Climate

Polish weather may be very unpredictable. The summer (June to August) is usually warm, and sometimes really hot with the temperature above 25o C. In the autumn, from September to November it can be cold and wet. In the winter southern Poland is always covered with snow at least between December and March. In December, January and February there can be heavy snowfalls with temperatures below freezing, sometimes down to -15o C. Spring comes in April/May. Rainfall may occur during every season, especially in autumn and spring.

The number of hours of daylight varies from 7,5 at the winter solstice, in December, to 17 hours at the summer solstice, in June.

Shopping hours

Shops are usually open Monday-Friday 11-19, Saturday 10-14. Shops are mostly closed on Sundays. These opening hours are the standard opening hours and there are many exceptions. Most grocery stores are open much longer than the hours mentioned above e.g. Monday-Friday 6 (or 7) - 19 (or 20). Outside those opening hours it is possible to buy some products at night shops and petrol stations. Some of these are open round the clock.

Clothing

Staying in Poland for one semester or one year requires different kinds of clothes. Make sure that you have clothes that will protect you in all types of weather. A warm coat or anorak and sweaters are essential for the winter months. If possible, have one waterproof coat for the rainy days and some sturdy shoes. You will need winter clothes from October/November until March.

Smoking and Drugs

Nowadays in Poland, smoking is prohibited in most public places. Drugs are strictly prohibited. Use of drugs leads to prosecution if even you are caught in possesion of a small amount.