We present the results of research concerning the temporal and spatial variability of the dates of the onset of the growing season (OGS) in Poland using satellite data. The data from the years 2001-2010 were obtained from the MODIS Global Land Cover Dynamics Product (MCD12Q2). The study examined the relationship between the OGS dates and types of land cover, meteorological elements (air temperature and snow depth), and atmospheric circulation conditions. In the study period, the average OGS dates for the entire country showed the strongest correlation with minimum air temperature from January to March (R2=0.95). The photosynthetic activity of vegetation in early spring was also considerably influenced by the strength of zonal flow and the type of land cover. The latest OGS dates in Poland were observed in areas with a higher share of wetlands and inland waters, and the earliest ones in urban areas and agricultural land.