September in Krakow, Poland: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

With the summer tourists crowds dwindling, but the warm weather still hanging around, September is a great time to enjoy a visit to the Polish city of Krakow. The main attractions like Wawel Castle and Florianska Street will be less crowded and a few interesting events are coming up on the city's cultural calendar that may be worth going out of your way for, especially if you like experimental music or adorable dachshunds.

Krakow Weather in September

September begins with daytime highs mostly between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit (10 and 21 degrees Celsius), but Krakow gets noticeably cooler by the end of the month.

• Average high: 66 degrees Fahrenheit (19 degrees Celsius)
• Average low: 48 degrees Fahrenheit (9 degrees Celsius)

As the month goes on, you'll notice the days are getting significantly shorter. On September 1, Krakow typically sees over 13 hours of daylight, but by September 30, it's down to fewer than 12 hours. September is also one of the city's drier months, with the chances for rain decreasing as the month progresses.

What to Pack

September's mild weather makes it one of the easiest months for which to pack when traveling to Krakow. You'll need long pants, long-sleeved tops, a sweater or two, and a lightweight jacket are all you need for daytime sightseeing, shopping, and cafe-sitting. Just be sure you have a pair of comfortable closed-toed shoes that will be kind to your feet. It will be on the chillier side, especially once the sun goes down, so you want to make sure you pack shoes that keep your feet warm as well.

September Events in Krakow

There are several exciting things going on during September in Krakow from concerts to dog parades. Note that in 2020 some of these events may be canceled, so be sure to check the organizer's website for the latest updates.

• Sacrum-Profanum Music Festival: This is a week-long exploration into experimental contemporary music that according to the festival's website is "hard to describe." In 2020, the festival will be virtual and has been postponed until November 1.
• March of Dachshunds: For the annual Dachshund Parade, Dachshund owners dress up their dogs and parade them through Krakow's historic district. Prizes are given in a variety of contest categories and it's a fun and unusual diversion for dog lovers. This event has not been rescheduled for 2020.
• Jewish Culture Festival: Movies, music, live performances, and exhibitions tell the story of Jewish culture and tradition and how it intersects with Polish culture, with an emphasis on understanding and respect for differences, along with a remembrance of Poland's past. This event draws thousands of participants to Krakow each year. In 2020, the festival will be a mix of in-person and online events that will stretch from June through December in anticipation of the festival's 30th anniversary in 2021.

September Travel Tips

• If you need a shopping list for your market visit, apples, hazelnuts, walnuts, and sunflower seeds all come into season during September in Poland.
• While sightseeing, make sure to take a break partway through the walk with a stop at a pub or cafe for drinks and people-watching, a typical activity in Krakow.
• September 1 is Armed Forces Day in Poland, which means you may witness a military parade or witness some tanks rolling by, but this is nothing to worry about.