What December feels like in Krakow
For Krakow, December is early winter on the calendar. It is cold outside for most of the day; indoor breaks come as a relief. Little changes after sunset — nights hover around freezing, so frost is common, only slightly below the daytime level. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Krakow in December
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 3, with dry spells in between. Each rainy day adds about 4.1 mm (0.2 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. That is lighter than the city's yearly norm of about 5.7 mm per rainy day. December is Krakow's driest month of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in December
In mid-December, sunrise is at about 7:32 am and sunset at about 3:39 pm (local time) — 8 h 6 min of daylight. Compared with mid-November, the day has lost 59 min. Measured sunshine covers about 42% of the daylight — sun and cloud share the day.
How December compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, December comes out as the 2nd coolest month in Krakow. Afternoons run 4.6°C (8.3°F) cooler than in November, with 9 mm less rain. Temperatures keep falling into January. The next month's average high: 1.6°C (34.9°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — warm places to spend the coldest part of the day.
Tips for visiting Krakow in December
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Warm Layers
Insulated layers and warm shoes for the cold hours.
Quick questions
How warm is Krakow in December?
Expect around 3.5°C (38.3°F) in the afternoon and -1.8°C (28.8°F) at night, which most visitors would call cold.
Does it rain a lot in Krakow in December?
It does: about 10 rainy days bring roughly 41 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Krakow in December?
Based on the averages: rain protection and warm layers. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is December or January better for visiting Krakow?
On our 12-month climate ranking, December comes out ahead (#10 of 12 vs #12). January is cooler and has more rainy days.