in
Zakopane, taking place from
September to
November, experiences a visible drop in temperature and a decrease in rainfall. The average high temperature declines steadily from 16.2°C (61.2°F) in September to 5.9°C (42.6°F) in November. The low temperature also dips from 6.8°C (44.2°F) to 0.2°C (32.4°F) in the same period. Rainfall decreases from 50mm (1.97") in September to 38mm (1.5") in November.
Winter weather in Zakopane
The winter months of
December to
February in
Zakopane are notable for their harsh weather conditions. The average high temperatures are well below freezing, varying from -1.4°C (29.5°F) to 3.9°C (39°F). The low temperatures tumble even further, recorded between -7.4°C (18.7°F) to -3.3°C (26.1°F). Heaviest snowfalls are also observed during this period, with average snowfall numbers reaching a peak of 350mm (13.78") in December.
Weather in January
January in
Zakopane,
Poland, is typically characterized by cold temperatures and frequent snowfall. Frosty conditions persist throughout the month, setting the stage for several winter sporting and recreational activities. With an average daytime high just below freezing at -1.4°C (29.5°F) and snow dominating the scene, it is the coldest month of the year.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The chilly temperatures linger in
Zakopane in
February, but there's a slight warmth to the air compared to the preceding month. Snowfall remains consistent, creating a perfect winter atmosphere. Though days are incrementally longer, with an average of 10.2 hours of daylight, the mercury barely reaches above freezing.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Weather patterns change noticeable in
March with the arrival of spring in
Zakopane. A gradual transition from winter's grip is noticeable as temperatures begin to rise and snowfall lessens. The daylight hours increase to an average of 11.9 hours, which means individuals can enjoy more outdoor activities.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April introduces significant weather changes in
Zakopane as winter retreats and the warmer breath of spring prevails. The city emerges from its snowy blanket, reflecting the beauty of the changing season. A considerable increase in rainfall, with 51mm (2.01") on average, signifies the shift toward warmer weather that marks the arrival of spring.
Weather in April » Weather in May
As
May sweeps across
Zakopane, the city welcomes the full onset of spring, fully shrugging off the remnants of winter. Flowers bloom and the snow melts away, signaling a period of growth and renewal. A noticeable increase in rainfall, reaching up to 120mm (4.72"), nourishes the land, allowing nature to truly flourish.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June brings the warmth of summer to
Zakopane, ushering in a season defined by sunshine and longer days. The fading reminder of the cool spring days gives way to comfortably warm weather. The noticeable aspect of June is the lack of snowfall, with clear skies and an average of 16.2 hours of daylight.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July keeps up the momentum of the summer season in
Zakopane, fulfilling the expectations of visitors eagerly awaiting the peak of summer. The weather is typically warm and welcoming, providing the perfect backdrop for exploring the surrounding regions.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August, though still within the grip of summer, hints at the impending arrival of autumn in
Zakopane. The final month of summer sees a slight reduction in temperature but generally remains warm and pleasant. Despite experiencing the highest average high temperatures at 21.3°C (70.3°F), August brings a certain mellowness to the atmosphere.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Zakopane is marked by the arrival of autumn and a noticeable change in weather. The gentle decrease in temperature signals the transition from summer to autumn, offering unique opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October signifies the heart of autumn in
Zakopane, reflecting the beauty and tranquility of the season. The city basks in the crisp fall air, providing a quiet retreat before the start of winter. Though the temperatures do drop, there's a charm to the city in October that attracts visitors from all walks of life.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As
Zakopane steps into
November, the tangible onset of winter is felt with the first signs of snowfall. The weather continues to cool down in anticipation of the coming winter months. The shorter days and chillier temperatures set the stage for a change in outdoor activities lined up for visitors.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December heralds the arrival of the winter season in
Zakopane, with clear signs of snowfall and a dip in temperature. The city is a spectacle of gleaming snow, which beautifully contrasts with the traditional wooden structures.
Weather in December »