Are you planning a trip to Bulgaria and wondering when the best time to visit is?
In this article, we’ll take a look at the weather and tourist season in Bulgaria and help you determine the best time to plan your trip.
In general, the best time to visit Bulgaria is from April to October. During these months, the weather is mild to warm and most pleasant.
Whether you’re looking for sun and beach, outdoor adventures, or cultural experiences, there is something for everyone in Bulgaria during these months.
Keep reading to learn more about the weather and tourist season in Bulgaria.
About Bulgaria
Bulgaria lies in Southeast Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. The capital city of Bulgaria is Sofia. The overall population of Bulgaria is estimated to be around 7 million people.
The country has a varied landscape, with the Black Sea coast, the Rhodope Mountains, and the Balkan Mountains all within its borders.
Bulgaria is known for its beautiful beaches, skiing resorts, and hot springs, as well as its rich cultural heritage and historical sites. It has a rich history and culture, with many interesting sights and attractions to discover.
Climate in Bulgaria
Bulgaria has a Temperate Climate, with four distinct seasons.
The defining features of this climate are warm summers and cold winters. Although Bulgaria’s climate is not very extreme, it may be quite unpredictable.
Average temperature
Spring in Bulgaria (March-May) brings mild temperatures, with average highs ranging from 12-22°C (53-72°F) and average lows ranging from 1-10°C (34-50°F).
During the summer months (June-August), Bulgaria experiences warm weather, with average highs ranging from 25-29°C (77-84°F) and lows averaging around 13-15°C (55-59°F).
In autumn (September-November), temperatures start to cool down, with average highs ranging from 11-23°C (52-73°F) and average lows ranging from 2-11°C (36-52°F).
Winter in Bulgaria (December-February) is generally cold, with average highs ranging from 5 to 7°C (41-45°F) and average lows ranging from -2 to -4°C (28-25°F).
Number of monthly rainy days
Bulgaria experiences a moderate amount of precipitation throughout the year, with an average of 7 to 14 rainy days per month across the year.
The rainiest season in Bulgaria is spring, with an average of 12 rainy days per month.
Number of monthly sun hours
In Bulgaria, the summer months of June, July, and August tend to be the sunniest, with an average of 267 to 310 sun hours per month.
In contrast, the late autumn and winter months of November, December, and January are the least sunny, with an average of 68 to 105 sun hours per month.
Seasons in Bulgaria
Bulgaria has four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
Spring (March to May)
The weather in Bulgaria during the spring season (March, April, and May) is generally moderate.
The maximum temperatures range from 12°C (53°F) to 22°C (71°F). The average number of sun hours per month ranges from 168 to 235.
There is also a moderate amount of rainfall during this season, ranging from 11 to 14 rainy days per month.
In general, the weather conditions in spring in Bulgaria range from tolerable in March, good in April, and great in May.
| SPRING | MAR | APR | MAY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max temperature | 12°C / 53°F | 17°C / 62°F | 22°C / 71°F |
| Min temperature | 1°C / 34°F | 5°C / 42°F | 10°C / 50°F |
| Monthly sun hours | 168 hours | 192 hours | 235 hours |
| Monthly rainy days | 11 days | 11 days | 14 days |
| Weather conditions | Tolerable | Good | Great |
Summer (June to August)
Summer (June, July, and August) is typically the hottest season in Bulgaria, with maximum temperatures ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 29°C (83°F).
The days are long and sunny, with an average of 267 to 310 sun hours per month.
Rainfall is generally low, with an average of 7 to 11 rainy days per month.
The weather conditions in Bulgaria during the summer months are generally great, making it a good time to enjoy outdoor activities and travel.
| SUMMER | JUN | JUL | AUG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max temperature | 25°C / 77°F | 28°C / 82°F | 29°C / 83°F |
| Min temperature | 13°C / 56°F | 15°C / 59°F | 15°C / 60°F |
| Monthly sun hours | 267 hours | 310 hours | 308 hours |
| Monthly rainy days | 11 days | 8 days | 7 days |
| Weather conditions | Great | Great | Great |
Autumn (September to November)
The weather in autumn (September, October, and November) in Bulgaria is generally cool and variable.
The maximum temperatures range from 23°C (74°F) to 11°C (51°F). The average number of sun hours per month ranges from 225 to 105 hours.
There is also a moderate amount of rainfall during this season, with an average of 7 to 10 rainy days per month.
Overall, the weather conditions in Bulgaria during the autumn season range from great in September, good in October, and tolerable in November.
| AUTUMN | SEP | OCT | NOV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max temperature | 23°C / 74°F | 18°C / 64°F | 11°C / 51°F |
| Min temperature | 11°C / 52°F | 7°C / 44°F | 2°C / 36°F |
| Monthly sun hours | 225 hours | 170 hours | 105 hours |
| Monthly rainy days | 9 days | 10 days | 7 days |
| Weather conditions | Great | Good | Tolerable |
Winter (December to February)
Winter (December, January, and February) is the coldest season in Bulgaria, with maximum temperatures ranging from 4°C (38°F) to 7°C (44°F).
The days are shorter, with an average of 68 to 116 sun hours per month.
Precipitation is generally higher, with an average of 10 to 11 rainy days per month.
Overall, the weather conditions in Bulgaria during the winter months are bad, with cold and wet, and potentially snowy conditions.
| WINTER | DEC | JAN | FEB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max temperature | 5°C / 40°F | 4°C / 38°F | 7°C / 44°F |
| Min temperature | -2°C / 28°F | -4°C / 25°F | -2°C / 28°F |
| Monthly sun hours | 68 hours | 86 hours | 116 hours |
| Monthly rainy days | 10 days | 11 days | 10 days |
| Weather conditions | Bad | Bad | Bad |
Best time to visit Bulgaria weather-wise
In general, the best time to visit Bulgaria weather-wise is from April to October. This is when the weather conditions range from mild to warm and are generally pleasant.
If you are looking for warm, sunny weather and long days, the summer months of June, July, and August are the best time to visit Bulgaria. During this period, the country experiences its warmest temperatures and highest number of sun hours and is a great destination for beach vacations and outdoor activities.
If you prefer milder temperatures and fewer crowds of tourists, the spring and autumn months of April, May, September, and October are good times to visit Bulgaria. During these months, the weather is generally pleasant, with cooler temperatures than in the summer.
If you enjoy skiing or other winter sports, the winter months of December, January, and February are good times to visit Bulgaria. During these months, the country has several ski resorts located in its mountainous regions, and the weather is generally cold and wet.
Best time to visit Bulgaria for sightseeing
The best time to visit Bulgaria for sightseeing are the spring and autumn months of April, May, September, and October. During these months, the weather is generally mild and pleasant.
The crowds of tourists are also typically smaller during these months, which can make it easier to visit popular attractions and landmarks without long wait times.
If you are planning to visit Bulgaria during the summer months of June, July, and August, you can expect warm, sunny weather and longer days, which can be ideal for outdoor activities and beach vacations.
However, these months are also the busiest and most popular time for tourists, so you can expect higher prices and more crowded attractions.
FURTHER READING
Best time for hiking in Bulgaria
In Bulgaria, April, May, September, and October are often the ideal months for hiking because of the pleasant and agreeable weather.
Additionally, the trails tend to be less crowded during these months, making it simpler to take in the country’s natural splendor.
The summer months of June, July, and August are the best times to travel to Bulgaria because of the warm, bright weather and longer days.
However, trekking can be more difficult and potentially dangerous if you are not adequately equipped, therefore it’s crucial to be ready for hot and dry weather. When trekking in these months, it’s crucial to stay hydrated and bring a lot of water.
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