Dybowski was born in Adamaryna, Minsk district to Jan and Salomei née Przysiecka and studied at the Minsk Litewski gymnasium before going to the University of Dorpat.

He received a gold medal for his dissertation on Silurian bryozoa and anthozoa.

He then lectured at the university before being forced by health problems to the estate of Umiastowski Niaňków in Niańkowo, Nowogródek in 1878.

His brother Benedykt Dybowksi supplied him with specimens from Siberia, mainly aquatic invertebrates.

From 1900 his heath deteriorated and he was taken care of by his sister Malwina Nargielewicz at Wojnowie where he lived until his death.