Krakow, the second largest city in Poland, has a long history. Its medieval walls are still visible in some parts of the city, and it has a large Jewish quarter and a 14th-century Gothic church. November is cooler than other months, however there are few crowds and hotel prices are lower as it is before the holiday rush in December.
Krakow weather in November
In November, Krakow and the rest of Poland are preparing for winter. Temperatures can be hot and cold, and snow is likely later in the month. While the average temperature of 45 ° F is well above freezing, nights and mornings can feel especially energetic.
What to pack
Pack easy layered clothing that you can trim or stack as temperatures change. Sweaters, long pants, and cardigans are a good base. Bring a waterproof windbreaker and a thick winter coat, as well as warm gloves, hats, and socks.
November events in Krakow
If the cold weather doesn’t bother you, you will find plenty to do and see in this Polish city during November. If you have just been introduced to Krakow, be sure to take the time to wander around its center, starting at Market Square and continuing to Wawel Castle. Many of Krakow’s sights can be found within this area. Although the weather can be less welcoming than other times of the year, November in Krakow is a time of tradition.
- November 1 and 2 are All Saints ‘Day and All Souls’ Day, both celebrated throughout Poland. On the night between the two days, the spirits of the deceased are believed to visit the living. All Saints’ Day traditions include decorating cemeteries with thousands of candles, which Poles use to honor deceased friends and family.
- November 11 is Polish Independence Day , which means that banks and public institutions will be closed. Krakow celebrates Independence Day with a mass at Wawel Cathedral and a procession from Wawel to Plac Matejko, where there is a ceremonial laying of wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
- November 29 is Andrzejki, or Saint Andrew’s Day . There is a story of divination on Saint Andrew’s Eve dating back to the 1500s. Young women would have their fortunes read to see when they would find a husband. Modern varieties of the Saint Andrew’s Day celebration are joyous and social and maintain the traditional game of young women lining their shoes, single file, near a door. Legend has it that the woman whose shoes cross the threshold first is the next to marry.
- Festivals during the month of November in Krakow include the Etiuda & Anima Film Festival, the Zaduszki Jazz Festival, the Polish Music Festival and the Audio Art Festival.
- The Krakow Christmas Market opens towards the second half of November, so this is a good time to go shopping early in the holidays.
- In addition to sightseeing or attending a festival, visitors should plan to explore local culture and heritage in Krakow’s museums, including the Stained Glass Museum and Oskar Schindler’s Factory. The latter is where Schindler hid hundreds of Jews from the Nazis during World War II, later recounted by the movie “Schindler’s List.”
