The climate of Plovdiv
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.
The best time to visit Plovdiv
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.
The worst time to visit Plovdiv
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.
Spring weather in Plovdiv
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.
Summer weather in Plovdiv
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 weather in Plovdiv
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 weather in Plovdiv
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%.
Weather in January
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 »Weather in February
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 »Weather in March
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 »
Weather in April
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 » Weather in May
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 » Weather in June
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 »
Weather in July
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 » Weather in August
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 » Weather in September
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 »
Weather in October
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 » Weather in November
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 » Weather in December
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 »