When planning a holiday, one of the first steps is choosing where to go. In summer, the Polish coast is a popular option. It receives less attention outside the season, but unfairly so. The Baltic Sea can be a good choice all year round, just for different reasons. So when is it worth going to the seaside, depending on your needs and preferred type of break? Read on to find out.
- July and August are the best months for sunbathing, swimming and enjoying the full range of seasonal attractions.
- June and September are a good choice for those seeking good weather with fewer tourists.
- May and October are ideal for sightseeing, walks and active leisure.
- November–April is the best period for those seeking peace, walks and SPA
- Autumn and winter are particularly good for winter swimming, amber hunting and enjoying sea aerosol.
When is the best time to go to the
There is no single best time to visit the Baltic Sea. It is worth visiting all year round; the ideal time depends on what you expect from your trip. The season affects not only the weather by the sea, but also:
- Number of tourists – in summer, Poland’s coast is by far the busiest. According to Statistics Poland, 24.2 million overnight stays were recorded in coastal areas in 2024, including 8.7 million in July and August
- Availability of seasonal attractions – some operate daily mainly during summer.
- Availability of lifeguarded bathing areas – Poland’s official bathing season runs from 1 June to 30 September, but individual sites may operate for
- Conditions for specific activities – in summer, it is easier to plan swimming and full days on the beach; outside the season, walks, trips, sightseeing and other activities independent of high temperatures matter more.
Planning a trip to the Baltic Sea? We warmly invite you to our hotel in Stegna by the sea. Our property is just 900 metres from the beach. We offer comfortable apartments, access to a SPA area and restaurant, plus facilities for year-round relaxation.
Best time for sunbathing and swimming
The best conditions for sunbathing and swimming in the Baltic Sea occur in July, August and the first half of September. According to IMGW norms for 1991–2020, the average maximum temperature at coastal stations is around 22°C then. For example, in the Gulf of Gdańsk area, the highest average temperature during this period was 20.2°C in August 2022, 21.3°C in September 2023 and 20.6°C in September 2024.
Safety is also worth considering. Lifeguarded bathing areas operate in most seaside resorts during the holiday months.
Swimming in the Baltic Sea does not require high temperatures. Winter swimming is becoming increasingly popular, involving bathing in cold water. Winter is the best time for it.
Best time for a peaceful break
For those seeking peace without giving up good weather, June and September are the best choices. The average maximum temperature by the sea is around 20°C and 18°C respectively. Tourist numbers are also much lower than during the holidays – in 2024, Statistics Poland recorded 2.79 million overnight stays in coastal areas in June and 2.32 million in September, compared with around 4.3 million in both July and August.
Those for whom high temperatures are not a priority can enjoy an even quieter break from October to May. Statistics Poland data also clearly shows the difference: in 2024, coastal areas recorded 13.8 million overnight stays from June to September combined. This was far more than in the other eight months, which recorded 10.4 million altogether.
Best time for active leisure
You can enjoy active leisure by the Baltic Sea for most of the year. The best time therefore depends on the activity. For example, wind can make a longer cycling trip difficult and may even be dangerous when kayaking or using a SUP board.
| Activity | When to go? | Why then? |
|---|---|---|
| Cycling | all year round in suitable weather | Weather matters more than the month. Snow, ice, heavy rain, strong wind or heat may be limiting factors. A good day for cycling can therefore occur even in December. |
| Walking, trekking, running and Nordic | all year round | They require neither high temperatures nor seasonal infrastructure. Choose the timing mainly according to your tolerance for cold, wind |
| Kayaking and SUP | mainly late spring, summer and early autumn | Higher temperatures make time on the water more comfortable. However, current conditions matter more than the month – strong winds, high waves and storms may make it unsafe to go out. |
| Kitesurfing and windsurfing | May–September | This is the main season on Poland’s Baltic coast, with the most schools and rental shops operating and warmer water. The sports depend mainly on wind, so good conditions may also occur outside this period. |
| Sailing | May–October | In the warmer months, air temperatures are higher, days are longer and Baltic conditions are usually milder than in winter. In the colder period, especially October–March, storms and high waves are more common, worsening sailing conditions. |
Best time for sightseeing
The best time for trips depends mainly on the places you want to visit. For outdoor attractions such as parks, open-air museums and viewpoints, the best conditions are usually from May to October. The coast is most likely to have good weather then, with average maximum temperatures ranging from around 13°C in October to 22°C in July and August.
Indoor attractions are different and can be visited all year round. The only requirement is to check opening hours, as some venues operate shorter hours or only on selected days outside the season.
Best time for a couples’ getaway
Virtually any month is good for a couples’ getaway. May–June and September–October can be particularly appealing, with fairly good weather by the sea and usually fewer tourists on beaches and in town centres than during the holidays. July and August are better if sunbathing, swimming and the full range of seasonal attractions and venues matter. However, popular resorts are busiest then. A couples’ trip in late autumn, early spring or winter can be just as enjoyable if it focuses on SPA facilities, restaurants, walks and relaxing at the hotel.
Best time for a family seaside trip
For families with children, timing should primarily depend on their age. For school-age children, July and August are the obvious choice. The most lifeguarded bathing areas and seasonal attractions operate during the holidays. However, this is also the busiest period. With younger children, when you are not tied to the school calendar, June or September are also worth considering. The average maximum coastal temperature is around 20°C and 18°C respectively, and there are fewer tourists than in the middle of the holidays. This combines suitable outdoor conditions with less crowded seaside resorts.
Best time for a healthy seaside stay
If your aim is to benefit from sea air and marine aerosol, autumn and winter are particularly good periods. Stronger winds are more common by the Baltic Sea then, creating bigger waves. Waves breaking on the shore release tiny seawater particles into the air, forming an aerosol containing, among other things, small amounts of iodine.
Also check: When is iodine levels highest by the sea?
For those who prefer warmer temperatures, late spring, summer and early autumn are also good times for a health trip to the seaside. Staying by the sea naturally encourages activity too – beach walks, swimming or cycling. As is widely known, regular physical activity improves fitness, supports the circulatory system and boosts wellbeing.
FAQ
When should I go to the seaside for good weather and fewer tourists?
June and September offer the best compromise. The average maximum temperature by the sea is around 20°C and 18°C respectively, while the number of overnight stays in recent years has been almost half that recorded in July and August.
When are most attractions by the sea?
Most seasonal attractions, events and open tourist venues are available in July and August. This is peak season, so resorts offer their full range of activities, but tourist traffic is also at its highest.
When is the best time to visit the seaside to find amber?
The best chance of finding amber comes after severe storms, making late autumn and winter particularly suitable. Rough seas wash amber out of sediments and cast it ashore with seaweed and other light materials.
Also see: How, where and when to look for amber?
When is it warmest on the Polish coast?
July and August are warmest. IMGW climate normals for 1991–2020 show average maximum temperatures at coastal stations of about 22°C.
When does the seaside season start?
The tourist season starts gaining momentum in June and peaks in July and August.
Is September worth visiting the seaside?
Yes—September is among the best times for a compromise: good weather and fewer tourists. The coast’s average maximum temperature is around 18°C, and overnight stays are significantly lower than in August.
Is off-season seaside travel worthwhile?
Yes, especially if sunbathing is not the main purpose of the trip. Off-season, you can focus on walks, active recreation, sightseeing or spa treatments while avoiding the heaviest tourist traffic. However, some seasonal attractions and venues may be closed.
Sources:
https://stat.gov.pl/files/gfx/portalinformacyjny/pl/defaultaktualnosci/5494/1/22/1/turystyka_2024.pd
