Krakow mid December, how cold will it be!

Spanish Eyes

We are thinking of doing five days in Krakov second week December to see Auschwitz, the Christmas markets and generally wander around what appears to be a charming city.

I have done a search here and got great information, but am now wondering how cold it will be at that time?

If anyone can throw some info my way I would be so grateful. No problem layering up and wearing the oul thermals and a hat, but I don't want to be frostbitten either! I am sure people survive who live there, but just wondered if it is dry cold or wet cold if you get me?

Any advice welcome. Thank you.

rossie1977

Potential to be extremely cold like over -20c. I have been to Berlin during New year's Eve and it was -18c and wind chill make it feel colder. Southern Poland gets colder in Winter than the big German cities.

When you visit Auschwitz/Birkenau they tell you stories about how cold it got in winter and with Birkenau especially exposed totally to the elements.

In saying that it's easy enough to have a nice holiday even if its cold. Accommodation in Krakow is excellent. Bars, restaurants, public transport are heated I suspect and visiting Auschwitz in sub zero temperatures with snow on the ground will probably give you a better sense of what those people went through rather than arriving on a beautiful summers day like we did.

Whereisgerry?

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

We are thinking of doing five days in Krakov second week December to see Auschwitz, the Christmas markets and generally wander around what appears to be a charming city.

I have done a search here and got great information, but am now wondering how cold it will be at that time?

If anyone can throw some info my way I would be so grateful. No problem layering up and wearing the oul thermals and a hat, but I don't want to be frostbitten either! I am sure people survive who live there, but just wondered if it is dry cold or wet cold if you get me?

Any advice welcome. Thank you.

I've been to Krakow in late Nov and early Dec. It was 15 degrees during the day - we were cooked in jumpers, coats and hats! It was very cold at night though. Very icy and foggy. Check the weather closer to the time!

Spanish Eyes

rossie1977 wrote: »

Potential to be extremely cold like over -20c. I have been to Berlin during New year's Eve and it was -18c and wind chill make it feel colder. Southern Poland gets colder in Winter than the big German cities.

When you visit Auschwitz/Birkenau they tell you stories about how cold it got in winter and with Birkenau especially exposed totally to the elements.

In saying that it's easy enough to have a nice holiday even if it cold. Accommodation in Krakow is excellent. Bars, restaurants, public transport are heated I suspect and visiting Auschwitz in sub zero temperatures with snow on the ground will probably get you a better sense of what those people went through rather than arriving on a beautiful summers day like we did.

Thanks for the information. -20 is cold alright, but as long as we are prepared I am sure it will be ok.

I agree that Auschwitz/Birkenau will be more "authentic" in the freezing cold. But I am sure no matter when you visit, it is a very sad experience.

Off to buy a fleece and thermals now!

0lddog

Accuweather.com and its likes will show you what it was like last Dec ( and probably several Decs before )

Even thinking about it makes me want to turn on the heating

Spanish Eyes

Whereisgerry? wrote: »

I've been to Krakow in late Nov and early Dec. It was 15 degrees during the day - we were cooked in jumpers, coats and hats! It was very cold at night though. Very icy and foggy. Check the weather closer to the time!

Thank you. It is very difficult to forecast the weather this far out for sure! But in general I'm getting the feeling that it will be COLD. But nothing that the locals can't cope with either I suppose. Forewarned is forearmed and all that!

Spanish Eyes

0lddog wrote: »

Accuweather.com and its likes will show you what it was like last Dec ( and probably several Decs before )

Even thinking about it makes me want to turn on the heating

Yeah I know! My family think we are nuts going in December, but it could be a great experience just the same.

Short daylight though, so an early start every day too to get the best out of the daylight hours. I must be mad. :eek:

extra gravy

rossie1977 wrote: »

I suspect and visiting Auschwitz in sub zero temperatures with snow on the ground will probably give you a better sense of what those people went through rather than arriving on a beautiful summers day like we did.

+1 on this. I visited late November last year and it had snowed the night before. It was only about -5 and I was freezing. Thinking about what it must have been like for them in temperatures of -20 was very sobering and has stayed with me since.

extra gravy

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

Yeah I know! My family think we are nuts going in December, but it could be a great experience just the same.

Short daylight though, so an early start every day too to get the best out of the daylight hours. I must be mad. :eek:

It will be great, never mind 'em It's a beautiful city, former seat of the Polish kings so some of the buildings are magnificent. The Christmas market on the main square is really lovely and sooo much food.

Spanish Eyes

extra gravy wrote: »

It will be great, never mind 'em It's a beautiful city, former seat of the Polish kings so some of the buildings are magnificent. The Christmas market on the main square is really lovely and sooo much food.

Sold! We will go.

Thanks to everyone for the positive information, we will survive the cold now that we can prepare! Layers are best just in case we get a warm day (for Krakov!).

Looking forward to it now.

amber2

Was there during the Beast in the -20’s it’s not that bad at all, cold isn’t the same as here which is mostly damp. You can dress for the cold. Having said that I’ve been in December and it’s been 12/13 degrees. I wouldn’t let the cold put you off great city with lots to see and do no matter the weather, you will enjoy it.

Duvetdays

We came back last weekend and what an excellent city it is!
The cold wouldn’t bother me you can layer up just once there’s not a lot of rain I’d be happy.
I agree Auschwitz would probably have a slightly more authentic feeling in the extreme cold particularly Birkenau as it’s so open and that part of the tour is all outdoors.

Spanish Eyes

Duvetdays wrote: »

We came back last weekend and what an excellent city it is!
The cold wouldn’t bother me you can layer up just once there’s not a lot of rain I’d be happy.
I agree Auschwitz would probably have a slightly more authentic feeling in the extreme cold particularly Birkenau as it’s so open and that part of the tour is all outdoors.

Hi and thanks.

Much as we like to do things independently I think a guided tour of the camps is the way to go here.

Could I ask if both Auschwitz and Birkenau were included in your tour? Did you have any time to walk around by yourselves?

We will take the train to the Salt mines ourselves, it seems that is doable.

amber2

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

Hi and thanks.

Much as we like to do things independently I think a guided tour of the camps is the way to go here.

Could I ask if both Auschwitz and Birkenau were included in your tour? Did you have any time to walk around by yourselves?

We will take the train to the Salt mines ourselves, it seems that is doable.

I used Dream cabs Kraków, can’t fault Artur & staff always on time. He had everything arranged entry as well as a guide where you listen to your guide through a headset. They supply a packed lunch & drinks which you can’t take into Auschwitz as there is a security check going in and you are only allowed a small bag, if you buy anything in the gift store you must return to collect it on exiting. You kinda gota keep up with your tour guide in Auschwich itself but you have time to walk around in Birkenau. Once finished the Auschwitz tour you have your lunch and then are transferred to Birkenau. There is a cafe in Auschwitz but it’s usually packed as there is always bus tours arriving at the same time. Auschwitz takes much longer to go around, much more to see there. Also have some coins with you for the toilets in Auswich 2zl.

Edit not too sure if you can go through Auschwitz-Birkenau without a guide but there is so much local knowledge you would miss out on if you don’t go with a tour guide, that’s just my opinion.

http://www.dreamcabkrakow.com

Email : office@dreamcabkrakow.com

grimm2005

I've been in both November and January and it really isn't that bad at all. Just be prepared with jackets and gloves and you'll have no problem.

As for tours, I did guided Auchwitz/Birkenau tour with a group called MCIT booked through my hostel and they picked us up at our accommodation, showed us a documentary on the minibus on the way over showing footage from a Russian filmmaker who was part of the liberation (particularly grim but essential viewing that gives you a greater sense of just what went on). We had a guided tour of both sites with transport between both and dropped back to our accommodation in the evening. It was about €30 each and well worth it in my eyes, personally I would do it this way again versus going there myself.

Duvetdays

We used krakowtrip.com couldn’t fault them. Booked for airport transfers, salt mines and Auschwitz. I’d definitely recommend using a tour company for Auschwitz as we skipped queues.

There was 8 in our mini bus put with another 8 from another mini of the same company and I think 4 more who made there way there independently. You have to have a guide can’t walk around on your own but I think you used to be able to up until recently.

Both camps are included and same guide from Auschwitz meets you over at Birkenau. Toilets at the entrance are paid but there is a toilet about the half way point of the tour in the first camp.

Personally I preferred Birkenau as it was just wandering around outdoors with the guide which took about an hour. Auschwitz took about 90mins is all a museum pretty much and felt too crowded like we were constantly on a production line walking around it and waiting to get into the next building. I felt that took a bit away from the feeling of the camp but it’s still a must to see what happened to the people there.

Spanish Eyes

Great information, thank you all so much.