January · Poland
Best time to visit Zakopane in January Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Zakopane in January
Average temperature -3°C, 91 mm of rain, about 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 94% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
January score
9.1/10
Ranked #1 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- -3°C
- Rainfall
- 91 mm
- Humidity
- 94%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 0
- Crowd Density
- Peak Tourist Rush
- Average Expenses
- $$$ · Peak Season Rates ($$$)
January in Zakopane scores 9.1/10 for snow and ski travel - the single best month of the year. Expect around -3°C, 91 mm of rain, and roughly 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Zakopane is Poland's mountain capital, with wooden villas, Krupówki street and the Tatra peaks above the town.
January in Zakopane tops the year's climate scores
January averages -3°C (27°F), cold enough that sightseeing works in bursts rather than in one long day on foot.
At 91 mm of water-equivalent precipitation this is a snowy month at resort level — that is snowpack, not lost days — with almost no days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 8.4 hours of daylight.
On our climate-comfort scale this is the top-ranked month of the year for Zakopane at 9.1/10 — the reference point every other month on this page is measured against.
Pack insulated layers, a windproof shell, gloves and boots with grip, a packable rain layer, goggles and a helmet if you are not renting.
Plan for peak pricing, with this is one of the busiest months here. You are paying the year's highest rates for the year's best conditions — book early or shift a few weeks either side.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Zakopane in January?
- In January, Zakopane averages -3°C, 91 mm of rain, and about 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 9.1/10.
- Is January a good time to visit Zakopane?
- January earns a 9.1/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Zakopane in January?
- Expect about 91 mm of rain in January. Average humidity is 94% and there are about 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
Curated in Zakopane
Tickets & experiences
Things to do in Zakopane
Zakopane, Poland. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.