Weather in Bulgaria
Weather in Bulgaria is one of the reasons why many tourists from around the globe choose Bulgaria as their holiday destination, whether it is a summer beach holiday, early autumn hiking vacation or winter skiing trip. In short: Bulgaria offers fantastic weather conditions most of the year to please any vacationer.
Climate in Bulgaria
While covering relatively small territory, Bulgaria is characterized by a diverse climate. Most of Bulgaria has a temperate-continental dry climate, with distinct seasons, hot summers and cold winters. The Black Sea coastal strip boasts mild sub-tropical climate, which is a huge attractant for summer tourism, while in the mountains above 1,000 m altitude (e.g. Rila, Pirin or central Balkans), there is an alpine climate with most of the Bulgaria's snowfall in winter time, which creates ideal conditions for winter sports.
What's the weather in Bulgaria?
Weather in Bulgaria depends on the location, with different weather patterns in coastal, inland, and mountainous regions. See below for details on each area.
Weather in the Bulgarian coastal region
Bulgaria's coastal region by the Black Sea is a very popular beach holiday destination, with high average temperatures of 28°C, warm sea water up to 25°C, with up to 11 hours of sunshine and very little rainfall (usually overnight) in the summer time. Winters on the other hand, are milder by the Bulgarian coast compared to other parts of the country, with temperatures ranging from -1°C to 6°C and peak rainfall of 63 mm in December. However, cold masses of air coming from Russia might freeze the Danube, and other smaller rivers and lakes.
Weather in Bulgaria's inland region
As you move west, away from the Black Sea coast, Bulgaria's territory rises over the sea and is affected by the continental climate. A good example of an inland location is Sofia, which like most of Bulgaria has 4 distinct seasons. The summers last from June till end of August, are hot and dry with average high temperatures reaching 30°C during daytime and cooling down to 15°C at night. Winters in Sofia last from mid-December till end of February with average temperatures between -4°C and 4°C and an average 200 mm of snowfall over winter months. Most of the rainfall in Sofia comes in spring and summer time.
Weather in the Bulgarian mountains
Bulgaria's mountainous regions have colder weather compared to the rest of Bulgaria, with more rainfall, and lower temperatures, which are comparable to those in the Alps. The rainiest months are May and June, due to afternoon thunderstorms, which are more common at higher altitudes. Summers in the mountains are cooler with moderate day temperatures and cool nights, making it ideal hiking season. Cold winters and abundant snowfall up to 1200 mm in the Bulgarian mountains creates perfect conditions for winter sports in Bulgaria's numerous ski resorts. The average temperature in January in the mountains is -6°C.
Weather in Bulgaria - when to visit?
If you are planning to spend your holiday in Bulgaria, you might wonder what is the best time to visit Bulgaria to enjoy the best weather? Well, the answer is: it depends on what you would like to do on your vacation. There are 3 weather related tourist seasons in Bulgaria and during each of the seasons, there is a range of exciting activities to keep you busy.
Weather in high summer season (June - August)
Summer is the busiest time at the Bulgarian Black Sea coast and in the Bulgarian mountains. You can expect fantastic weather with high temperatures, plenty of sunshine and little rain, not only on the Bulgarian beaches, but across the whole country. Note that September has also very pleasant weather conditions for hiking and summery beach activities, with still warm sea water but no crowds.
Weather in mid spring season (April - May)
Bulgaria offers warm and pleasant weather already in the spring time, which makes it a perfect time for visiting Bulgaria. Note that evenings might be still a little chilly and the sea too cold for swimming, but at the same time there will be less tourists around, while all the sights and attractions are already open. Also hiking season in Bulgaria starts around this time.
Weather in low winter season (October - March)
Fall is good for some hiking in Bulgaria, although hiking season in the highest mountains ends mid-September. As temperatures quickly drop in winter, snow covers most of the country. While coastal resorts get closed down for winter, mountain ski resorts are full of life and busy with winter activity lovers. Skiing season in Bulgaria usually last from December until March, with Bansko ski resort open longest - until May.