Magda Piasecka 2026-09-24

Poland in October: tips for making the most of your autumn in Poland

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The cover photo features autumn in the city of Gdańsk

Weather in Poland in October

The weather in Poland in October differs each year and is difficult to predict – one day, you can enjoy sunny weather, and the other is cold and rainy (usually, no frosts). The average temperature in October in Poland is 9°C / 48°F (just like in April). The average rainfall level in Poland in October is 46 mm (lower than in September).

The Polish name for October – październik (quite a tongue twister, isn’t it?), comes from the word paździerze, meaning the dry stalks of flax.

In October, days in Poland get noticeably shorter, and in this transition month, you can be surprised by how early the sun goes down in the evening. The length of the day goes from 11 hours 35 min. on October 1 to 9 hours 39 min. on October 31. The sunrise on October 31 will be at 6.30 am, and the sunset will be at 4.08 pm (data for Warsaw).

October gives us the last chance to admire fall foliage in Poland (see our post: Beautiful places in Poland to see fall colors). In late October, the leaves wither and fall from the trees. Do not delay – use nice weather for daily walks, delight in the last days of Golden Polish Autumn, and charge your body batteries before winter.

Read more about the weather, changes in nature, and seasonal fruits and vegetables in Poland in autumn.

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Dates to remember in Poland in October 2026

October is one of Poland’s few months with no public/bank holidays.

  • October 14

Teachers’ Day in Poland (Dzień Nauczyciela)
In Polish schools, there are no regular classes on this day. Students give teachers flowers and/or other gifts. Usually, there is an inauguration event for first-grade students (called in Polish ślubowanie), and older kids either do not go to school or have some fun activities.

  • October 25

Time change (zmiana czasu)
On Sunday night, October 25, at 03:00 am, clocks are set back 1 hour to 02:00 am. The change to summertime in Poland occurs on the last Sunday of March. Poland switches back to regular time on the last Sunday of October. European Union lawmakers sought to end the twice-yearly (March and October) time change across the European Union, leaving member states free to set their standard time. But the coronavirus pandemic has put these plans on hold. Click here to find out more in our post about the time changes in Poland.

  • October 31

Halloween
Halloween celebrations are relatively new in Poland. Buying a pumpkin this time of year in Poland was almost impossible a few years ago! Now, pumpkin carving and decorations are increasingly popular in Polish schools and homes. In bars and restaurants in Poland, there are themed Halloween parties for adults and costume parties for kids at schools. More and more children in Poland dress up in costumes for Halloween and travel from house to house playing trick or treat (in Polish: cukierek albo psikus).

Read more about public holidays and dates to remember in Poland in autumn.

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Sunday trade ban in Poland in October 2026

In October 2026, there is no shopping Sunday in Poland. The next shopping Sunday is on December 6. Click here to read our post about shopping Sundays in Poland. Read our post with the list of online stores in Poland delivering groceries to your home.

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Things you can’t miss in Poland in October

Pumpkin – the queen of October

In October, the harvest of potatoes, carrots, parsley, beets, and celery ends in Poland. Pumpkin takes over and becomes the queen of October!
Until recently, pumpkin was not popular in Poland. It was grown mainly in home gardens and used for pumpkin in vinegar preserves or for its dried seeds (as a snack). However, a dozen or so years ago, Poles finally fell in love with pumpkin, and pumpkin dishes have entered the menu of Polish families – the most popular include soups (typical for Poland!), cakes, and bread and rolls with pumpkin seeds.

Make the most of the last fresh local products

As nature prepares for the wintertime, it’s also time for us to fill pantries. Vegetable stalls in Poland in October still offer various species of forest mushrooms; however, there are usually fewer of them than in September. Polish seasonal fruits are almost gone compared to summer, but you can still enjoy local apples, pears, and all kinds of plums. The Polish grapes are fully ripe already. You can experiment with rare and nutrient-rich Polish fruits available in October: quince (pigwa), rosehip (dzika róża), cranberry (żurawina), or hawthorn berry (głóg). 

Polish apple a day

Poland is a paradise for everyone who loves apples and believes that “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” (and Polish version: “Jedno jabłko dnia każdego i lekarza nie trzeba żadnego” or “Kto przed snem jabłko zażywa ze smakiem, ten swojego doktora uczyni biedakiem“). Poland is the fourth-largest producer of apples (3 million tons per year!). The diversity of apple trees in Poland disappeared with the development of industrial orchards; however, in recent years, we have seen “the comeback” of old varieties of Polish apples, including antonówki, kosztele, szare renety, sztetyny, malinówki, papierówki. They don’t look so perfect, but their taste is unique! The Botanical Garden in Warsaw/Powsin has collected and grown over 400 old varieties of apple trees!

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Apple picking in Poland – the last chance this season

Depending on the year’s weather and the harvest, apple picking is usually possible in Poland until mid-October. It is always a good idea to contact the orchard before heading out to pick apples:)

Apple picking in Poland

You will find some options for apple picking in Poland on this website (myzbieramy.pl); you can search by region. Please note that you need to contact a selected orchard to book a slot in most cases.

How about a tour of an apple juice press plant and apple orchards?

The Nasza Tłocznia press plant offers such tours in Central-Eastern Poland, 45 km south of Warsaw. The plant was created based on a family orchard farm, where apple trees had been grown for generations, in the heart of the Polish orchard farming area – here, the first apple trees were grown over 400 years ago.

Tours are dedicated to kindergartens, schools, organized groups, and individuals (April-October). An English language option is available. Attractions include:

  • An educational walk among apple trees. You will explore an organic apple orchard and learn more about fruit development, ripening, and harvesting.
  • Apple picking.
  • Pressing apple juice. You will see how fresh juice is pressed from the fruit you pick yourself.
  • Tasting. You will try freshly pressed juice from different apple varieties, including those suitable for people with allergies.
  • Pickup truck ride. A ride between orchards in an original 1974 vehicle.
  • Bonfire with roasting apples and sausages. You can enjoy a moment by the campfire, roasting apples you have picked yourself. The option of a guided tour with meals is also available.
  • Attractions for children. Trampoline, table tennis, tug of war, skill games, Baba Yaga’s house, and lots of space to play.

Individual visits to the orchard are also possible, for example, for families:

  • Orchard tour fee: PLN 35 per person. Children under four are admitted free of charge.
  • Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
  • No appointment is required for individual tours.
  • Visitors receive a map of the facility, which they follow from one information point to the next. Information points are located throughout Nasza Tłocznia (in Polish and English). You can learn about orchard work, fruit production, and harvesting. The entire recreational area is at your disposal, including a trampoline for children, camping tables with umbrellas, a swing, and other attractions. You can spend time outdoors, picnic, enjoy lunch among the apple trees, or visit the company store. The individual tour does not include the production hall or the juice pressing demonstration.

Photo source: Nasza Tłocznia

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Exploring Warsaw in autumn: ideas for things to do

For those who plan to visit Warsaw in autumn, we recommend September and October. There are no longer crowds of summer holiday tourists; residents are at work and school. You can easily explore Warsaw's attractions. Here, everyone will find something for themselves - something for those who appreciate nature, for those interested in history, and certainly for gourmets - regardless of whether you want to try Polish traditional cuisine, are looking for vegan options, or cuisine from around the world - Warsaw will not disappoint you!

Our post Autumn in Warsaw includes:

  • The best places in Warsaw to admire autumn leaves and fall foliage
  • Pumpkin farms in the Warsaw area
  • Festive illuminations and light displays in Warsaw
  • Ideas for things to do in Warsaw in autumn – INDOOR
  • Ideas for things to do in Warsaw in autumn – OUTDOOR
  • Events in Warsaw in autumn – concerts, festivals, a marathon
Click here to read our post on things to do in Warsaw in autumn

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The best places in Poland to admire autumn leaves and fall foliage

October gives us the last chance to admire the fall foliage in Poland. In the second half of October, the leaves wither and fall from the trees. Do not delay – use every day with nice weather for walks, to delight in the last days of ‘Golden Polish Autumn’, and to charge your body batteries before winter.

Our post Autumn leaves and fall foliage in Poland presents our picks for the most spectacular fall foliage spots in different parts of Poland. Below, you will find a selection.

Arboretum Forest Educational Center in Rogów near the city of Łódź, 100 km from Warsaw

Maple leaves in fall foliage colors in this garden look amazing! The Arboretum Forest Educational Center in Rogów is one of Poland's biggest (over 50 hectares) botanical gardens. The Arboretum in Rogów has one of Europe's most valuable plant collections. It’s “a forest park” - located in the thinned-out forest area. Our tips in English on visiting the Arboretum in Rogów.

Usually, the leaves become colorful from the second half of September; in 2025, the culmination of the red fall foliage of the maples in the Arboretum was mid-October.

If you want to keep up to date with what's happening in nature at the Arboretum, check out their Facebook, where you'll see in the photos whether the colorful autumn leaves are already appearing.

Photo source: www.arboretum.sggw.pl

Skałki Twardowskiego Rocks and Zakrzówek Park, 5 km from the city of Kraków

Zakrzówek Park is located in the southern part of Kraków, 5 km from Kraków’s Old Town. You can get there from Kraków city center in 30-40 minutes by tram or bus, and in 15 minutes by taxi/Uber.

There are well-marked walking trails around the reservoir, beautiful views of Kraków (the Old Town of Kraków is visible from several viewpoints on the hill and rocks), and you can even see the Tatra Mountains when there is good visibility. And during summer season, there are free, guarded pools.

The Zakrzówek Lagoon was created in 1990 after the old limestone quarry was flooded (the water here has a beautiful turquoise color - all thanks to the deposits of limestone that were once mined here; this is also the place where the future Pope Karol Wojtyła worked in the quarry during World War II).

Where does the name of the rocks (the rocks of Twardowski) come from? According to the legend, Master Twardowski ran a school of magic and sorcery among the surrounding cliffs. One day, during an unsuccessful experiment, the laboratory exploded, creating picturesque rocks named after the Master.

Click here to discover more fall foliage spots in Poland in our post.

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Ideas for autumn weekend getaways in Poland

Visiting Bochnia Salt Mine: Poland’s UNESCO Hidden Gem 

Bochnia Salt Mine is the oldest salt mine in Poland (established in 1248), inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is absolutely unique on both a European and global scale. The entire underground labyrinth of mine passages and chambers spans 60 kilometers. Tourist routes featuring multimedia effects—such as moving animations and sound effects—have been prepared for visitors. Visitors descend 212 meters underground in a mining elevator. Unique attractions at the Bochnia Mine—all underground—include a boat trip, a ride on an original mining train, and a descent down a 140-meter slide connecting two levels of the mine.

Photo source: Kopalnia Soli Bochnia

The city of Gdańsk - over 1000 years of tradition, one of the largest ports on the Baltic Sea, amber, architectural gems, beaches

Gdańsk – located on the Baltic Sea – is one of the oldest cities in Poland, but also the most beautiful and exciting – with numerous monuments, rich history, and Baltic beaches.

A walk along cobblestone streets among colorful tenement houses. A visit to one of the many fascinating modern museums. A walk along the sea.

Gdańsk witnessed events that had an impact not only on the history of Poland but also on the history of the world. This city is considered to be the symbolic place of the outbreak of World War II, and this is also where Solidarity was founded.

Finding accommodation in Gdańsk is easy. There are many hotels in different price ranges close to the main tourist attractions, and a wide selection of apartments for short rent if you prefer that option. 

There are plenty of restaurants in Gdańsk serving traditional Polish dishes, but also restaurants with international cuisine. As in other large cities in Poland, finding a child-friendly restaurant with a special kids' menu, a play area, and changing facilities is not difficult. 

How to get there? What are the top attractions? Find out more in our post about visiting Gdańsk.

The Białowieża Forest - bison, ancient forests, hiking and biking trails

The Białowieża Primeval Forest (Puszcza Białowieska) was created without human intervention and is the only natural place in Poland entered on the UNESCO World Heritage List. 

It is a unique place on a European and global scale – most of Europe’s natural forests have been cleared in the last few hundred years. Crops, meadows, pastures, villages, and cities took their place. The Białowieża Primeval Forest is exceptional in Europe. It is here that, for thousands of years, uninterrupted natural processes have been taking place. As a result, this forest is characterized by an extraordinary abundance of fauna and flora.

Białowieża National Park (17% of the area of the Polish part of the Białowieża Primeval Forest) is a protected area famous for its ancient forest that survived in its natural state to this day and a large bison population, as well as hiking and biking trails. It is a perfect place for all those who love nature. The area gives a unique opportunity to observe nature, exceptional biodiversity, rare species of fauna, and flora. The Białowieża Forest is known worldwide for the European bison – the largest land mammal in Europe.

How to get there? What are the top attractions? Find out more in our post about visiting Białowieża.

Bialowieza
Click here to read our post covering 10+ ideas for a weekend getaway in Poland.

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Best museums for children and teens in Poland

Keeping kids entertained can be challenging, especially on rainy days that limit what you can do outdoors. Luckily, there are museums in Poland where you can spend a family day out, combining education, fun, and interactive experiences to challenge developing minds.

Our post includes info about the following museums in Poland:

  • "Bricks & Figs" – a museum of LEGO minifigures and sets in Kraków
  • "Wheels & Heels" – a museum of Barbie dolls and toy cars in Kraków
  • Chocolate Factory Museum in Warsaw
  • Museum for Children in Warsaw
  • "MovieGate" in Wrocław – original costumes and props from the most significant film sets
  • Museum of Gingerbread in Toruń
  • "HistoryLand" in Poznań – the history of Poland presented in Lego bricks
  • Science museums in Poland: Gdańsk, Gdynia, Wrocław, Kraków, Poznań, Łódź, Toruń, Warsaw
  • "Instagram museums" to visit with teenagers: Gdańsk, Wrocław, Kraków, Poznań, Łódź, Warsaw, Katowice
Click here to find out more in our post presenting the best museums for children and teens in Poland.

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A fun Halloween in Poland: ideas & links to online stores delivering Halloween accessories in Poland

To save you time and suggest some fun Halloween ideas, we have collected selected links to online stores delivering in Poland.

Our post A fun Halloween in Poland covers ideas and links to online stores delivering in Poland:

  • Pumpkins! Dynie! Decorating or carving
  • The Halloween home decorations – for those who want to go wild!
  • An online costume party and virtual trick-or-treating (not such a bad option, considering the Polish climate;)
  • A candy/toy hide-and-seek – the Halloween version
  • Halloween-themed home-made treats​
  • A Halloween piñata!
Click here to read our post on how to celebrate Halloween in Poland.

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Click on the photos below to read other posts:

fall foliage spots in Poland

Autumn in Poland

public holidays in autumn in Poland

castles in Poland

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