Warsaw has a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. The best time to visit is May through September, when outdoor life comes into its own. July and August are warm (averaging 23°C) but can be humid; the city empties of Varsovians slightly in August as people take holidays, which makes it slightly quieter.
Spring (April–May) is excellent: cool but pleasant, the parks are blooming, and the Chopin concerts in Łazienki begin in May. The Old Town is less crowded than in peak summer.
Winter (December–February) is cold and grey, with temperatures often below zero. The Christmas market on pl. Defilad next to the Palace of Culture runs through December and is genuinely festive. Some museums are less crowded. The snow, when it comes, makes the Old Town atmospheric.
The Chopin Piano Competition, held every five years in Warsaw (2025 being the next), draws pianists and music lovers from across the world — book accommodation well in advance if you visit during this event.