This is the Best Time to Visit Auschwitz

Auschwitz stands as one of the most powerful reminders of the horrors of the Holocaust and World War II.

People from around the world come to visit Auschwitz to reflect on what happened at this nazi concentration camp. Yes, despite the sobering experience, Auschwitz is worth visiting.

However, what is the best time to visit Auschwitz concentration camp?

While you can visit Auschwitz year-round, choosing the right time makes a difference in your experience. In addition to the weather, crowds and your feeling mentally ready can affect how you feel during your visit.

Overview: Best Time for Visiting Auschwitz

Before going through the best times to visit by season, we want to make your life easier and provide the average temperature by month so you have a better idea before going.

This table offers a quick look at average temperatures in Oświęcim, the town where Auschwitz is located. You can use this to decide what to wear and when to plan your trip.

Auschwitz’s Opening Hours

The Auschwitz Museum is open all year round but its hours of operation vary per season. In summer, the museum is open longer, in winter the days are shorter. Always check the museum’s website for the latest hours or any unexpected closure before your trip.

The last entry is allowed about an hour and a half before the museum closes. If you’re visiting in summer you might have longer days and enough time to visit both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau.

Also, these are the opening times to visit Auschwitz:

• December: 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM
• November and January: 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM
• February: 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM
• March and October: 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
• April, May, September: 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
• June, July, August: 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM

In case you plan on visiting Auschwitz concentration camp on your own (not recommended as guided tours are much better, but it’s the cheapest way), you’ll be able to stay inside the former nazi concentration camp until 1.5 hours after the closing time.

Make sure to read our guide on how to get to Auschwitz before going to make the most of your time.

Visiting Auschwitz Birkenau in the Weekdays vs. Weekends

Auschwitz is quieter on weekdays than weekends. Weekdays have fewer visitors, weekends have tourists and locals.

Educational groups visit during the week but if you visit early or later in the afternoon you’ll still have a more peaceful experience.

Also, we don’t recommend visiting on public holidays or long weekends as it’s busy. Always check Polish holidays before you go so you can avoid the busiest days. If you do visit during a holiday, try to go early in the morning or late in the day.

We’ve visited Auschwitz many times and we know how crowded it can get.

Best Times to Go

The early morning is the quietest time to visit Auschwitz. If you visit Auschwitz from Krakow, you can come early as it’s not far and easy to reach. Get there when the site opens and you’ll avoid the big groups that arrive later. It’s more peaceful.

Another good time to visit is late afternoon. The big tour groups will have already left and the site is quieter. The soft light of the afternoon adds to the sombre atmosphere, perfect for reflection.

We offer tours to Auschwitz from Warsaw and always try to recommend uncrowded times.

Visiting Auschwitz Season by Season

We discussed the average temperature month by month above, but for more details, we will cover what you can expect in different seasons here below.

Make sure to read until the end before booking your tour from Auschwitz to Warsaw or Krakow.

Taking an Auschwitz Guided Tour in the Spring

Spring is arguably one of the best times to visit Auschwitz, and it’s not very busy and the opening times are good enough to spend a few hours inside.

In case you visit Auschwitz from Warsaw, spring is a great moment as the concentration camps are not very busy yet, so you don’t have to rush to get to Oświęcim.

Weather

Spring has mild temperatures and good weather, one of the best times to visit Auschwitz. March can still be a bit cold but by May you’ll have pleasant weather perfect for walking around the huge area.

The weather won’t disrupt your plans unlike in winter when snow or freezing temperature can make things more challenging.

Crowds

Spring has a good balance of quiet of winter and the crowds of summer. You’ll have fewer visitors, a more introspective experience. The camps will still have visitors but not overwhelming, you can walk at your own pace.

Pros of Visiting in Spring

Besides the good weather, you can visit Auschwitz concentration camp before the crowds arrive. The peaceful atmosphere and fewer distractions will help you have a more personal experience with the memorial.

Visiting Auschwitz in the Summer

Winter can be extremely cold in Poland, so if you prefer sunny days, the summertime is a great alternative.

Here below, we will talk about what you can expect in the summer months in Auschwitz, from the weather to the crowds and more.

Weather

June to August is summer and it’s warm. Temperature ranges from 21°C to 23°C, perfect for longer visits. But the heat can be unbearable especially when walking in Auschwitz II-Birkenau where there’s no shade. Bring sunscreen and stay hydrated.

Crowds

Summer is the peak season to visit Auschwitz. July and August is the busiest and many schools and tour groups plan their trip during this time.

Guided tours and entrance lines can be long and the site will feel more crowded, especially around certain areas like the train tracks and the gas chamber.

Expect long queues at the barracks, Auschwitz III Monowitz, and especially at Auschwitz II Birkenau, for obvious reasons.

Advantages of Visiting in Summer

While summer means more crowds, it also means longer daylight hours so you have more time to visit. And if you’re already in Poland or traveling around Europe, adding Auschwitz to your itinerary in summer can be convenient.

Tips for Visiting in Summer

• Book guided tours and entrance tickets online to skip the lines.
• Get there early to avoid the peak crowd.
• Wear light and bring water.
• Visit in the late afternoon when most groups leave.

Visiting Auschwitz in Autumn

Autumn is a good alternative to the summer months, especially the beginning of the season. Let’s talk more about it here below so you have a better idea of what to expect in September to November.

Weather

Autumn is cool and crisp and walking around Auschwitz is comfortable. September is still mild but by November it’s cooler and rainier. But it’s never too cold so it’s still nice to walk around.

Crowds

Autumn is less crowded especially in October and November. It’s perfect time for a more quiet and reflective experience without the summer crowds. So you can connect with the memorial without too many distractions.

Advantages of Visiting in Autumn

Autumn is good for those who want to avoid crowds and have a peaceful visit. The autumn scenery around the camps adds to the beauty of the place and makes the visit even more meaningful.

The smaller crowds allow for more personal reflection and time to absorb what happened here.

Visiting Auschwitz in Winter

Last but not least, the winter in Auschwitz. While it’s cold, there are fewer crowds and it gives you an opportunity to reflect on what the former prisoners experienced during the worst time of the year.

Weather

Winter is cold and harsh with freezing temperatures. Snow is common and it gives the Auschwitz site a spooky atmosphere.

While it’s uncomfortable it also mirrors the conditions that many prisoners endured during the Holocaust so it adds an extra layer of emotional context to your visit.

Crowds

Winter is the quietest time to visit Auschwitz, but there might be school groups around certain times like Easter Sunday. Even with fewer people it’s still solemn and quiet so it’s a great opportunity for reflection.

Advantages of Visiting in Winter

The weather is very reflective and solemn. You’ll also avoid the crowds so you’ll have a more personal connection with the site. If you don’t mind the cold it can be one of the most emotional times to visit.

Tips for Visiting in Winter

• Dress in layers including gloves, scarves and hats.
• Wear sturdy shoes to handle icy or slippery paths.
• Plan for shorter days and earlier closing times.

Emotional Considerations by Season

The season can affect how you feel during your visit. Winter, with its cold and rough conditions, makes the experience more sombre and reflective.

Summer, although busy, has long days and you can see more of the camps. Autumn and spring have good weather and fewer people, so are best for quiet reflection. Whatever the time of year you visit, Auschwitz is emotional but knowing the season can help you prepare.

Conclusion

It all depends on what you want to experience. Spring and fall have the best balance of good weather and fewer people. Summer has long days but more groups. Winter has the most reflective experience, fewer visitors but rough weather.

Plan ahead. Whatever you want to get out of your visit, choosing the right season, day and time will help you make the most of this important memorial.