Climate and monthly weather forecast
Bulgaria

Bulgaria has diverse and complex climate types. Large sections of the north-central, south-central, and southeast regions have a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification Cfa). A sizeable portion in the west, northeast, and central regions displays an oceanic climate (Köppen Cfb). Patches in the central and southwest regions have a warm-summer humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb). Few areas in the highest mountains have a subarctic (Köppen Dfc) and alpine climate (Köppen ET). The southernmost region exhibits a Mediterranean climate (Köppen Csa, Csb) with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters. Bulgaria lies in southeastern Europe and shares borders with Greece and Turkey in the south. Serbia and North Macedonia are in the west, Romania in the north and the Black Sea in the east. The Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean and Black Seas, and the Balkan Mountains influence the climate.

Bulgaria lies at 43°N in the temperate latitudes in the eastern quadrant of the Balkan Peninsula. The topography is highly variable, with plains, hills, mountains, gorges, basins, and river valleys, even within small regions. The Danube Plain, the Balkan Mountains, the Transitional Area, and the Rhodope, are the four main climatic regions from north to south.
The snowy peaks of the Balkan Mountains give way to warm Mediterranean influence in the valleys of Macedonia and lowlands and plains of southern and upper Thrace. The continental Danube Plain in the north differs significantly from the mild and sunny Black Coast. The Balkan Mountains stretch from west to east and are a barrier between the northern cold air and warm southern air. The coastline stretches up to 220 miles, and the Iskar is the longest river at 229 miles. Musala is the highest peak in Bulgaria at 2925 meters above sea level.

The best time to visit Bulgaria is from mid-May to mid-June in the spring and mid-September to mid-October in the autumn. The days are long and devoid of cold and snow. The late spring has stable and sunny weather, with occasional thunderstorms. The early autumn is still warm and dry. Spring vacations are great to witness the flowering period, while autumn holidays are best for vibrant colors. Beach holidays are best during the summer, with warm waters on the east coast. Summer is hot, especially in the interior plains, and sees crowds everywhere.

The worst time to visit Bulgaria is in the winter from December to February. Severe cold and substantial snowfall occur in much of the country. The high mountains are particularly vulnerable to extreme cold. The low temperatures drop below freezing in many places and below -17.8°C (-0°F) in the highest mountains. However, winter excites snow lovers and adventure seekers, with activities ranging from snowboarding, snowshoeing, and skiing, among many others. Seawater temperatures are cold below 7.2°C (45°F) and not suitable for swimming. Winter is prone to ice, frost, and fog. The days are short are the skies are dark in the cold season in Bulgaria.

Spring in Bulgaria is relatively dry with temperatures that fluctuate frequently due to the alternating influences of warm and cold air masses. By May, the remnants of cold days and snowy shores typically disappear. The season provides a refreshing change with the landscapes coming alive, and the average temperatures climbing steadily. Spring ushers in blooming flowers and greening landscapes, offering a picturesque view for visitors and locals alike. While thunderstorms may punctuate the season, they are generally short-lived, allowing for plenty of sun-soaked days.

Bulgaria's summers can get quite hot, especially in the interior plains, with temperatures often hovering between 29.4°C (84.9°F) to 32.2°C (90°F). On some days, they might even exceed 37.8°C (100°F). Contrarily, the mountainous regions remain pleasantly warm. Summers are characterized by longer days with ample sunlight, allowing for beach activities, especially along the Black Sea coast. With sea temperatures reaching up to 25°C (77°F), it's the perfect time for a refreshing dip or to simply relax by the shore.

Autumn in Bulgaria starts on a mild and pleasant note, offering clear skies and temperate conditions. However, by the end of October, the weather begins to transition, ushering in colder temperatures. The early part of the season is an ideal time to witness the vibrant colors as trees transition from green to hues of yellow, orange, and red. As the season progresses, chillier winds start to blow, making way for the winter season. Despite the cooler weather, the overall ambiance remains captivating for nature enthusiasts.

Winter blankets Bulgaria in a thick layer of snow, with temperatures frequently diving below freezing. The north faces the brunt of cold air from Russia, resulting in strong winds, severe frosts, and extensive snowfall. In the valleys and plains, fog becomes a common sight, and cold air often stagnates close to the ground. The snowy blanket lasts a mere 30 days in the plains, while the mountainous regions can remain covered for up to 9 months. Despite the cold, winter has its charm, turning Bulgaria into a winter wonderland, especially for those eager to indulge in snow sports.

January in Bulgaria marks the height of winter, and the country is ensconced in cold, often with temperatures below freezing. The northern regions, influenced heavily by the cold air currents from Russia, are particularly harsh, with biting winds and frequent frosts. Weather in January »

February, still firmly within the grip of the Bulgarian winter, tends to maintain the cold conditions characteristic of January. Nonetheless, the month often witnesses a subtle shift in the atmosphere as the season begins its gradual transition towards spring. Northern Bulgaria, under the prevailing influence of Russian cold air currents, continues to grapple with freezing temperatures. Weather in February »

March in Bulgaria heralds the beginning of spring, a month of transition where winter's chilly grip starts to wane, giving way to warmer days. However, the shift isn't abrupt, and the month sees a mix of lingering winter conditions and early signs of spring. The northern regions, while still influenced by colder air currents, begin to experience a relative moderation in temperatures. Weather in March »

April in Bulgaria signifies a more defined arrival of spring. With the vestiges of winter receding, the country starts experiencing consistent warmth, blossoming landscapes, and longer daylight hours. Northern Bulgaria, which faced the brunt of cold in the earlier months, sees a noticeable surge in temperatures. Weather in April »

May in Bulgaria marks the beautiful culmination of spring and offers a tantalizing preview of the approaching summer. The entire country basks in a warm, radiant atmosphere, complemented by the brilliance of nature in full bloom. In the north, regions that were once subdued by the icy embrace of winter now relish consistent warmth. Weather in May »

June in Bulgaria welcomes the vibrant energy of summer. The warmth solidifies its presence, days become notably longer, and the sun shines more intensely across the varied landscapes of the nation. The northern expanses of the country, once susceptible to colder currents, now consistently experience temperatures conducive to summer. Weather in June »

July is the zenith of summer in Bulgaria, characterized by its warmest days, an abundance of sunshine, and vibrant outdoor activities. It's a month where the entire nation fully submits to the sun's reign. In the northern parts, the warmth of June intensifies, producing consistently high temperatures. Weather in July »

August in Bulgaria is a continuation of the fervent summer rhythm, showcasing warm days, extended daylight, and a sense of transition as the month progresses. It's a time where the sun's relentless dominance starts to wane, hinting at the approaching autumn. In the northern regions, temperatures remain elevated, but there's a subtle decline as the month advances. Weather in August »

September in Bulgaria serves as a bridge between the balmy summer and the ensuing autumn, presenting a delightful amalgamation of warm days and cooler nights. The vibrant landscapes, still basking in the residual warmth of summer, begin to take on the golden hues of fall, creating a visually stunning backdrop. Northern regions, which once simmered under the summer sun, now experience milder temperatures. Weather in September »

October in Bulgaria is a month deeply steeped in the essence of autumn. The gentle warmth of September gives way to a more pronounced chill, making the transition towards winter palpable. It's a month of vivid landscapes, brisk air, and shorter days, exuding a rustic charm unique to this season. The northern regions, including areas around Sofia, witness a clear decline in temperatures. Weather in October »

November in Bulgaria marks a pronounced shift towards winter. The vivid colors of October begin to fade, replaced by the stark contrasts of bare trees against a grayer sky. The temperature drop becomes even more evident, bringing with it the first signs of the winter cold. Northern parts of the country, such as areas encompassing Sofia, brace for chillier days, with temperatures often ranging from 8°C (46.4°F) to 11°C (51.8°F). Weather in November »

December in Bulgaria heralds the onset of true winter. The landscape undergoes a transformative phase, with a silvery blanket of snow enveloping much of the country. Shorter days and longer nights become the norm, and the air carries the crispness of frost. In the north, areas around Sofia and other cities experience temperatures that hover between 1°C (33.8°F) and 4°C (39.2°F). Weather in December »