Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Greater Poland, classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Cfb, is characterized by a temperate oceanic climate. This region experiences a remarkable temperature range, with minimums plunging to -22°C (-8°F) in January, showcasing the harshness of winter. The average annual temperature hovers around 10°C (51°F), while summer peaks can soar to an impressive 39°C (102°F) in June. This dynamic climate not only influences local ecosystems but also shapes the agricultural practices and lifestyle of its inhabitants.
In Greater Poland, temperature patterns exhibit a distinct seasonal rhythm, characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January and February are the coldest months, with minimum temperatures plunging as low as -22°C (-8°F) and -18°C (0°F), while average temperatures remain barely above freezing. As spring arrives in March and April, temperatures gradually rise, with averages reaching 4°C (40°F) in March and 9°C (48°F) in April, alongside a noteworthy increase in maximum temperatures. This warming trend culminates in the summer months of June, July, and August, where the region experiences peak warmth, with average highs soaring to around 20°C (68°F) and maximums nearing 39°C (102°F). As autumn sets in, temperatures begin to cool again, with the cycle concluding in December, where minimums can dip to -19°C (-2°F). This seasonal variation not only shapes the local climate but also influences agricultural activities and daily life throughout the year.
Lipno experiences a minimum temperature of -19°C (-1°F) in January, with a maximum of 39°C (102°F) in June, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Lipno. Similarly, Gniezno records a minimum of -18°C (0°F) in January and a maximum of 37°C (98°F) in July, which can be explored further in the monthly temperatures in Gniezno. Poznan shares comparable extremes with a minimum of -18°C (1°F) in January and a maximum of 37°C (99°F) in July, as indicated in the monthly temperatures in Poznan.
Precipitation in Greater Poland follows a seasonal pattern, with a fairly steady distribution throughout the year. The winter months, particularly January and February, each receive about 44 mm (1.7 in), with precipitation occurring over approximately 10 days. As spring approaches, precipitation slightly decreases in March and April, registering 42 mm (1.6 in) and 37 mm (1.4 in), respectively, indicating a transition to drier conditions. However, this trend shifts in late spring and summer, with May and June experiencing a notable increase to 70 mm (2.7 in) and 71 mm (2.8 in), respectively.
The peak precipitation occurs in July, which averages around 88 mm (3.5 in), often translating to intense summer thunderstorms. August follows closely with 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, before experiencing a slight decrease in September and October, bringing totals down to 64 mm (2.5 in) and 62 mm (2.4 in), respectively. As the year comes to a close, both November and December see a resurgence in precipitation, with 37 mm (1.5 in) and 48 mm (1.9 in) recorded. This pattern of precipitation underscores the significant role of seasonal changes in shaping the climate of Greater Poland, having implications for agriculture and water resources in the region.
In Greater Poland, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, with a significant increase from the depths of winter to the height of summer. January starts the year with a modest 109 hours of sunshine, but as the months progress, there is a remarkable rise in sunlight hours. February offers 193 hours, and by March, this number climbs to 269 hours. The transition into spring is marked by April's 337 hours, culminating in May's 387 hours, which signals the onset of longer, sunnier days.
The summer months, particularly June and July, are the brightest, boasting the highest sunshine durations of 417 hours and 418 hours, respectively. This peak in sunlight creates ideal conditions for outdoor activities and fosters vibrant agricultural growth. However, as autumn approaches, sunlight begins to wane; September sees a decrease to 293 hours, followed by further declines in October (245 hours) and November (166 hours). December rounds out the year with only 126 hours, ushering in the darker days of winter. This seasonal fluctuation in sunshine not only influences local climate conditions but also plays a crucial role in shaping the everyday lives of Greater Poland’s residents.
The UV Index in Greater Poland shows a distinct seasonal pattern that aligns closely with the region's overall climatic changes. Beginning the year, both January and February feature low UV Index ratings of 1 and 2 respectively, indicating minimal solar radiation and a burn time of 45 minutes. As the days lengthen and temperatures begin to rise in March, the UV Index escalates to 4, categorized as moderate, with a reduced burn time of 30 minutes. This upward trend continues into April, reaching 5, and by May, the UV Index peaks at 7, signaling high exposure levels.
The summer months of June and July are characterized by very high UV Index levels of 8, where the burn time drops significantly to just 15 minutes, emphasizing the need for protective measures against intense solar radiation. Even as August and September transition to high levels (7 and 6 respectively), the risk remains substantial with burn times of 25 minutes. The UV Index then decreases in the fall, with October at 3 (moderate) and returning to low levels at 2 in November and 1 in December, allowing for a more relaxed approach to sun exposure during the shorter, darker days of winter. This fluctuation throughout the year highlights the importance of UV awareness, particularly during the sunnier months when the risk of skin damage is heightened.
UV Risk Categories
In Greater Poland, daylight duration varies significantly throughout the year, mirroring the natural rhythm of the seasons. Starting with January, the region experiences only 8 hours of daylight as winter grips the landscape. This gradually increases to 9 hours in February and 11 hours in March, as spring approaches and daylight begins to reclaim its prominence. April sees a further extension to 13 hours, paving the way for the longer days of late spring and early summer, where May offers 15 hours of sunlight, culminating in June with the maximum duration of 16 hours.
As summer transitions into autumn, daylight hours begin to diminish. July maintains the peak of 16 hours, but by August, it decreases to 14 hours. The following months see a steady decline: September has 12 hours, October drops to 10 hours, and November returns to 8 hours, before concluding the year with just 7 hours of daylight in December. This pattern not only highlights the stark contrast between the long, bright summer days and the short, dark winter months but also affects various aspects of life in Greater Poland, from agriculture to recreational activities, emphasizing the importance of adjusting to these seasonal changes.
Duszniki, Poland experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and warm summers. January sees minimum temperatures dropping to -19°C (1°F) and an average of 1°C (34°F), while July can reach highs up to 37°C (98°F). Precipitation is moderate throughout the year, peaking in July with 97 mm (3.8 in), and the area receives ample sunshine, especially in late spring and summer, with May averaging 386 hours. Visitors can enjoy distinct seasonal changes, making Duszniki a unique climate destination. For more information, visit Duszniki climate.
Gniezno, Poland experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. January and February are typically the coldest months, with average temperatures around 1°C (33°F) and low temperature extremes reaching -18°C (-0°F). The summer months, especially June and July, can see temperatures soaring up to 37°C (98°F) alongside significant rainfall, particularly in July, which averages 97 mm (3.8 in). Sunshine hours peak during the summer, with June featuring 422 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Gniezno climate.
Lipno, Poland experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop as low as -19°C, while July often sees highs around 38°C. Precipitation varies throughout the year, peaking in July with 79 mm, and sunshine hours are most abundant in June and July, reaching 417 hours each. The area also witnesses mild conditions in spring and fall, making it suitable for diverse outdoor activities. For more details, visit Lipno climate.
Poznań, Poland experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from -18°C to 12°C, while July sees highs around 37°C. Precipitation is heaviest in July at 99 mm, while the driest month is April with 34 mm. Sunshine peaks in June with 420 hours, contrasting with only 108 hours in January. For more detailed information, visit Poznan climate.
Rogalin, Poland experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop as low as -18°C (0°F), while July sees highs up to 37°C (99°F). Precipitation is most abundant in the summer months, peaking at 90 mm (3.5 in) in July, while sunshine is plentiful from late spring to summer, with June recording about 420 hours of sunshine. Visitors can expect a significant variation in weather throughout the year. For more details, visit Rogalin climate.
Stare Miasto, Poland experiences a marked continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop as low as -19°C, while peak summer months like July see highs around 37°C. Precipitation peaks in late spring and early summer, with May averaging 75 mm. The area enjoys significant sunshine, particularly in summer, reaching up to 413 hours in July. For more detailed information on the climate, visit Stare Miasto climate.
Wolsztyn, Poland experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and warm summers. January sees temperatures ranging from -19°C to 13°C, while July peaks with a maximum of 38°C. Precipitation varies throughout the year, with the wettest month being July at 78 mm, and the driest in April with 33 mm. Sunshine hours peak in June and July, exceeding 400 hours, contributing to the region's warmest months. For more details, visit Wolsztyn climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Greater Poland is characterized by distinct seasonal variations, each influencing temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV index, and daylight hours. From the cold, limited daylight of winter to the warm, sun-drenched days of summer, these elements interplay to shape the region's ecological and cultural landscape. Understanding these climatic patterns is essential for residents and visitors alike, as they navigate outdoor activities, agricultural practices, and health considerations throughout the year. As Greater Poland experiences the rhythms of nature, awareness and adaptation to its climatic nuances remain key to thriving in this diverse environment.