Although the skies darken as winter sweeps across Poland, December can be a great time to visit the capital city of Warsaw, which will be covered in lights and festive decorations for the Christmas season. Although the nights can be quite chilly and the days are often cloudy, there is still plenty to do and see in Warsaw at this time of year, especially if you are looking for a way to get into the Christmas spirit.
Warsaw weather in December
The Warsaw winter is not usually unbearable, but temperatures have been known to drop well below freezing in colder years. Still, the average temperature in Warsaw for December is just below zero at 31 degrees Fahrenheit (-1 degrees Celsius).
- Average High: 36 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius)
- Average Low: 26 degrees Fahrenheit (-3 degrees Celsius)
You can expect 15-day rainfall this month, accumulating a total of 40 millimeters on average each year in December, though some days only see a light drizzle for a few hours. Additionally, much of the month is cloudy as well, resulting in an average of just one hour of sunshine a day.
What to pack
Pack warm clothes for a December trip to Warsaw, and be sure to follow the winter dressing tips by wearing layers to stay comfortable while exploring the Polish capital. You will also want to make sure to bring a winter coat; sturdy, comfortable walking and waterproof shoes; warm socks, gloves, scarves and hats; and maybe even thermal leggings or underwear for an extra layer of warmth against the winter chill. Due to the likelihood of rain in December, you should also remember to pack an umbrella and a raincoat.
If you plan to shop at the holiday markets in town, you should also plan to leave extra space in your luggage for those last minute Christmas gifts.
December events in Warsaw
From festive holiday markets to international film festivals, there is no shortage of things to do in Warsaw in December. Whether you want to find the perfect handmade gift for your loved ones at home or you want to experience a traditional Christmas Eve party, Polish style, December is full of festive events and cultural celebrations.
- Human Rights in Film Festival – an annual event with documentaries and films about the struggle and movements in Poland and abroad to preserve human dignity for all humanity, which is organized by the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights in the mid- December of each year.
- Christmas Eve Parties: On the night before Christmas, restaurants across the city will offer guests traditional Polish meals with menu items such as prune dumplings, meatless pierogis, and poppy seed cake. According to tradition, no meat is served or consumed on Christmas Eve.
- Christmas Markets – Some of the biggest winter attractions in Warsaw, the Christmas Markets, start popping up across the city in early November, but continue for the rest of the season. While the market in the old town is more popular, another Christmas market also appears near the Palace of Culture.
- Saint Stephen’s Day (Saint Szczepan) – A celebration of the first Christian martyr that takes place on December 26 of each year, this annual event features a day of masses in the city’s Catholic churches.
- New Years Eve: On December 31, you can head to the Old Town to watch the fireworks or spend the night celebrating at various clubs and restaurants in the city that will host their own special events.
December Travel Tips
- Old Town takes on a festive vibe with decorations, lights, and Christmas trees, sure to get you in the holiday spirit on your trip.
- Although prices for airfare and accommodation are lower at the beginning of the month, prices increase dramatically in the last ten days of the month due to the Christmas and New Years holidays.
- Be sure to book your travel itinerary in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the holidays, as the accommodations are likely to fill up towards the end of the year.
- In good weather, many of Warsaw’s sights can be visited on foot. If the cold weather prevents you from enjoying walks to the main attractions, you can also use the city’s public transport.
- Government offices, banks and other federal establishments will be closed on Christmas Day and St. Stephen’s Day, as both are considered federal holidays in Poland. However, some bars, restaurants and clubs may remain open.
