What January feels like in Krakow
January is the coldest stretch of winter in Krakow. Afternoons stay around freezing — the sort of cold that makes long outdoor stretches hard work. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights drop well below freezing and the temperature hardly changes after dark. Damp air makes the cold feel rawer than the numbers alone suggest.
Rain in Krakow in January
Expect a mix of dry and wet days, with rain about one day in 3. A rainy day brings about 4 mm (0.2 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. That is lighter than the city's yearly norm of about 5.7 mm per rainy day. It is among the three driest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in January
In mid-January, sunrise is at about 7:33 am and sunset at about 4:04 pm (local time) — 8 h 31 min of daylight. Since mid-December the day has gained 24 min. Measured sunshine covers about 45% of the daylight — sun and cloud share the day.
How January compares to the rest of the year
In Krakow's temperature order, January sits as the coolest month. Compared with December, afternoons are 1.9°C (3.4°F) cooler, with 7 mm more rain. This is the low point, and February starts to warm up. By February, typical highs are 4°C (39.2°F).
Who January 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 January
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Warm Layers
A proper winter coat, with gloves and a hat for early starts.
Quick questions
How warm is Krakow in January?
Afternoons average 1.6°C (34.9°F) and nights about -4.1°C (24.6°F) — freezing by most people's standards. It is the coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Krakow in January?
Quite a lot — 49 mm spread over about 12 days.
What should I wear in Krakow in January?
Pack rain protection and warm layers. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is January or February better for visiting Krakow?
February, narrowly: it ranks #11 of 12 among Krakow's months, against #12 for the other. February is warmer and has fewer rainy days.