Kraków

Lesser Poland Weather in January

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in Lesser Poland, Poland in January.

Planning a journey to Lesser Poland, Poland this January and curious over the weather conditions to await? Your essential details are found on this page, answering your query:

What to Expect in Lesser Poland in January

Lesser Poland, Poland is a region in Poland. January in Lesser Poland generally has temperatures that range from very cold to cold, with moderate precipitation. It's the height of winter.

Temperatures

The average maximum daytime temperatures vary from very cold in Kościelisko at 0°C (32°F) to cold in Rzezawa at 3°C (37°F). Nighttime temperatures generally drop to -4°C (25°F) in Rzezawa and -8°C (18°F) in Kościelisko. Typically, it's the chilliest month of the year. Making it a great time for staying indoors and enjoying the warmth. Make sure you're prepared by packing the right winter outfits.

For specific regional insights in Lesser Poland, Poland, refer to the map provided below.

Precipitation

In January, precipitation varies across different areas. From moderate snow/rainfall in Muszyna with an average of 46 mm (1.8 in) to moderate snow/rainfall in Zawoja with 70 mm (2.8 in).

Average sunshine

Sunshine hours are generally lower in most areas during January. Kraków experiences about 42 hours of sunlight. If you're looking for brighter destinations, our weather planner can suggest better options.

Explore Lesser Poland by month

Best Places to Visit in Lesser Poland in January

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across Lesser Poland.

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

Popular Destinations in Lesser Poland

What is the weather like in January for some of the most popular destinations in Lesser Poland, Poland?

Temperature range in Lesser Poland (January)

Precipitation variation in Lesser Poland (January)

Kraków

In January Kraków generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 2°C (36°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -4°C (25°F) and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
4°C (39°F)
2°C (36°F)
4°C (39°F)
Min temperature
-3°C (27°F)
-4°C (25°F)
-4°C (25°F)
Monthly sun hours
32 hours
42 hours
56 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
51 mm (2 in)
53 mm (2.1 in)
57 mm (2.2 in)
Monthly rainy days
17 days
16 days
14 days
Weather conditions

Zakopane

In January Zakopane generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 0°C (32°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -8°C (18°F) and moderate monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
1°C (34°F)
0°C (32°F)
1°C (34°F)
Min temperature
-7°C (19°F)
-8°C (18°F)
-7°C (19°F)
Monthly sun hours
58 hours
71 hours
82 hours
Monthly snowfall
61 mm (2.4 in)
60 mm (2.4 in)
68 mm (2.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
19 days
18 days
16 days
Weather conditions

Kościelisko

In January Kościelisko generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 0°C (32°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -8°C (18°F) and moderate monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
1°C (34°F)
0°C (32°F)
1°C (34°F)
Min temperature
-6°C (21°F)
-8°C (18°F)
-7°C (19°F)
Monthly sun hours
58 hours
71 hours
82 hours
Monthly snowfall
62 mm (2.4 in)
62 mm (2.4 in)
69 mm (2.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
19 days
17 days
16 days
Weather conditions

Krynica Zdrój

In January Krynica Zdrój generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 1°C (34°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -6°C (21°F) and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
2°C (36°F)
1°C (34°F)
3°C (37°F)
Min temperature
-4°C (25°F)
-6°C (21°F)
-5°C (23°F)
Monthly sun hours
47 hours
61 hours
79 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
49 mm (1.9 in)
49 mm (1.9 in)
58 mm (2.3 in)
Monthly rainy days
17 days
15 days
14 days
Weather conditions

Białka Tatrzanska

In January Białka Tatrzanska generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 1°C (34°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -7°C (19°F) and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
1°C (34°F)
1°C (34°F)
2°C (36°F)
Min temperature
-6°C (21°F)
-7°C (19°F)
-6°C (21°F)
Monthly sun hours
58 hours
71 hours
82 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
58 mm (2.3 in)
58 mm (2.3 in)
67 mm (2.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
18 days
16 days
15 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in Lesser Poland, in Poland.

In our records: Poland January extremes

Notable January records observed across cities in Poland in our climate database (1976 – 2026). Historic readings can vary in quality, so treat these as illustrative.

  • Based on our data, the coldest January night in Poland dropped to -31°C (-24°F) in Toruń on January 23, 2006.
  • In our records, the coldest January daytime high in Poland was -22°C (-8°F) in Wisła on January 12, 1987.

Popular cities in January

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in Lesser Poland in January.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Kraków 2°C (36°F) -4°C (25°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Zakopane 0°C (32°F) -8°C (18°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Kościelisko 0°C (32°F) -8°C (18°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Krynica Zdrój 1°C (34°F) -6°C (21°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Białka Tatrzanska 1°C (34°F) -7°C (19°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Bukowina Tatrzańska 0°C (32°F) -7°C (19°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)

Lesser Poland weather in January: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Lesser Poland, Poland in January?

In January, Lesser Poland, Poland generally has poor weather conditions. Kraków sees daytime temperatures near 2°C (36°F), with nights cooling to roughly -4°C (25°F).

What is the average temperature in Lesser Poland, Poland in January?

In Kraków, the average daytime high in January is 2°C (36°F), while nighttime temperatures drop to around -4°C (25°F).

Does Lesser Poland, Poland get a lot of snow/rain in January?

Rain is generally moderate to light in Lesser Poland, Poland during January, with Kraków averaging close to 53 mm (2.1 in).

Is January a Good Time to Visit Lesser Poland, Poland?

In our opinion, January may not be the ideal time to visit Lesser Poland, Poland due to the typically poor weather in Kraków.

On average, the best time to visit Lesser Poland, Poland is in May, June, August and September with generally perfect weather in Kraków. On the other hand, the weather in January, February, March, November and December tend to be poor.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in Lesser Poland.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to Poland? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in Poland.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

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