Knee-deep snow, freezing cold, eternal darkness. The Polish winter terrifies foreigners. You too? Discover the truth about Polish winters and a few foolproof ways to survive this season.

To begin with, we admit that the introduction was highly provocative. The sun shines in Poland (after all, it’s not the Arctic Circle), but for most days, it hides somewhere behind the clouds.. We also only dream of a white winter because we have had little snow recently. Temperatures for most of the winter oscillate somewhere around zero, mostly gray and foggy. Somehow you must survive until spring, so we give you some tips we test and implement every year.

First: Understand The Statistics

We laugh in Poland that November lasts 11 months here because the cold and grey days seem to last forever and blend. In fact, the arrival of winter is already the first optimistic moment, because from now on the days are getting longer. Here are some statistics:

• The shortest day of the year: December 21 or 22 (the 1st day of winter). The day then lasts about 8 hours, depending on where in Poland you live;
• End of winter: March 20 or 21 (1st day of spring). The day then lasts evenly 12 hours;
• Coldest month: January;
• Average daily temperature in January: -3.6 deg.

Second: Dress Appropriately

We won’t surprise you by saying that it’s necessary to dress warmly in winter, right? But… On Instagram, we often see humorous videos of foreigners dressed in huge sheepskins, snowsuits, and tall snow boots. Well, Polish winter doesn’t require such an equipment, this isn’t the Himalayas. 

It’s certainly worth having a decent down jacket, winter hat, gloves, and scarf. Heavier shoes may be useful, but not necessarily snow boots – better some waterproof ones for the ever-melting slop. The biggest challenge for shoes is salt, which is sprinkled on roads and sidewalks. It has already destroyed many of our beloved suede shoes, so insulated water boots will be better. Leather sneakers can also do.

Third: Feel The Magic Of The Holiday Season

Nothing lifts your spirits like the atmosphere of Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. Christmas is very important to us, as we already explained in this video and this post. With all the celebrations and traditions, December and January are truly magical. 

How to make the best of this time? Go to a Christmas market and warm up with mulled wine. Put on your skates and take a ride at the ice rink. Sing some Christmas carols. It will instantly get warmer and merrier. According to Polish tradition, Christmas decorations and lights stay with us until the end of January, so it’s plenty of time to enjoy it.

Fourth: Take Advantage Of Every Day Of A Good Weather

Sunny days in winter don’t happen often, but when they do, it’s worth taking advantage of them to the max. In our opinion, a frosty, sunny morning has something invigorating and magical, so it’s worth going out for a walk then. If you can, go preferably to a forest or park.

Fifth: Enjoy The Snow!

Every decade, there are fewer snowy days in Poland, but don’t worry. Every winter brings us a period of snow (sometimes very generously). Going outside when it snows is a whole new experience. 

We don’t recommend long-distance trips (or driving)  in a snowstorm, but a walk in the city can be truly enjoyable, especially with Christmas decorations and lights. And a white forest or park on a sunny, frosty morning is magic!

Sixth: Participate In Seasonal Events

Even if you don’t like being outside or the weather sucks, there’s quite a lot going on indoors in winter. Festivals, fairs, shows – every weekend is packed with some sort of event. The period around Christmas is especially rich in fairs, markets, and sales, so it’s the perfect opportunity to get gifts or something nice for yourself. 

We keep you updated on what’s happening in Katowice on our What’s Up Katowice Facebook group. Make sure to join!

Seventh: Find Your Favorite Café To Shelter

One of the most pleasant feelings, when the frost pinches your ears and nose, is to enter a warm café that smells of spices and hot coffee. That feeling when your hands thaw, wrapped around a mug of hot tea or chocolate, is priceless.

In winter, many cafés and restaurants prepare special seasonal menus, serving warming soups and infusions, spicy teas, and mulled wines. This is when the coziness of a place takes on a new meaning. Find your favorite place and go there to shelter when a blizzard is raging outside or a wet wind is blowing.

For us, places perfect for winter in Katowice are certainly: Zmączeni Bakery, Złoty Osioł Bakery, Kattowitz Café, or LenArte Pizzeria. Here are other recommendations of our favorite cafés and restaurants in Katowice. Try them out and find your winter retreat. 

Eighth: Escape To The Mountains!

Winter is the perfect time for winter activities – skiing and snowboarding. There are plenty of places in Poland, after all, the whole south of the country is mountains. And from Katowice or Kraków you have just an hour’s drive to the mountains. From Warszawa, it’s just a few hours (preferably by train). In addition, due to the altitude and particular climate, it’s much easier to get snow and beautiful white views in the mountains. 

If you have never tried winter sports, we recommend our native Beskidy Mountains. There are quite a few ski resorts ideal for beginners as well. Here are some of our recommendations. 

We know from experience that a new hobby raises the level of satisfaction with winter, and the first runs give you so much joy and satisfaction that you will already look forward to future ones.

If winter sports are not your thing, go anyway. Take a walk through the snowy valleys, and enjoy the view of the peaks. Sit in a typical wooden inn, and warm your belly with delicious mountain food and mulled wine.

Ninth: Enjoy Being At Home

For Poles, winter is a time to be at home. We spend a lot of time indoors year-round, that’s a fact, but in winter our apartments become a real fortress. They are warm (yes… heating is standard) and cozy. We cook more, we are more willing to sit on the couch. Almost all of us have a Christmas tree, which often stands until the end of January.

Winter is also the perfect time to decorate your apartment with lights, light scented candles, cook time-consuming meals, bake bread or cakes, lie on the couch with a book, watch your favorite series, make yourself a home spa, and watch a blizzard of snow from outside the window. 

BONUS: A List Of Polish Winter Must-dos

• Run out for the first snow. 
• Drink mulled wine on a frosty day. 
• Take an evening stroll through city streets lit up with thousands of lights.
• Settle into a cozy café and order a cup of hot chocolate.
• Go out for a walk on a frosty, sunny morning (preferably into the woods).
• Get your boots wet.
• Bake spicy cookies and fill the house with the smell of spices. 
• Eat tangerines. A lot of them.
• Go to the mountains. 
• Spend the whole day in pajamas.