Krakow Travel Forum

I need some suggestions...would it be better to go to Krakow at the end of May or the end of November? I would like to see the Krakow area sights, Auschwitz, salt mine, ect... Is everything open in November? I don't mind if the weather is cold if it means less crowds. Also, any ideas for things to do for me (I'll be staying for four days).
Thanks!

Hi
I went around this time last year and it was ok.
As for what to do, there is the main square where there are lots of restaurants and bars, some will have live music and these get crowded quickly unless you book early.
If you are male, there are some nice girlie bars there too.
We combined Krakow with Bratislava so theres another option for you otherwise 3 nights is enough.
Hope this helps
Have fun
Bal

Both really. In May you will have all the flowers bloom in Krakow and the scenery outside will be fantastic (spring). In November you may have a "gray" day but the foliage if the sun hits is also beautifull. As I do mind cold, I would rather go in May. Krakow is fantastic when you can have coffee on the street in the old town....not much of that in NOvember.
Crowds the same in both months, unless of course you will go beetween may 1-3 (big national holiday....sort of "golden weekend")

Ive been in both months,and would suggest May for ure first visit,the main square will have its summer coat on,restaurants and bars will be outside on the square, whereas in november will have retreated back in to the cellars.Krakow is ideal for walking as every things pretty central, tis better in clement weather .Another reason is that in November we experienced airport shut down due to fog,causing cancellations and delays.in November however everything is still open and my wife did enjoy the deep snow.No matter when u go i bet ul fall in love with this beautiful city,, enjoy,, greetings from Scotland

if you dont mind the cold but mind the crowds...by all means go in nov.

Trying to predict the weather can be difficult because of local on the day variations.
This information should be used as a guide only.
Here is the average weather for Krakow for this time of year.
Enjoy your holiday.

May.
High 66f / 19c
Low 46f / 8c
Rain 3.27in / 83.0mm
Cloud cover (out of 8) 4.8

November.
High 44f / 7c
Low 32f / 0c
Rain 1.77in / 45.0mm
Cloud cover (out of 8) 5.8

Our first visit to Krakow was in late November 05. It was extremely cold, much colder than I have ever felt in Britain and it snowed the whole time we were there. This is good of course as I love the cold and the snow. :) The city just seems so much more charming when covered in snow. Of course snow is not guaranteed during November. (Have a look at my Krakow pages for some pics.)

It's worth remembering that the opening hours of many museums and touristy places are shorter during the winter months so check the relevant websites. I would also suggest that Auschwitz, since you mention your intention to visit the museum, is far more sobering and effective (if that's the correct word to use) during the winter months. It really does bring home how cruel the place was, especially during the cold Polish winters. You will also find that Auschwitz will be less crowded during November - we went to Birkenau and we saw no more than two dozen people during the three hours we walked around the memorial site.

Anyway, no question of when I would prefer to visit. In fact we are looking at going back again this December (3rd time) for the Xmas markets.

If you are visiting for four days allow one whole day for Auschwitz/Birkenau and another full day for the Salt Mines. Wavel Castle will require another half day, should you wish to visit, and you could spend the rest of that day wandering the city and heading south over the river towards the former ghetto area and back through the Jewish Quarter. That leaves one day to explore the main square and surrounding areas.

It's a wonderful, beautiful, friendly and at times, due to events from the past, sobering place to visit and easily my favourite city. Enjoy.

Thanks everybody!!! Maybe I will just have to go both times!