The climate of Veliko Tarnovo
The city of
Veliko Tarnovo falls under the Cfa classification in the Köppen climate system, characterized as a humid subtropical zone with no dry season. This typically means significant precipitation all year-round with winter temperatures that often go below freezing. As the city is nestled in the Yantra River valley in Northern
Bulgaria, its climate is influenced by the geographical position and the Balkan Mountains that shield it from harsh northern winds.
The city sees a range of temperatures from -4.3°C (24.3°F) in the depth of winter to 31°C (87.8°F) in the height of summer. A significant year-round precipitation of between 41mm (1.61") and 88mm (3.46") per month is also a key feature, with the heaviest rainfall typically occurring in
May and the lowest in
September. Moreover, the number of rainfall days varies from 5 days per month in September and
October to as much as 10 days in May.
Sunlight shifts dramatically with the changing seasons, with as little as 9.1 hours per day in
December to as much as 15.3 hours in
June. Concurrently, sunshine hours also fluctuate from a mere 2 hours per day in December to a generous 10 hours in
July. Additionally, UV index follows a similar trend, peaking at 8 in the summer months of June and July.
A unique aspect of Veliko Tarnovo's climate is its consistent rainfall throughout the year. There is no month devoid of significant rainfall, fitting well with the humid subtropical classification of the city's climate.
The best time to visit Veliko Tarnovo
For tourists, the advent of spring and commencement of autumn are the most favourable times to visit
Veliko Tarnovo in
Bulgaria. Between mid-
April to just prior to
June, temperatures range from 12.7°C (54.9°F) to 24.3°C (75.7°F). This span of time is also characterized by moderate rainfall varying from 43mm (1.69") to 88mm (3.46") per month and 8 to 10 rainfall days per month. It is an ideal time for sightseeing and enjoying the outdoor sceneries of the city.
The worst time to visit Veliko Tarnovo
During the heart of winter, from late
December to early
March,
Veliko Tarnovo tends to be inhospitable for most tourists. Low temperatures range from -4.3°C (24.3°F) to 1.2°C (34.2°F), while high temperatures do not exceed 7.1°C (44.8°F). Add to this the limited daylight of around 9.4 to 11.9 hours per day and low sunshine hours of 2 to 4 per day, outdoor activities are severely restricted.
Spring weather in Veliko Tarnovo
In
Veliko Tarnovo, spring ushers in warmer weather and increased precipitation. Temperatures in
March average between -3.8°C (25.2°F) to 12.7°C (54.9°F) with eight rainfall days bringing about 43mm (1.69") of rainfall. As the season progresses into
April and
May, both daytime temperatures and rainfall increase. By May, temperatures escalate from 6.5°C (43.7°F) to 24.3°C (75.7°F) and bring along 88mm (3.46") of rainfall over 10 days.
Summer weather in Veliko Tarnovo
Summers in
Veliko Tarnovo are quite warm with high temperatures ranging from 24.3°C (75.7°F) in
June to a peak of 31°C (87.8°F) in
July and
August. Meanwhile, overnight temperatures rest between 10.8°C (51.4°F) and 16°C (60.8°F) making for balmy evenings. Although precipitation reduces slightly to between 65mm (2.56") and 86mm (3.39") over 6 to 9 days in this season, it remains significant. However, increased sunshine of 8 to 10 hours per day and a maximum UV index of 8 in June and July go a long way in ensuring enjoyable summer days.
Autumn weather in Veliko Tarnovo
Autumn in
Veliko Tarnovo is characterized by gradually falling temperatures and reducing daylight hours.
September sees average temperatures range from 12.1°C (53.8°F) to 26.8°C (80.2°F), dropping to between 2.8°C (37°F) to 13°C (55.4°F) by
November. Accompanied by monthly rainfall fluctuating between 41mm (1.61") and 51mm (2.01") with 5 to 8 rainfall days and sunshine hours reducing from 8 to 3 per day, the season officially marks a transition from summer to winter.
Winter weather in Veliko Tarnovo
As the winter season marks its onset,
December showcases a further decrease in temperature, down to between -2.5°C (27.5°F) and 5.8°C (42.4°F). The daylight hours shrink to 9.1 per day while sunshine is at a minimum of just 2 hours per day. The city piles up 50mm (1.97") of precipitation over a course of nine days. With temperatures remaining low through
January and
February, winter in Veliko Turnovo is indeed a time of cold and limited sunshine.
Weather in January
January, sitting amidst the bone-chilling winter months in
Veliko Tarnovo,
Bulgaria, carries a palpable coldness with a high averaging around 4.8°C (40.6°F) and low that drops quite heavily to -4.3°C (24.3°F). The city witnesses shortened daylight hours, with the sun disappearing rather early in the evenings.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February signals the tail end of winter. Temperatures rise slightly from the preceding month and snowfall becomes less frequent. However, keep in mind that this is still a wintry month and weather can quickly turn frigid, especially during early mornings and late nights.
Weather in February » Weather in March
As
March approaches, it brings the breath of spring to
Veliko Tarnovo. Being a transitional month, it lacks the biting coldness of winter, yet it is not as warm as the approaching summer months. Compared to
February, both sunshine hours and UV index are increased significantly.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April heralds the full bloom of spring. The landscape of
Veliko Tarnovo becomes peppered with blossoming flowers, temperatures rise further to an average high of 19.5°C (67.1°F), and overnight lows hold steady at 6.5°C (43.7°F).
Weather in April » Weather in May
Moving into
May, one can appreciate the city inching closer to summer, with warmer temperatures becoming the norm. Longer daylight hours can be expected, along with an increase in sunshine hours. While it may be one of the wettest months of the year, the rain does not dampen the city's vibrancy.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June sets the stage for summer. The transformation from spring to summer results in noticeable changes in the weather pattern. In terms of temperatures, there is a considerable jump in comparison to
May, both during the day and night.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Amidst the heart of summer,
July arrives with its peak daytime temperatures soaring to 30.8°C (87.4°F) and minimum temperatures hovering around a balmy 16°C (60.8°F). Sea of people can expect to bask in the sun beneath a predominantly clear sky.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August carries forward the summer heat, with temperatures nearly identical to
July. The days continue to bask in luxuriant sunshine, and outdoor activities remain a delight, with rainfall being lower than it is during the spring months.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September ushers in autumn while bidding farewell to summer. As the month progresses, a gradual decline in temperatures can be observed. Despite the dip in mercury levels, enough warmth persists to ensure pleasant days and comfortable nights.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
With the season's shift into full autumn in
October, the weather conditions witness dramatic transformations. The month, keeping in line with its autumnal nature, manifests a marked reduction in both temperatures and daylight hours.
Weather in October »Weather in November
By the time
November arrives in
Veliko Tarnovo, the hints of winter become more apparent. Temperatures dip further from
October, with daytime highs averaging around 13°C (55.4°F) and overnight lows usually touching 2.8°C (37°F).
Weather in November »Weather in December
As winter begins in earnest,
December brings the icy breath of cold to
Veliko Tarnovo. Temperatures plunge comprehensively, with the highs falling to a nippy 5.8°C (42.4°F) and lows plummeting to a bone-chilling -2.5°C (27.5°F).
Weather in December » [Resources]