When to come to ZAKOPANE?

January, February, March

ZAKOPANE in WINTER

.:In JANUARY the days are short and cold, but skiing conditions usually are good. From the second week of January until the end of February school children have their winter break at schools, so there are more tourists and skiers everywhere in the town and on slopes. The end of February and the first week of MARCH are skiers favourite time.

April, May, June

ZAKOPANE in SPRING

.:In APRIL there's still snow galore on Mount Kasprowy. Additionally, the month is known for thousands of tiny crocuses blooming on the Tatra clearings. MAY is a real spring month. Just make sure not to come on the May holiday (the first weekend) for between the 1st and 5th of may Zakopane is overcrowded. In JUNE Zakopane gets quiet, the days are long and mostly sunny, the mountain paths welcome tourists tired of the crowds.

July, August, September

ZAKOPANE in SUMMER

.:JULY and AUGUST, the two summer months are the peak season. The easier trails get very crowded, and on sunny days at the most popular peaks there are queues of people waiting to climb the top. There is a lot going on in the town in summer - cultural and recreational events are organised, the most distinguished of all being the Mountain Folklore Festival, held the third week in August for over 50 years now. SEPTEMBER is a very good month for hiking trips, the days are still long enough, the weather usually good, there are no more holidays crowds.

October, November

ZAKOPANE in AUTUMN

.:OCTOBER might both be very sunny and chilly with the first snowfalls in the mountains. NOVEMBER is a rest time after a busy tourist season. From the very beginnings of DECEMBER some of the ski slopes are open and well prepared for skiers and snowboarders.

December

CHRISTMAS in ZAKOPANE

.:Christmas in Zakopane is an unique experience. The town gets beautifully decorated, usually covered with loads of fresh fallen snow. Small wooden chapels at mountains trails welcome to Midnight Mass. New Year is welcomed outside at hundreds bonfires held everywhere in the town. New Year's balls are organised in pensions, hotels and restaurants. At this time of the year the traditional sleigh rides KULIG enjoy great popularity, horse drawn sleighs with torches are seen and horse bells heard everywhere in the town.