Can you sightsee in Krakow when it's raining? Yes — and it can be quite pleasant. Rain just changes the pace: instead of long outdoor walks you can plan for more indoor stops, shorter stretches under arcades and breaks for a good coffee.
Can I enter St. Mary's Basilica in the rain? Of course — the basilica operates its visiting hours regardless of the weather (it's still a good idea to check current opening times or possible services before you go). In the rain, interiors of historic sites often feel even more atmospheric, and lines can be shorter.
Do I need to dress specially for the church? A few simple rules of good manners apply to visitors in places of worship: shoulders should be covered, avoid very short shorts and overly revealing outfits. It's about respect for the place and other visitors. In wet weather you should balance comfort and respect — below I explain how to do that practically.
This article will guide you step by step: from clothing layers, to choosing shoes and an umbrella, to behavior rules inside the church and ideas for a dry day plan in Krakow.
We write plainly and kindly — the way I speak with the groups I guide around the city.
St. Mary's Basilica is not only a beautiful exhibition space — it is an active place of worship. For that reason visits can be limited during services, and tourist access usually happens at set times. In practice this means: check opening hours and remember that some entrances or passages may be closed during liturgy.
It's best to enter the basilica with dry clothing — wet coats, umbrellas and muddy shoes are better left outside or quickly dried in a vestibule. On the Market Square you'll find places where people buy small donation-tickets for the basilica's upkeep — have some small change or an electronic ticket ready if available.
The interior is quiet and full of details: please keep your voice low and switch off loud conversations. Respecting church rules also means being discreet when taking photos and not entering the liturgical area through doors reserved for the faithful. This helps everyone enjoy the visit, especially in bad weather when it can get crowded.
If you're visiting in a group, arrange a short dry spot to gather under a roof before entering — a few dry minutes make a difference.
During mass we do not tour the inside — that's a rule worth following.
The basic rule is: clothing should not distract from or disrespect the character of the place. Practically speaking, cover shoulders and necklines, choose skirts and dresses of a reasonable length, and avoid short shorts inside sacred interiors.
On rainy days it's easy to end up with wet layers. That's why it's worth carrying a light shawl, scarf or thin cover-up you can quickly throw over your shoulders before entering a church. It's a quick, simple solution — you don't need a fully formal outfit, just cover your shoulders and keep things modest.
Head-covering customs vary by place and tradition. In many churches men remove hats on entry; women may keep a light headscarf. If in doubt, follow local visitors or ask staff. The key is respect and discretion.
It's useful to have a small bag for wet items or a plastic bag — even a simple umbrella cover will protect your bag from getting soaked.
Avoid entering in completely soaked clothing and try not to cross thresholds with a lot of mud — it's both a matter of aesthetics and of protecting historic flooring.
The best strategy for rain is layers — the so-called "onion" approach: a quick transport layer, insulation, and an outer rain layer. In the city that means: a light T-shirt or base layer, a thin insulating layer (fleece or light sweatshirt) and a slim, well-cut rain jacket.
Why does it work? When you walk under covered arcades you can take off the outer layer and avoid sweating, and when you step back into the rain you can quickly put it on again. It's much more convenient than two heavy layers that take longer to dry and take up more space in your bag.
Materials: avoid cotton as your only layer during heavy activity — cotton dries slowly. Choose quick-dry synthetics or merino wool next to the skin. Thin fleeces or light synthetic insulation work well for the middle layer. A jacket with a membrane or a good softshell is ideal in urban conditions.
If you can only pack one thing, choose a lightweight waterproof jacket with a hood — it makes the biggest difference.
It's also worth carrying a thin poncho or raincoat that folds small and slips into your backpack.
Shoes are the key to comfort in the rain. I recommend footwear with good grip and a waterproof finish or at least good impregnation. Remember that the cobbles on the Market Square and stone floors around monuments are slippery, especially when wet.
If you like heels — consider swapping for shoes with a low, wide heel or comfortable flats with a profiled sole. Sport shoes with good soles often work best for long days of sightseeing.
Avoid materials that soak up water and dry slowly (for example untreated leather or canvas trainers). If you have only one pair of shoes on the trip, bring quick-dry insoles and blister plasters — wet feet are more prone to chafing.
In autumn and winter you might consider light waterproof trekking-style shoes in a city cut — they give good cushioning and traction.
A small microfiber towel will help dry shoes and feet during a coffee break.
An umbrella has advantages: it's handy for short stops and easy to put away. Its drawback is managing it in a crowd — on the Market Square and in narrow streets an umbrella can be in the way and make it harder for others to see details of facades.
A jacket with a hood gives you free hands and better protection in windy or chilly rain. A hood is also useful when entering interiors because it shields your head quickly without opening an umbrella.
My practical solution: a small folding umbrella in your bag + a lightweight waterproof jacket in the backpack. When rain is gentle and warm — umbrella. When it's windy or you plan to walk a lot — jacket.
If the rain is heavy, a good touring poncho will also shield your backpack and let you move faster in a crowded Market Square.
For a wet day the best compromise is: head protection, a dry middle-back area and free hands.
- Folding umbrella or thin rain poncho.
- Lightweight waterproof jacket with a hood.
- Quick-dry underwear and base-layer (T-shirt), spare socks.
- Small microfiber towel and a bag for wet items.
- Waterproof phone and document case, power bank.
- Anti-blister insoles and plasters — wet feet blister more easily.
- Small change for tickets and possible donation-tokens or electronic tickets.
- Map or offline plan in your pocket — it's easier to lose orientation in the rain, so have an offline plan.
- Lightweight shoulder bag or small backpack with a rain cover.
A well-prepared bag is the key to a stress-free day: the fewer wet items on the outside, the more comfortable your visit.
Krakow has plenty of indoor attractions — museums, galleries, historic interiors and cozy cafés. It's a great chance to see exhibitions you might skip in good weather, or to stay longer in a museum with a guide and listen to stories over a warm tea.
Consider visiting the Sukiennice (the Cloth Hall), the Market Underground, or the castle interiors on Wawel Hill — these places work very well in the rain and will keep you dry and comfortable for hours. Designing a "dry" route with short covered walks and coffee breaks works especially well with children.
If you're in a group with a guide, agree on an alternative plan in advance — shortening outdoor legs and adding longer indoor stories often improves comfort and satisfaction with the tour.
Remember, rain doesn't take away a place's charm — it often enriches the story and the atmosphere if you're prepared.
Don't skip a visit to St. Mary's because of the rain — the interior can enchant even in bad weather.
Start the day flexibly: plan 60% outside and 40% indoors, and if a downpour starts — reverse the proportions. Small plan changes save mood and energy.
Don't be afraid to ask staff at monuments for tips: they will often point out the best entrance, a place to leave an umbrella, or a short covered passage that will save you from a heavy shower.
Take care of yourself: a hot drink, a dry shirt in your bag and time to rest between stops will make even a rainy day in Krakow one you'll remember fondly at dinner.
If you'd like to tour with someone who knows the city and can read the local weather on the spot, feel free to contact me — I can plan a dry-friendly route full of stories that work whether it rains or not.
Enjoy your visit — even with an umbrella!
