Zakopane in December and January: Is Early Winter Season Just as Good?
Considering Zakopane in the early season? You’re probably worried that the snow conditions won’t be able to match peak season. Truth is – Zakopane in December and January can be just as fun and gratifying as February and March.
Today, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Zakopane’s weather in December-January, and what you can do in the winter capital of Poland besides skiing.
In this article:
- Weather in Zakopane in December
- Weather in Zakopane in January
- Is Skiing Good in Zakopane in December and January
- Zakopane in Early Season is UNDERRATED
- Things to Do in Zakopane in December and January
- Where to Stay in Zakopane in December and January
Weather in Zakopane in December
Question: Is there snow in Zakopane in December?
Answer: Zakopane in December welcomes skiers to top-notch conditions on the slopes, especially if you’re visiting the ski resort mid-month. However, temperatures are usually a few degrees lower than later in the season, so packs some extra layers.
Usually, the sliding 31-day snowfall during December in Zakopane increases.
On average, the month starts at 18 cm and ends at 22 cm, when it rarely exceeds 47 cm or falls below 4 cm. This means that by the second half of December, snow levels reach their average peak for the entire season, even beating February. Otherwise, there is a comprehensive snow canon coverage on most of the slopes around Zakopane.
Temperature: 2° / -5° (high/low)
According to 2019-2023 Weatherspark Data
Weather in Zakopane in January
Question: Does it snow in Zakopane in January?
Answer: January provides excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions. Additionally, days are longer compared to December.
The average sliding snowfall is generally consistent throughout January, remaining at around 22 cm, and is usually highest at the start of the month.
Yet, another great thing about January is that the length of days starts to gradually increase. From the start to the end of the month, daylight increases by a whopping 1 hour and 4 minutes.
Temperature: 1° / -7° (high/low)
But let’s get into the pros and cons of Zakopane in the early season.
Is Skiing Good in Zakopane in December and January?
According to the data, Tatra’s snowy mountains are perfect for winter sports in the early season. Snow levels are as high as they can be, the temperature is generally lower, and all facilities are open.
But on top of that, if you visit Zakopane in December or January, you’re likely to stumble into fewer crowds and queues. But why is that?
Well, many people spend more money than usual around the festive holidays and may be tighter financially, delaying a skiing holiday after a paycheck or two.
Days are also shorter, especially in December. Funnily enough though, with how short queues are on the ski slopes, you may actually be even more efficient with your time. Plus, most of the slopes are floodlight until 10pm, making for a lot of potential ski time on the slopes.
Due to its geographical location, Zakopane in winter is a great option for skiing throughout the entire season, with beautiful views to see and many, many things to do. Check out our Ultimate Zakopane Skiing Holiday Guide!
Zakopane in Early Season is UNDERRATED
Here are a few reasons why Zakopane in December and January is overlooked. This applies to all ski resorts in general.
- Less Crowds: As mentioned before. Lift queues and crowded slopes can be a pain. December and January are the quietest, which means you spend more time skiing – making your stay more cost-efficient.
- Better Prices: Since many tourists are biased towards the early months of the season, hosts often offer discounts and deals in order to attract clients. We’re no different – here are our early-season discounts for our winter chalets!
- More Flexibility: You won’t be fighting to get the perfect booking date, and it will be much easier and pressure-free to build your perfect trip.
Zakopane is enveloped in fairy-tale magic and it’s much easier to immerse in it with fewer people around. Still, this doesn’t mean it’s empty, since many are catching onto this. But what are some things you can do in Zakopane in December and January?
Things to Do in Zakopane in December and January
Zakopane is famous for its proximity to the Tatra National Park, but many are unaware of just how many cultural and fun events and activities it holds. Here, we’ll mention some of our favorites. For a longer list, check out the comprehensive list of activities in Zakopane.
On the Town
The infamous Krupówki Street is the main busy alley in the town, with much to see and do.
There, you can try traditional Polish street food like potato pancakes or Zurek, or simply sit and relax at one of the many restaurants or taverns to warm yourself against the cold, snowy winter. You’ll find many artisan shops, as well as high-class clothing stores – basically, if you have the undying desire to spend money, you’ll be left satisfied.
There’s also a cinema and a theater, unique endemic architecture, nightclubs, and plenty of modern museums and fun novel attractions to see.
Looking For a New Winter Activity?
There’s so much more than skiing and snowboarding when it comes to outdoor activities.
Snowmobile Riding
Skidoos, AKA Snowmobiles, are a very developed service in Zakopane. These beasts can reach speeds of over 100 m/h and can be ridden freely across the forests near the Tatra National Park, usually with a guide. It’s an adrenaline-bumping activity that will make you reconsider how much time you want to spend skiing!
Kulig Horse Sleigh Rides
Kuling sleighs are a long-lasting tradition in the Polish Tatras. Nobles would ride the horse sleighs from house to house, stopping to eat, drink and dance, until there was nothing left to eat and drink!
The lovely hosts in modern-day Zakopane try to uphold the tradition – you can hire a Kulig sleigh, and ride for an hour to witness the beautiful views of the Tatra Mountains. In the end, you rest by a bonfire with unlimited food, drinks and vibes.
Hiking and the Beautiful Vistas
When you stay in Zakopane, there are a few things you simply can’t afford to miss off the slopes.
Our favorite and super accessible hike is the one to Morskie Oko. It’s the largest lake in the Tatras and the name translates to the ‘Eye of the Sea’. It’s beautiful and you can even take a horse sleight there!
Experienced hikes may take the challenge to Kasprowy Wierch (1987m) for a breathtaking panoramic view of Tatra Mountains and Slovakia. Alternatively, you can go to the cable car station and take a relaxing ride to the peak.
Thermal Baths
Zakopane is situated close to the best thermal pool options Poland has to offer. Most of them can be reached by a bus from the bus station in Zakopane, or by a taxi. If you’re staying at eco-chalets Stardust or Stardust II, the team can give you a quick lift.
The thermal baths have an incredible variety of amenities, saunas, jacuzzis, thermal pools, restaurants, and even massage studios – a perfect place to recover after a long day at the slopes.
Here is our guide to the Best Thermal Baths In/Around Zakopane.
Where to Stay in Zakopane in December & January
We hope you enjoyed the read and found it helpful. Early season is one of the best times of the year, because the resorts feel more intimate and less hectic, helping us escape to the winter wonderland with more ease.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, the Snomads team welcomes you to our cozy Stardust eco-chalets, ideal for both bigger groups and solo travelers… We can help you organize your trip, hook you up with discounts, and make sure you have the BEST ski trip ever.
Stardust 1 & Stardust 2
/ Self Catered or Bed & Breakfast / Sleeps 8-13
Ski the Tatras in Zakopane, Poland with our Eco chalets
- Option of low impact FLIGHT FREE travel with Snomads private overnight sleeper bus (from UK)
- The Tatras are some of the highest and most snow sure mountains in Northern Europe
- A super affordable, hidden gem of a resort for ski holidays
- Two Snomads Chalets; Stardust 1 and Stardust 2
- Ride two countries on one lift pass (Poland/Slovakia)
- Ski touring and Splitboarding
- Learner slope next to chalets
- Night skiing
- Thermal mineral spas and snow maze
- Perfect for both beginner and advanced riders
- Extremely affordable – a week’s stay, including food, ski rental and transport under £700