Krakow features a temperate continental climate that is significantly influenced by its position in the Vistula River valley and its proximity to the Tatra Mountains. This geography creates a weather profile characterized by clearly defined seasons, varying humidity, and unique local phenomena like the Halny wind.
Typical Weather Patterns and Daily Behavior
Weather in Krakow is often changeable due to the meeting of maritime air from the Atlantic and continental air from the East.
- Morning to Evening: Days typically start crisp and cool. In summer, humidity can build throughout the afternoon leading to sudden, heavy thunderstorms. In winter, temperature inversions often trap cold air in the valley, leading to persistent morning fog or haze that may not lift until midday.
- Humidity: The city is relatively damp year-round, with humidity levels often exceeding 75%. This makes the winter cold feel sharper and the summer heat feel more