What to Wear in Krakow | Krakow Packing List for Women & Men

Krakow is a fantastic city and one of the most visited cities in Poland, boasting a unique culture and a beautiful cityscape. Packing the right items on your trip to Krakow is essential whether traveling for the first time or spending lovely holidays there. This detailed guide on what to wear in Krakow gives a general overview of the packing list for men and women, monthly comparisons, and weather conditions. 

Krakow travel packing list overview

How do people dress in Poland? Answering this question will give you a better idea of what to wear in Krakow and blend in with locals rather than look very touristy and be a subject of theft. Although, that said, we never had any safety issues, not in Krakow or other cities of Poland we traveled to. 

People dress in Poland more conservatively than in other parts of Europe. While Krakow is a very touristy city, and people might not mind your fashion, it is always a safe bet not to wear revealing clothes if you are a woman to avoid drawing unwanted attention from locals. As for the men, avoiding tank tops and very short shorts would be the best. 

Poland is a religious country, so be respectful when visiting churches and other holy sites. As a general rule of thumb, both men and women should dress modestly. That said, unlike Georgia, you don’t need to cover up your head if you are a woman when entering the churches in Poland. 

Regarding the Krakow nightlife dress code, the rules bend slightly and become less strict. 

No matter the season you travel to Krakow, bringing lightweight and versatile clothes is important, especially if you spend winter in Poland. Bringing a light coat or jacket is a must no matter the season because even during summer nights, the temperature might drop quickly. 

Krakow is packed with historical landmarks, and you’ll walk a lot. Therefore, comfortable walking shoes are a must in your Krakow packing list.

Packing list for Krakow – the essentials

I recommend minimizing your packing when traveling to Krakow, just as I would for any other destination. Whether you’re arriving by plane or using a train or bus from elsewhere in Europe, opting for a compact suitcase or backpack provides greater flexibility and helps avoid additional expenses associated with overweight luggage at airports.

Also Read: How to get from Krakow airport to city center.

Backpack or suitcase? – Oto and I always opt for backpacks due to their comfort. Dragging a rolling suitcase slows me down and creates noise on Krakow’s cobbled streets, making it less ideal. I use a 55 Liter Osprey Farpoint, and Oto uses The North Face‘s Cobra 60 – both spacious yet compact enough for many budget airlines as a carry-on (purchased or free, depending on the airline). Read a comprehensive review of my Osprey Backpack.

Day pack or purse/bag – Besides your main luggage, having a small bag for city exploration is advisable. My Osprey backpack includes a daypack that Oto uses frequently, equipped with multiple compartments for essential items. Alternatively, if you are already sorted on a suitcase/backpack, I also own a bag tailored for city wandering – the CITYC 2 in 1 Backpack from Driibe. Read a comprehensive review of my Driibe Backpack, and if you decide, get 15% off with code: FEDORA15.

Luggage tag – even if you’re not checking in your luggage, having a luggage tag is a wise precaution. While airlines tag bags, having your own adds an extra layer of security. 

Packing cubes – essential for light and minimalist travel and come in various sizes and shapes. They are convenient for clothes prone to wrinkles and having things organized. This is what we use at the moment.

Toiletries bag – we travel with a single toiletry bag because we prefer solid hygiene products like shampoo bars for their zero waste, lightweight nature, and ease of passing through airport security. We have this one from The North Face in blue.

Power adapter – Poland’s sockets are standard, similar to the rest of Europe, but having a universal adapter is handy if you come from outside the continent. 

Water bottle – while tap water is generally safe in Poland and Krakow, using a reusable water bottle helps save money and reduce plastic consumption. I use a Stojo collapsible water bottle for its space-saving design.

Collapsible cup – Oto and I bring collapsible cups to minimize waste when enjoying coffee on the go and ask baristas to pour coffee into our reusable Stojo cups. 

Battery charger – Given Krkaow’s photogenic cityscape, a reliable power charger is crucial to keep your smartphone powered for photography and navigation.

Camera – capture the beauty of Krakow with a camera or smartphone. I use a Sony a6300 and a Google Pixel 7 Lemongrass color.

Tripod – for solo travelers, a tripod is recommended. I travel with a big K&F tripod or a small Joby one with an Ulanzi phone mount.

Microfiber towels – a must-have in any traveler’s kit. These towels are comfortable, lightweight, and quick-drying. 

Scarf – I always travel with a scarf, adjusting it to the season. It serves multiple purposes, from providing warmth on breezy evenings to sun protection and even functioning as a pillow. I have this versatile Turkish towel for the late spring or autumn season and this warm scarf for winter and colder days. 

Hat – a hat is a staple in my travels, and my red fedora accompanies me in summer, spring, or autumn. Oto opts for a cap in spring/summer or a beanie in autumn/winter.

Weather in Krakow

Like the rest of the northern hemisphere, Krakow has four seasons. Winter brings colder temperatures, grey skies, and heavy snow than in other Polish cities.

Krakow enjoys warm sunlight in the spring, raising spirits as temperatures return to being pleasant. Summer is humid and hot, and autumn gives gorgeous colors to the city while the temperatures are still lovely. 

July and August are the hottest months in Krakow, and January is the coldest. 

Before you start packing for Krakow, always check the weather forecast for the days you’ll spend here. I typically consult Yr.no and 1Weather apps, which are accurate and reliable. 

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What to wear in Krakow for men

Krakow is full of vibrant bars, grand restaurants, and dynamic squares. Although it’s pretty casual during the day, the nightlife in Krakow allows you to dress up for a memorable night out. 

What you include in your packing list for Krakow is entirely up to your style and fashion choices, but smart casual is the best option. If you plan a romantic dinner at a fancy restaurant, consider bringing a slightly formal attire – nice pants and shirts. But for somewhere extra special, you might need a suit and polished shoes, so ask around to be prepared. 

If you wonder what to wear in Krakow in winter, sweaters and blazers are great options to keep yourself warm and stylish. 

What to wear in Krakow for women

While there is no specific dress code for women wandering the streets of Krakow, there is one for religious sites and churches. Modest, covered clothing is essential for these holy sites, whether a Catholic church or a synagogue. 

Shorts are allowed in most places, but crop tops and seethrough clothes or the ones that reveal too many bare body parts can draw unwanted stares. 

In the colder season, layering is the key when considering what to wear in Poland in winter. 

Krakow nightlife dress code

Krakow nightlife is full of diversity and is culture-rich. Depending on where you plan to go, the dress code might vary. Most casual bars and pubs don’t have any dress code, but if you plan to dine at a fancier restaurant, you should dress up slightly, no matter your gender.

Considering the establishment, a simple shirt and jeans could be fine, for instance, while others might require more formal attire. Therefore, always throw a lovely dress and a pants/shirt combo in your luggage. 

What to wear in Krakow in January

Traveling to Krakow in January can be a wonderful winter holiday when the city is covered in snow. Therefore, layering clothes is the key to a comfortable experience when considering what to wear in Poland in winter. After all, January is the coldest month in Krakow. 

Having a warm base, such as wool or thermal tights, comes in handy, with added sweaters, turtlenecks, or hoodies to keep you warm during the day while visiting some of the best Krakow attractions. 

Remember to wear colorful hats, scarves, or gloves for a stylish outfit as the temperatures drop in the evening. Comfortable and warm boots go without saying since you’ll spend most of the time outside. 

What to wear in Krakow in February

The weather in Krakow in February is similar to that in January, with temperatures ranging from 1C to -5C. It is also quite common to have rainy days in February, so being prepared with an umbrella or a winter jacket with a hood is essential. 

Regarding what to pack for this month, consider the outfit choices described above – warm layers, accessories, and comfortable shoes. 

Visiting Krakow in February is also an excellent choice for hitting the slopes in Zakopane and the Tatra mountains. 

You can overnight or go on a day trip from the city, but always prioritize comfort and warmth as it is colder there than in Krakow. 

What to wear in Krakow in March

Krakow in March gets warmer and brighter days, but the chance of the rain is also relatively high. Note that accommodation prices tend to increase if the Easter holiday falls in March. 

The days start to be longer, and the temperature tends to stay above zero, but being prepared for both warmer and colder days is important. Similar to the previous months, when planning a visit to Krakow in March, bring some layers you can take on and off when needed. 

A raincoat, umbrella, or a simple waterproof winter jacket is crucial for rainy days. 

What to wear in Krakow in April

Spring is one of the best time to visit Krakow for its crisp weather, slightly warmer days, and fewer crowds unless Easter falls in April. 

With temperatures ranging from 3C to 12C, Krakow in April can be slightly rainy but less than in March. 

If the Easter weekend falls in April, remember that your overall experience will differ. While Kraków is charming with Easter markets and a parade during these religious festivities, many museums and historical landmarks will be closed. Moreover, the accommodation prices will be up, and if you don’t plan ahead, you might not find an affordable hotel in Krakow for that time of the year. 

That said, April in Krakow past Easter is crowd-free and cheaper to visit. Regarding what to pack, even though the temperatures are relatively high compared to the previous months, consider bringing light sweaters and pants as the weather can fluctuate between cold and mild.  

A light jacket or coat is essential for colder times during mornings and evenings. 

Additionally, if you plan on visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, modest and warm clothes are essential as you’ll spend around 3 hours walking outside. 

What to wear in Krakow in May

In May, Krakow is warmer and brighter, with temperatures on average ranging from 8C to 20C, slowly bringing the crowds but still an optimal time to visit. 

Traveling to Krakow in May also means more daylight, bluer skies, and a few days of rain. 

Bring classic spring clothes for warm and mild temperatures, such as lightweight layers of long-sleeved tops, cardigans, or sweaters. Jeans or pants are okay, too. 

For more picture-perfect outfits, you can bring long, flowy skirts or dresses, but remember to pack tights as it’s not warm to be barefoot. 

Also, remember to be prepared for rainy days with a packable raincoat or an umbrella. 

What to wear in Krakow in June

Krakow in June starts to see more crowds compared to the previous months. Days are filled with sunshine and are much warmer and longer. Mornings and evenings are milder too, than in spring or winter.

Temperatures average around 22 degrees; therefore, be prepared to dress accordingly with breathable fabrics and light colors. Dressesand long, flowy skirts are also an option. To protect your skin, remember to throw in sunscreen. 

A warmer scarf or a lightweight cardigan still comes in handy in the evenings when temperatures drop slightly. 

Comfortable sandals, sneakers, or tennis shoes are perfect for casual days out enjoying sightseeing. I usually pack one pair of sandals with Teva walking shoes.

What to wear in Krakow in July

Krakow in July is generally characerized as mild with a bit of rain. However, it can also be quite hot and humid. This is also a peak season with lots of tourists and high prices. 

Pick light and breathable clothes. Skirts, T-shirts, shorts, and dresses are ideal, but having a lightweight cardigan or a scarf for breezy evenings and mornings is a good idea. 

Choose footwear for the summer months, and remember that Krakow has several cobblestone streets in its center, so prioritize comfort as you’ll be out and about during your time in the city. 

What to wear in Krakow in August

Like July, August in Krakow is a peak month, bringing many crowds to this historical Polish city. Characterized as the hottest month, Krakow in August sees less rain than the previous month. 

The temperatures average 24C; therefore, your clothing choices should be pretty similar to the ones I mentioned in July – breathable and lightweight. Remember the sunscreen. 

What to wear in Krakow in September

Consider traveling to Krakow in September to avoid big crowds but still have pleasant temperatures, gentle sunshine, and almost no rain. As the city moves to the autumn season, the weather becomes milder, with temperatures dropping between 9C and 19C. 

The weather also fluctuates during this time, so packing clothes that cater to warm and colder days is essential. Bring a light jacket or cozy cardigan for the mornings or evenings. During the day, you should be okay with T-shirts and skirts/shorts, but this obviously depends on what time you are traveling in September. 

What to wear in Krakow in October

Krakow in October is surprisingly much drier, but the temperatures gradually decrease and range from 5C to 13C.  

Mornings and evenings get breezier, so warm layers are essential. The days still see a bit of sunshine, but it can be unpredictable, so having an extra layer of a warm scarf, hat, and umbrella is always helpful. 

What to wear in Krakow in November

November in Krakow gets colder and darker, making it slightly challenging to pack for this time of the year. 

Krakow in November sees a flactuation of weather during the day. Typically, the skies are grey with cloud cover and rare sunshine. There’s also a significant chance of rain during your trip, so having a raincoat or an umbrella becomes crucial. So do warm clothes and boots to stay warm and dry. 

I lately travel with my Timberland boots in cold/mild seasons. Oto wears either Back-To-Berkeley or these high-ankle snow boots.

Remember to pack a warm scarf for breezy mornings and evenings. It gets dark at around 4 pm, but most likely, you’ll still be out enjoying the city vibes.  

What to wear in Krakow in December

December is the busiest and one of the best times to visit Krakow if you want to spend winter in Poland. The city is covered with Christmas lights and decorations, and the Christmas Market is laid out on the main square. 

However, this also means that days are very cold and short. On average, the temperatures are 2C during the day and drop below zero at night, around -3C. 

Therefore, when considering what to wear in Poland in December, always prioritize warm clothes – sweaters, thermal tights or underwear, thermal shirts, and a winter jacket, to name a few. Comfortable winter boots, warm scarf, gloves, and hat go without saying. 

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