7 things to pack for Poland in winter

Last updated on January 29th, 2026.

If you’re planning to visit Poland in winter, knowing what to pack is essential.

A country used to temperatures in the minus, it’s vital that you dress warmly for the Polish weather.

During a trip to Poland over the Christmas period I really struggled with the Warsaw temperatures.

Despite there being glorious sunshine almost every day, the temperatures hardly rose above 37.4°F (3°C). The daytime climate was just about doable but the Polish winter nights weren’t forgiving.

Whether you're packing for Poland for November or for February, this packing guide will get you through the cold season.

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7 useful things to pack for Poland in winter


1. A heavyweight winter jacket

Choosing the right winter jacket is vital when traveling to Poland in winter.

My recommendations for winter jackets don’t come cheap but good quality outerwear will ward off any cold snaps. On top of this, it's a piece that you’ll wear time and time again. 

Canada Goose

Canada Goose is a retailer that specializes in premium outerwear — made in Canada — designed for arctic temperatures.

The Canada Goose Lorette Parka for women is a great winter jacket. Along with having a durable waterproof exterior, this long length jacket is quilted and filled with premium duck down and feathers.

A fur-trimmed hood blocks out the cold, and ribbed cuffs keeps wrists nice and toasty. However, most importantly, the Lorette Parka is also suitable for temperatures as low as -4°F (-20°C).

For men, the Canada Goose Emory Parka Coat is a good fit for the Polish winter. It’s 100% duck down and crafted with their Arctic Tech water and wind-resistant fabric. It has a removable fur trim on the hood and can also take temperatures as low as -13°F (-25°C).

Poland in winter - Lisa in snow in Dolomiti
My Woolrich Arctic Parka is ideal for braving Poland in winter

Woolrich

I’m a bit biased when it comes to Woolrich simply because I own the Arctic Parka. As someone who detests the cold, but loves to get outdoors, it’s the best investment piece I own.

As well as being rain, wind and snow resistant, the jacket is filled with 70% duck down, and 30% feathers. It was originally made in 1972 for Alaskan pipeline workers to fend of the icy weather. That said, this version can definitely withstand Poland in winter.

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One for men

Any of the Woolrich Arctic range is a good choice for men. Filled with 90% duck down and 10% feathers, this winter jacket can take sub-zero temperatures. They ethically source the fur in the hood, which you can also remove if you wish.

One advantage Woolrich jackets has over Canada Goose is that the jackets are machine washable. However, I still get mine dry cleaned to maintain it as long as possible.


Map of Warsaw


2. Wool and/or cashmere scarves

Alongside having a decent winter jacket for Poland, good quality winter accessories are also essential.

Anything wool or cashmere based was my go-to for keeping warm in Warsaw in winter. My cashmere hat, wool gloves and a wool scarf similar to this one provided the basics of my outdoor winter uniform.

Poland in winter - what to pack
Get the right accessories for Poland in winter

Tips to look out for

Before purchasing any winter accessory, try to find out the percentage of an item’s material rather than taking the brand’s word.

‘Wool blend’ may in fact be 20% wool and 80% polyester. Take a scarf like this one. Made in the UK, it's 100% cashmere, is unisex, comes in a variety of colors and is reasonably priced.

Should your budget stretch further, consider purchasing a longer length cashmere scarf. Made in Italy, this Italian cashmere broad scarf doubles as a blanket. Available in 19 different colors it's suitable for men and women.


3. Wool or cashmere hat

Keeping your head warm in Poland in winter not only protects against the cold — it also makes it bearable to stay outdoors. My cashmere beanie from Italy is a winter staple and is an essential item for getting through a Polish winter.

There are umpteen choices for wool and cashmere hats out there. As before, be sure to check the material content before buying.

Poland in winter - wool hat
Keep heads warm with a wool or cashmere hat

This unisex cashmere beanie is made from 100% cashmere, available in 9 colors and made in Scotland. It’s soft and lightweight yet will also protect in freezing temperatures.

An equally good pick for men, is this Lacoste hat. This ribbed elastic beanie's made from 100% merino wool and protects ears from the Polish winter chills.


4. Wool or cashmere gloves

As much as I love taking photos, it's not easy come wintertime when your fingers begin to freeze over.

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During winter in Poland, my wool gloves with touchscreen fingers were a lifesaver. I never once had to remove them to take photos, and I also managed to get some great shots.

Poland in winter - wool gloves
Keep your hands covered

Text while toasty

These 100% wool gloves from BRUCEDRIVER are an excellent choice for men. They have 40 grams of Thinsulate insulation plus fleece lining. The touchscreen colors come in anthra, black, brown, grey, navy and green.  

For a cashmere alternative, Lona Scott sell high quality, yet affordable, cashmere gloves for men and women. All their products are 100% cashmere, made in Scotland and available in 9 different colors. Protect the delicate material by hand washing the gloves or taking them to the dry cleaner.


5. Wool or cashmere socks

One area that people tend to forget about in winter is their feet. Cotton socks are fine in everyday temperatures but not enough to visit Poland in winter.

German brand Falke has been making quality socks and hosiery since 1895 and their expert craftsmanship shows in their products.

Poland in winter - wool socks
Don't neglect your feet in Poland in winter

Best sock buys

Take these women’s knee-high socks. Made from merino wool on the outside, and soft cotton on the inside, your feet, and legs, will thank you.

Falke’s range of women’s hosiery is equally warm and so comfortable, you’ll forget you’re even wearing them! I love these pure matt 100 denier tights so much, I’m on my third pair. What’s more, they’re also a good fit under jeans and leggings.

Men should consider these Lhasa rib socks that are ideal for winter. They’re made from a wool and cashmere blend, are warm, yet breathable, and your feet also won’t get sweaty.


6. Good base layer clothing

Choosing the right base layer clothing for cold weather will ensure you enjoy your time in Poland in winter. Suitable base layer clothing isn’t just for skiing holidays or hiking trips; they’re also a winter wardrobe staple.

Thermal t-shirts are great for winter layering and take up little space in your suitcase. Thermajohn have decent pajama thermal sets for men and women. Sets comes in 15 colors and sizes range from xx-small to 3x-large.

For women, The North Face sell a wide range of base layers, such as this 100% cotton Elevation long-sleeve shirt.

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One of the best features of the shirt is that it's FlashDry. This means that the material is lightweight and can be worn in a wide range of weather conditions and environments.


7. Warm walking shoes

I’m very practical when it comes to packing clothes, even more so when it comes to shoes.

Before, I wouldn’t have hesitated to pack a pair of heels for those ‘you just never know’ occasions. Now, practicality rules, especially when visiting Poland in winter.

Poland in winter - Lisa wearing Sorel boots
Wearing my trusty snow boots from Sorel

I bought my first pair of Sorel Classic Waterproof Boots 2 years ago and haven’t looked elsewhere.

Comfortable yet cute, they took me through my winter in the Dolomites, keeping my feet warm and dry. Their women’s styles are varied and built for tackling the elements outdoors.

Sorel has an extensive range of men’s apparel too, including boots, jackets and even slippers.


Packing list for Poland for women

If you’ve made it this far, you won’t be surprised to find that wool and cashmere clothing dominate my packing list for Poland.

From wool sweaters to cashmere socks, it’s my fabric of choice. For Poland in winter for a 6-night trip, I packed the following:

Poland in winter - rack of suitcases
The essential packing list for women
  • 3 wool and 2 cashmere sweaters (round neck and cardigan). Several great brands for men and women include John Smedley, Sandro, Ballantyne and Whistles. 
  • 2 pairs of thermal leggings (outdoors)
  • 2 pairs of jeans
  • 3 thermal long-sleeve t-shirts (1 for sleeping; 2 for outdoors)
  • 5 pairs of wool and cashmere socks.
  • 2 pairs of wool hosiery – German brand Wolford have a excellent merino wool pair quality range and it lasts for ages.
  • Sufficient number of underwear. As a rule of thumb, I usually pack 2 more pairs than the length of the trip.

Where to stay in Warsaw

Experience the best of Polish boutique luxury at H15 Boutique Hotel. Generously-sized and elegant suites, this 4-star boutique hotel is in a central location and serves a breakfast worth waking up for.

Add a little luxury to your Poland trip by booking a stay at Raffles Europejeski. Stylish décor and sleek interiors await at this Warsaw luxury hotel.

What are your winter packing staples? Have you traveled to Poland in winter? Let me know in the comments below, I’d love to read them.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.

120 Comments

  1. When it comes to these temps, it pays to have quality outerwear. Poland sounds like an amazing place to visit.

  2. I'm a summer baby not a fan of winter but Canada Goose jackets are good. Many of my friends love it. Its so good no wonder its expensive.

  3. Not a winter fan. It always makes me sick. Thanks for your tips. Poland is a great Country and I am a fan of their football team. Thanks for sharing.

  4. One of my daughters spent a year in Poland at the University and really enjoyed her time there. As long as we pay attention to weather conditions in any country and bundle up properly when needed, we can enjoy all that it offers. Your photos are beautiful.

  5. I have been to Poland in the winter and yep it was cold! One thing i couldnt believe was that they still burn coal for heat in many areas and how polluted/hard to breathe that made the air for me (asthmatic)

    But there are some lovely places. Wroclaw was my favorite city

  6. I've never been to Poland but it's definitely on the list. It's always important to pack correctly for the weather otherwise you'll end up having a miserable time. Thanks for putting such a comprehensive list together. I think you should create a packing list for men as well, we're much worse at packing correctly!

  7. I will surely go there in the next winters, but apart from warsaw and krakow what are some great offbeat places?

  8. Oooo what a great list on what to pack! I can only imagine how chilly it is there. A warm jacket is definitely a must

  9. Great and informative. I have read so much exciting things about winter season in poland, would definitely want to visit poland soon.

  10. I love the way you give the tips, the way you take your time to explain the details of each item. I feel like if I was to go to Poland right now that I would be equipped. PS I don't like cold weather either.

    1. Aw thanks Mary, I'm happy to read that. Poland's beautiful, yet cold in winter, and I want to inform from my experiences.

  11. As a travel blogger, I kinda envy your European Adventures. I would surely explore those places someday after I finish. Y adventures in Japan.:)

    1. It's easier to have when you're European 😀 I on the other hand would love to visit Japan, it's my dream 🙂

  12. Poland looks cold, it is so good that you have these packing suggestions because one would need to stay warm there.

  13. Great tips! Although I don't plan on going to Poland anytime soon in the winter months, these products for winter I will be looking into for sure! Cold and I do not blend well. Bring on springtime and sunshine!

  14. Wow, such a detailed post that would be so helpful to plan a great trip to Poland during winter. Loving the pictures so much.

  15. Poland isn’t my first choice of destination since living in the cold at the moment. But it’s good to know my winter gear throughout my snowstorms will come and handy as well as those comfy parkas?

  16. I haven't experienced winter in any places so reading your Poland guide helps me to understand what to do and what to bring during winter trips. I think I need to practice and get use to the extreme cold that is very opposite from our tropical weather. Poland is also a gorgeous country!

    1. It will be a shock to the system if you visit in winter coming from a tropical climate. But I hope my post will help you 🙂

  17. I never been to Poland before. But this an awesome guide of what to wear and bring if you are visiting this northern country in this season!

  18. Poland is beautiful at any part of the year, but of course for those countries in the north, if you are coming in during winter you need to know that it will be cold, I mean that could also depend from year to year, some may be not so severe while another year it could be like well it's below 0 degrees, hope you packed warm xD the tips are great and it will surely come in handy thank you for sharing

  19. This is such a good list! I'm heading to Poland in March so I'm definitely going to keep this list in mind 🙂

  20. This is a really great packing list! The sun can definitely fool you into thinking the weather is warming. Thermals and boots to keep your feet dry and warm seem like a must have.

  21. You opening photo is stunning. I am in love with your advice. I grew up in cold climates, and not everyone is able to adjust or pack for this weather.

  22. This is such a great, helpful post! A good friend of mine just visited Poland in November and shared with me how cold it was. I would love to visit Poland soon, and I will refer back to this post when I do for tips. I love the coats you recommended!

  23. Excellent winter packing guide for Poland. I was born and raised in Romania, which has a similar climate. I'm so glad I don't have to endure those cruel winters anymore now that I live in California, hahaha!

  24. I have never visited Poland, but this post gives me enough reasons to consider spending my holiday there.

  25. I’ve always wanted to visit Poland so I’ll definitely be saving your tips on what type of clothes to wear in the winter

  26. I can hardly handle cold weather. These would be apt for me for any destination where the temperature is lower than usual for my body type. Thanks for the detailed information. 🙂

  27. Quality information! I traveled to Iceland this winter and was not prepared with warm enough clothing. This list would make it more enjoyable! Also I love your Pinterest images - can I ask what you use to make them?

  28. That Canada Goose Lorette Parka is absolutely gorgeous! I definitely need that in my life - thank you for sharing! And speaking of gorgeous, you got some really great photos!!

  29. A very useful packing tips, and I think it also applied to any cold countries..me and my Husband spend our Christmas holiday in his hometown Turin, and last Christmas it was always below 4 degrees and I wasn’t ready at all..with this tips I’m sure i’ll be well prepared next time, so thank you

  30. This is such a handy guide! Poland is a fascinating country but it is so important to dress for the weather. I love that Canada Goose Lorette Parka

  31. Poland has been establishing itself as a great winter destination in recent years but I didn't realize just how pretty it is one of the last countries in Europe I still didn't visit but I would definitely want to visit (maybe next Christmas).

  32. I would love to visit Poland; there is so much history to take in, and beautiful buildings to observe. I bet in winter, it's just amazing! Glad you are staying warm!

  33. This is a great informative post. Coming from Australia where we don't experience winters like this it is always confusing what we need to pack for a visit to Europe in winter. Thanks for a great packing list.

    1. You're welcome Jane! It's not the easiest of climates to deal with, so more than happy to advise on the topic.

  34. Sounds like winter is Poland is similar to Chicago where I live. It was so cold last week that thieves were robbing people and taking their Canada Goose jackets! I have not heard of Woolrich before but their coats look really cute!

  35. Great list of items to pack for the winter. Nothing can penetrate those Canada Goose jackets! We live in Chicago so we get our fair share of the cold.

  36. Oh my goodness, your photos are beautiful!! I love wearing merino when it's cold, a great anti-bacterial fabric that keeps me warm - these temperatures look FREEZING! Poland looks like a beautiful place x

  37. I've always wanted to see Poland. We've been to Europe a few times, but I've never had the chance to see it. I would love to see it in the winter. I love these shots.

  38. I haven't been to Poland yet, but my best friend is originally from there, so I have always been interested.
    Appreciate your tips for travelling there in Winter! 🙂

  39. I'm loving this Lorette Parka jacket, looks so comfy and stylish as well. Cool packing tips to enjoy a perfect cozy winter holiday in Poland.

  40. Thanks for the list and your store recommendations. Not a fan of winter, it makes my suitcase so full. But with this precise list, maybe I can manage my stuff!

    1. Thanks for stopping by Carmen. Yes, winter's a pain for packing but the right advice can help overdoing it 😀

  41. Very useful post on packing list for traveling to Poland during winter. The list for women is precise and I would love to follow that when I am traveling to Poland or even places with similar degree of temperature in winter. I totally agree on carrying extra number of undergarments that what we would be needing usually. That's actually a very good tip!

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