Climate and monthly weather forecast
Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Dominating the climate scene in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, is the Köppen climate classification type of Cfa, indicating a humid subtropical climate with no dry season. This location paints a picture of mild, wet winters balanced by warm, wet summers. As geographical positioning plays a dramatic role in this weather balance, Plovdiv, as part of South Central Bulgaria, benefits from influences of the Mediterranean and continental climates.

Throughout the calendar period, the residents of Plovdiv witness a stark contrast in the weather pattern. In January, the thermometer may drop as low as -3°C (26.6°F), but July invites a temperature high of 30.6°C (87.1°F). The humidity index also varies significantly, with an annual high of 76% in January and December and reaching a low of 45% in July.

Precipitation comes into play too with a trend of frequent showers. The change in rainfall days seems pretty proportionate over the year, rising from 3.1 days in August to 6.5 days in May. Rainfall measurements exhibit the highest millimeters in May at 77mm (3.03") and drop to 27mm (1.06") in January. Interestingly, the consistency of rainfall occurs without dry seasons exhibiting a specific pattern.

Two more aspects crucial to the city's climate are the daylight and sunshine hours. The inhabitants enjoy a maximum of 15.2 daylight hours in June, and this number dips to 9.2 hours from December to February. Slightly trailing behind, the sunshine hours peak at 10.6 in July, and the annual low falls to 2.5 hours in December.

Considering the several weather parameters, the months between May and September would offer the most optimal conditions for travelers intending to visit Plovdiv. The temperature creates an inviting atmosphere, hovering around 23.7°C (74.7°F) to 30.6°C (87.1°F). The presence of sunshine holds strong, with the duration ranging from 7.7 hours to 10.6 hours per day. This weather situation is coupled with relatively low humidity, registering between 45% to 53%, thereby improving the overall comfort level.

Although Plovdiv presents an inviting climate for the most part of the year, the period between January and March might be less ideal for travelers. These months exhibit the lowest temperatures, ranging from -3°C (26.6°F) to 1.8°C (35.2°F). Moreover, the diminished sunshine hours, which operate between 2.5 to 5.5 hours per day, coupled with a higher humidity index, could potentially dampen the overall travel experience.

The onset of spring from March to May brings forth warmer climates in Plovdiv. Temperatures progressively escalate from a modest 13°C (55.4°F) to a comfortable 23.7°C (74.7°F). Rainfall follows a similar rising trend, measuring from 37mm (1.46") to 77mm (3.03") across these months. Despite the rise in rainfall, the number of rainy days remains relatively low. The daylight and sunshine hours significantly increase as the spring season advances, contributing positively to the overall pleasant weather.

From June to August, summer in Plovdiv is characterized by warm temperatures ranging from 28°C (82.4°F) to 30.6°C (87.1°F). This period observes the highest daily sunshine hours, which range from 9.4 to 10.6 hours. The rainfall decreases as summer progresses, moving from 57mm (2.24") to 43mm (1.69"). Though the humidity lingers at a comfortable 45% to 50%.

Autumn in Plovdiv, stretching between September to November, heralds a gradual drop in temperatures. They range from a high of 26°C (78.8°F) in September to a low of 11.9°C (53.4°F) by November. Sunshine hours quickly fizzle out, plummeting from 7.7 hours to 4 hours towards the end of autumn. Simultaneously, humidity starts climbing, moving from 48% in September to 69% in November.

Winter comes into full swing in Plovdiv when December rolls around, continuing until February. This period witnesses the most frigid temperatures dropping down to -3°C (26.6°F) in January. Concurrently, sunshine hours are at their annual low, ranging from 2.5 to 3.9 hours per day. However, despite the chilly temperatures, rainfall remains relatively low, stuck at an average of about 35mm (1.38") to 37mm (1.46"). Conversely, humidity is at its peak during winter, rising up to 76%.

The bitter winter chills mark the start of the New Year in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, with local residents experiencing a blend of temperature shifts throughout the month. Noticeably, temperatures persist between -3°C (26.6°F) and 5.4°C (41.7°F) making January one of the coldest months of the year. Weather in January »

As February arrives, a minor rise in temperature is witnessed, coupled with decreasing humidity levels compared to preceding January. Remarkably, temperatures lie from -1.4°C (29.5°F) to 8.3°C (46.9°F) marking the end of the bitter cold. Weather in February »

March weather in Plovdiv suffuses a hint of Spring, exhibiting a significant raise in temperatures, longer daylight hours and declining humidity levels. A significant fact to note is that temperatures fluctuate between 1.8°C (35.2°F) to 13°C (55.4°F), marking a transition from winter to spring. Weather in March »

April in Plovdiv ushers in milder weather, welcoming longer sunshine hours and warming temperatures. Uniquely, Plovdiv observes temperatures oscillating from 6.2°C (43.2°F) to 18.4°C (65.1°F) making this month significantly warmer than preceding month. Weather in April »

May is a pleasant period in Plovdiv as the weather continues to warm, with high daylight hours signaling the opportune time to explore the city. The recorded temperature ranges from 11°C (51.8°F) to 23.7°C (74.7°F). This marks the highest temperature leap and the advent of the summer season. Weather in May »

The summer season starts peeking into Plovdiv during June. Despite frequent rainfall, residents and visitors are treated to the bountiful sunshine and a substantial amount of daylight. Importantly, the temperature bracket reaches from 15°C (59°F) to 28°C (82.4°F), hosting the season's first warmth wave. Weather in June »

July in Plovdiv is characterized by intense heat, witnessing the highest temperatures of the year. The reading scales from 17°C (62.6°F) to 30.6°C (87.1°F), marking the peak of the city’s summertime. This season invites locals and tourists to engage in water activities and enjoy the sunny outdoors. Weather in July »

August prevails with similar heat intensity as the previous month, creating a prolonged summer spell in Plovdiv. Specifically, temperatures vary from 16.5°C (61.7°F) to 30.2°C (86.4°F), merely a slight decrease from July's temperature range. Weather in August »

September in Plovdiv displays commendable weather stability with minimal temperature fluctuations and moderate rainfall, marking the onset of autumn. A remarkable alteration is noticed in temperatures that settles between 12.6°C (54.7°F) and 26°C (78.8°F). Weather in September »

October weather conditions start tilting towards the colder side, with the city slowly preparing for the impending winter. The recorded temperatures remain from 7.6°C (45.7°F) to 19.4°C (66.9°F) contrasted to the preceding warmer month. Weather in October »

Plovdiv in November transforms with a chill in the air, reduced daylight hours, and the signs of Winter appearing. Most notably, temperatures dip from 2.6°C (36.7°F) to 11.9°C (53.4°F). The overall ambience of the city takes a moody turn as the trees shed their leaves, preparing for the season ahead. Weather in November »

December in Plovdiv is prominently cold and wintry. With temperatures spanning between -1.3°C (29.7°F) and 6.6°C (43.9°F), it is one of the coldest months. This month witnesses the least daylight hours, creating a mesmerizing sight of the sun setting early and snow-laden buildings glowing under the city lights. Weather in December »