Climate in Bulgaria

Before you go to Bulgaria, it would be good to get acquainted with some of the climatic features of this amazing country.

Who will benefit from this information?

• Who plans to move to live in Bulgaria and chooses a city with suitable climatic conditions.
• Who wants to spend a summer or winter vacation there.
• Who wants to see the natural and man-made sights of the country, organize excursions.

Forewarned is forearmed! Find out in advance what time of the year and which city or resort is better to go so that the goal is fully achieved and the impression of this hospitable country remains the best.

Briefly about the climate in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a small but picturesque country with three climatic zones. The north is dominated by a temperate continental climate. In the central part there is a steppe zone, and the Mediterranean climate prevails on the sea coast.

The northern part of the country is characterized by cold winters with heavy rainfall and hot summers. The south is characterized by milder winters and pleasant summers without sweltering heat. Autumn and spring in Bulgaria are rainy.

The climate and weather in the country is also influenced by its geographical location. In mountainous areas (60% of the country's territory) - colder, more precipitation. In the coastal zone there is no unbearable heat due to the refreshing breeze from the sea. But here the air warms up better than in the central regions of the country, since the Balkan Mountains protect the coast from strong winds.

Expert opinion

Climate features attract tourists to Bulgaria all year round. Fans of active ski holidays come during the cold season (December to March), the beach season is open from May to September. Sightseeing tours are in demand all year round.

Those who want to move to Bulgaria for permanent residence have the opportunity to choose a specific region with such climatic conditions that suit their health and desires.

The climate of Bulgaria by months

Autumn

It is considered the velvet season, the water temperature reaches +23°C. Due to the more gusty winds, large waves rise on the sea. The air warms up to +24°C, there are hot days. In mountainous areas, the thermometers show +8°C during the day and +1°C at night.

Ideal time for a holiday with children (comfortable weather without sweltering heat). This month, you can perfectly combine beach, sightseeing and ecological holidays in the forest, near lakes and rivers.

The swimming season is closed. Air and water temperatures drop to +18°C. At night - up to + 13 ° C. Walks along the seashore are not in great demand due to high waves. The wrong time for a holiday in the mountains is cold and humid, frost, rain or snow are possible.

This month is good for excursions to ancient cities and archaeological reserves. Many tourists visit balneological resorts.

The weather is not very suitable for visiting the country. But financially, you can save a lot (housing and leisure prices are significantly lower than in other months).

Snow begins to fall in the mountains, the air temperature drops to -6°C. But skiing is not yet possible due to high cloud cover and cloudy weather. It rains more and more often in the central regions of the country. A strong wind rises in the coastal resorts, the air temperature is +13°С during the day and +5°С at night.

It's time to visit museums, theatres, art galleries and other interesting indoor attractions.

Winter

In coastal areas, air and water temperatures drop to +8°C. Walking along the coast is not possible due to strong winds. In the mountains, the air is frosty - the thermometer shows up to -5 ° C. It often snows. By the end of the month, rainy weather gives way to snowy, ski resorts are filled with tourists.

It's time to start learning winter sports. Prices for hotel stays and other services in the mountains are still affordable. More and more travelers want to celebrate their favorite New Year holidays away from home in fabulous Bulgaria.

, opens this month The country's sunniest ski resort, Pamporovo . The thickness of the snow reaches up to two meters in some places. The bright sun does not affect the quality of the snow cover. Prepared trails for beginners and pros, developed infrastructure for small tourists as well.

The water on the coast warms up to +7°C. The air temperature during the day is +6°C, at night tends to zero. In mountainous areas, there is a sub-zero temperature regime (-7°C / -12°C). The snow cover is compacted and becomes permanent.

Favorable time for skiing. Excursions on buses over long distances are undesirable, on the roads there is ice and precipitation. But in January, the season of discounts is open in Bulgaria, tourists after active pastime in the fresh air are engaged in shopping.

But housing prices and various services in ski resorts are starting to rise. The reason for this is the increase in the number of tourists. Favorable conditions for skiing, January holidays and school holidays - all this affects the cost of vouchers.

The coastal strip is characterized by icing, which is why it is not possible to approach the sea. The water temperature drops to +6°C. The air warms up to +7°C. The rains are becoming more frequent. In the mountains, the thermometers show +6°C during the day and -10°C at night. It can snow heavily for several days in a row.

The last month of winter is considered the peak of ski tourism. Tourists from different countries come here to ski and snowboard, as well as admire the incredibly beautiful scenery and breathe in the fresh mountain air.

The cozy ski resort Borovets is filled with vacationers . Located at the foot of the Rila Mountains, it has trails with varying degrees of difficulty. Accommodation is best booked in advance. Due to the large influx of travelers, all budget options may be busy.

Sightseeing holidays in cities are still not in demand due to icy roads. But there is an opportunity to visit museums, nightclubs and shopping centers in the capital and other major cities.

Spring

This month is characterized by a sharp temperature drop. During the day, vacationers can walk in T-shirts, and in the evening - in warm jackets. On the coast, the air warms up to + 10 ° C, the sea remains cold - about + 7 ° C. There are no strong winds, now you can walk along the coast and breathe in the fresh sea air.

Snow begins to melt in the mountainous areas, but this does not prevent ski lovers from actively relaxing. Due to the brighter sun, it is better to put on sunglasses and apply cream on your face before skiing so as not to burn yourself. Temperature during the day -4°C, at night -9°C. In March, prices for vouchers are significantly reduced (the ski season is gradually closing), which attracts students and those who want to save money.

On the Black Sea coast, the air warms up to +16°C during the day and +7°C at night. Temperature indicators of water reach +12°C. The sea is calm, it rains more often than in March. More and more tourists are walking along the waterfront.

In the mountains, the air temperature stays around zero during the day, and there are frosts at night. Snow becomes less on the slopes, melt water flows from the mountains. This is the last month for ski holidays. Prices for accommodation, air tickets and other services remain available.

The middle of spring is the right time for sightseeing trips to the cities of the country. You can visit reserves with their amazing flora, go to flowering meadows near the Balkan Mountains. In April, many tourists undergo treatment in health resorts and sanatoriums with mineral springs.

Although the beach season has not yet begun, coastal resorts are starting to fill up with vacationers. The temperature during the day reaches +21°C, at night the thermometer shows +12°C. The sea warms up to +17°C. There are heavy showers. At the end of the month, the most daring beach lovers swim in the sea. The rest have a great time on the beach, enjoying the May sun. Despite the sharp warming, it is better to take warm clothes with you for the evening.

In the mountainous regions, as in the highest European capital, it is still cool. But the ski season is already closed.

This month, abundant flowering of trees and flowers begins here, the air is filled with wonderful aromas. Great time for walking, hiking and sightseeing. Travelers from the CIS countries like to celebrate May holidays in Bulgaria.

Summer

The swimming season has officially started. Although, in fact, due to heavy rains with thunderstorms in the first half of the month, there are not so many vacationers on the beach. At the end of the month, stable warm weather sets in. The air warms up to +25°C, the sea - up to +21°C. The coast is filled with visitors mainly at lunchtime. It's still chilly in the evening.

Travelers who do not want to spend their holidays on the seashore can go to the mountainous regions. You can go in for active sports (golf, cycling and hiking, quad biking) or admire the incredible nature (clear mountain lakes, massive forests, picturesque caves and gorges).

The middle of summer is considered the peak of the beach season, vacationers fill the coast to capacity. Prices for rental housing and excursions are rising. The air temperature during the day reaches +27°C, at night it drops to +20°C. Due to the high humidity, the heat is easily tolerated. The sea heats up to +25°C. Evening swimming is more comfortable, the air temperature drops to +20°C. Intermittent rain is possible.

This month, the famous resort of Sunny Beach is actively accepting tourists . Good for families with children. There is a lot of entertainment for active youth. The water and the beach are clean and sandy. The descent into the water is gentle.

In the mountains, the thermometer shows +10°C during the day and +4°C at night. The capital is characterized by sharp temperature changes during the day (from +27°C to +13°C). Even in the hottest month of summer, it is worth taking warm clothes with you on a trip.

The weather is almost the same as in July. Coastal resorts are still filled with tourists. In order not to burn yourself in the sun, it is better not to be on the beach during the daytime (from 11:00 to 16:00). By the end of the month, the air temperature gradually decreases. From time to time there is a wind, waves rise.

Long trips between cities can be exhausting due to the intense heat and lack of wind. In mountainous areas, the air temperature during the day is +12°C, at night +5°C. Don't forget warm clothes either.

When is the best time to go to the sea in Bulgaria?

Most tourists come to the coast in July and in the first half of August - the hottest time in the country. The air warms up to +30°C. Sea - up to + 26 ° C. During this period, it is not cool. For those who love hot weather, this is the perfect time for a beach holiday.

Many vacationers prefer the velvet season - the end of August to mid-September. The air temperature drops to +24°C, the sea also becomes cooler (+23°C). At this time, the weather here is comfortable, there is no sweltering heat.

Prices also vary by month. For example, sun loungers and umbrellas may be chargeable in July and August. In September, the cost of rent is usually cheaper. Some beaches are completely free.

When is the best time to go to the sea in Bulgaria? It all depends on the preferences of travelers. In any case, you can have a great vacation here.

Bulgaria is a hospitable country where you can combine different types of recreation: beach, ski, sightseeing and ecological holidays. The special climate makes it versatile. Every traveler will find something to their liking.

Those wishing to move to Bulgaria can choose a city or area that suits them, taking into account their climatic features. A detailed description of the weather by months and regions is aimed at helping you make the right choice.