What temperature does the Bulgarian need? Water and air temperature in Bulgaria

The climate of Bulgaria is generally continental. Winters in Bulgaria are cold and summers are warm or hot. Climatic conditions are slightly milder in the coastal Black Sea regions, and cooler in the hilly regions and mountains. The country is exposed to both cold air masses from Northern Europe or Russia and warm air masses from the Mediterranean and North Africa. In the south, the Rhodope Mountains, separating Bulgaria from Greece, can block southerly flows - but, however, the strongest heat waves can bypass them.

Bulgaria has two large flat regions, between which lies the Stara Planina mountain range, stretching from west to east. In the first such region - the Danube Plain - located north of the mountains, separated from Romania by the Danube River, and where the cities of Ruse and Pleven are located, the average temperature is around -1°C in January, and 22°C in July. In the second region - the Upper Thracian Lowland - located south of the mountains, and where the cities of Plovdiv and Stara Zagora are located, climatic conditions are slightly warmer, and the average air temperature is 1°C in January and 23°C in July. The Upper Afrakian lowland is less susceptible to cold waves because the Stara Planina mountains partially block the northern winds. The coldest air temperature recorded in the Danube Plain over the past 20 years is approximately -25°C, and in the Upper Afrakian Lowland - about -15°C.

In eastern Bulgaria, in a region with not a very wide coastal strip, conditions are milder due to the Black Sea. In this region, where the cities of Varna and Burgas are located, winters are cold, but not very cold, with average air temperatures a few degrees above zero (however, cold waves caused by cold winds from Siberia are also possible here); Summer here is warm, or even hot, but regulated by the breeze. In the south-eastern part of Bulgaria, south of Burgas, and closer to the Turkish border, the climate becomes even milder.

In the southwest of the country, in the valley of the Struma River, closer to the border with Greece, the climate of Bulgaria is somewhat milder than in the lowland regions: in the city of Sandanski there is a relatively cold winter, with possible frosts (the average air temperature in January is about 2.5°C ), and hot summers (average air temperature in July is about 24°C).

The capital of Bulgaria, Sofia, is located in a place (in a valley, at an altitude of 550 meters above sea level), which increases the cold in winter, and in some cases the heat in summer too. The city is located south of the western part of the Stara Planina mountains - in this part the mountains are not very high, so they do not protect the city much from cold air masses. In addition, due to its altitude, the weather conditions in this city are often colder than in all other cities in Bulgaria. The average air temperature here in January is -1.5°C. However, in the summer, Sofia is cooler than in the lowland regions, again due to the altitude: the average air temperature in July here is 20°C, although sometimes it can be very hot, and temperatures can reach 35-37°C, with June to August, but at night it is almost always cool and pleasant.

In the mountainous regions of Bulgaria, the climate and conditions are cool, and the air temperature is similar to that in the alpine regions.

Rains in Bulgaria

Rain in Bulgaria is not very heavy, because the country's territory is protected from the westerly winds of the temperate zone, and most of the rain falls over the Adriatic Sea. Annual precipitation is approximately 500-600 millimeters in lowland regions, and even less - up to 500 mm. - in the coastal northeastern regions (city of Varna), which are therefore quite dry; In mountainous regions there is slightly more precipitation.

In winter, in the lowlands, precipitation does not fall in large quantities, but often, and mainly in the form of snow. The rainiest months in Bulgaria are May and June, due to thunderstorms that may occur during the daytime; in coastal regions they occur less frequently, but they occur very frequently and with high rainfall in mountainous regions. As a rule, there is little rain in August and September, and even October can be a dry month, at least in the plains and in Sofia.

Winter in Bulgaria

Winter in the country is cold in all regions. Often cold air remains in the plains, along with clouds and light snowfall, but these periods can be interrupted by warm winds from the south, which can raise air temperatures to 15°C or higher, and, more often, they can be interrupted by a flow of cold air masses from Russia, bringing with them strong winds followed by severe frosts.

Spring in Bulgaria

Spring in the country is not very rainy, but it is characterized by large temperature changes, especially in March and April, due to the collision of air masses, so the first warm days alternate with cold ones, during which there may be light snowfalls. Typically, from mid-April-May, weather conditions in lowland regions become mild and warm. May also marks the beginning of the season for daytime thunderstorms.

Summer in Bulgaria

Summer in the country is warm, even hot, especially in the interior lowland regions: in the lowlands there is intense heat, especially at a certain distance from the sea. The average maximum temperature is usually around 30-32°C, but days with temperatures in the 40°C range are not that uncommon.

Autumn in Bulgaria

Autumn in the country begins with a pleasant period with little rain. Typically, a relatively sharp turn occurs in October, when cold air masses begin to circulate. However, the rains in the country are not as heavy as at the same time in the Mediterranean, which is explained by the fact that Bulgaria is not directly exposed to western or southern sea currents.

Climate of Bulgaria in different cities of the country

The table below shows the average minimum and maximum air temperatures in different cities and places in Bulgaria throughout the year.

The climate of Bulgaria is varied and the type of holiday largely depends on the season. Information about the weather at the country's resorts will help you plan your vacation and avoid unpleasant surprises.

The climate of Bulgaria can be clearly divided into four seasons: there is a full snowy winter and warm spring, hot summer and rainy autumn. Moreover, during one season, the weather in different parts of the country can vary greatly.

Winter in Bulgaria, as expected, begins in December. December in the country is by no means a sunny month: rain, snowfall and thick fog are possible. The mountainous and central regions can already boast of winter moods this month - the air temperature in Sofia and Plovdiv drops below zero.

In Varna and Burgas the temperature is December It’s still about +8 degrees, and sunlight warms up the sea waters, but the holiday will be overshadowed by sharp cold winds and high humidity. That's why coastal resorts are already empty this month.

January in Bulgaria is perfect for mastering the ski slopes and excursion walks in Sofia, Plovdiv and other excursion cities. Despite the abundance of snow and sub-zero temperatures, weather forecasters in January may surprise with rain and cold winds.

The country's seaside resorts, such as Golden Sands, Pomorie and others, do not indulge in warmth this month.

February in Bulgaria, although rich in snowfalls, already marks the arrival of spring. The waters of the Black Sea are still cold.

Climate of Bulgaria in spring

IN March extreme sports enthusiasts still continue to roll around the snow-covered mountain slopes, and on the plains the first greenery stretches towards the sun and flowers bloom. In mountainous regions, temperatures neither during the day nor at night exceed zero, and in the central part of the country and on the coast the daily temperature forecast is positive everywhere. The wind gradually subsides, but the water is cold, so entertainment this month is limited to excursions and walks along the shore.

Mid-spring is also conducive to long walks and exploring the sights of the capital.

April can be called a transition month: the last snow melts inexorably under the April sun, gradually nullifying winter fun, and the sea is not yet warm enough for swimming. But the shortcomings are more than compensated by the abundance of flowering trees both on the Black Sea coast in Varna and Burgas, and in the central part of the country.

The forecast is already encouraging: the air temperature on the seashore in Varna, Burgas, in the resorts of Sunny Beach and Golden Sands is set at +15 during the day and +7 at night, in the mountains it is still cool. The daylight hours are getting longer, and the Black Sea has time to warm up to +13-16 degrees.

IN May Bulgaria is preparing for the coming influx of tourists. In the resorts of Golden Sands and Pomorie it is almost summer weather, but rain is possible, so it is advisable to study the forecast for May in advance.

The atmospheric temperature in Varna and Burgas in May confidently approaches +20 during the day and does not fall below +11 at night. The waters of the Black Sea are becoming even warmer, and the country is immersed in blooming greenery. The most popular resorts in the country are looking forward to the summer season, and more tourists are visiting the museums of old cities.

The weather forecast for mountainous areas is not so attractive.

Weather in the summer months at the resorts of Bulgaria

June— the official start of the swimming season. The beaches are filled with tourists, and the markets are filled with fresh fruit. The water temperature during the day reaches +20-22. The ambient atmosphere at the Black Sea resorts warms up to +24-25 degrees, after sunset it does not drop below +17-18. Although the forecast for June allows for showers, there are not so many of them to spoil a beach holiday. From the middle of the month you can safely visit Sunny Beach, Golden Sands and plunge into a beach holiday.

Mountain walks will be successful if you take warm clothes with you. The same applies to excursions to the capital of the country.

IN July Bulgaria is experiencing a tourism boom and this is due to excellent weather. Hotels in resorts and coastal areas are filled with tourists. Despite the height of summer, the weather in the mountains remains cool - the weather forecast in the mountains for July is about +10 during the day and +4 at night.

The climate of the town of Pomorie is especially favorable this month: the heat is well tolerated due to the location of the resort, in addition, the town is famous for its healing mud and salt lakes.

August pampers tourists with hot days and warm sea waters. In August, the air on the sea coast near Burgas, in the resorts of Sunny Beach and Pomorie, heats up to +27 degrees during the day, and cools down to +18 at night. In Varna and the Golden Sands resort, August welcomes tourists with cooler air.

It is still not hot in the mountains in August.

Autumn weather vagaries in Bulgaria

September In Bulgaria, it’s a stretch to call it an autumn month – August does not want to give in and gives warm summer days. Sea waters delight tourists with warmth. Days on the coast are hot: Burgas, Sunny Beach and Pomorie indulge in daytime temperatures of +28-30, in the north the air warms up less. The nights are already getting cooler.

In central Bulgaria, heavy rainfall is possible in September, and mountainous areas are often shrouded in fog. The air temperature during the day does not exceed +8 degrees, and at night it can approach zero. In such weather, having previously studied the weather forecast, you can visit Plovdiv and Sofia, explore numerous churches, monasteries and historical antiquities. Other places are also famous for heavy rainfall in autumn, so it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast before going on vacation.

October, like April, is a transitional season - from beach holidays to ski resorts. The abundance of rainy days and low air temperatures explain the unpopularity of this month among tourists. Sunny Beach and Golden Sands are emptying out, but despite the +13-14 degrees that an October day in Varna or Burgas brings, there is something to see in Bulgaria.

It is in October that you can see the riot of autumn colors on the trees, and also visit the sights of interest in Plovdiv or Sofia without unnecessary fuss. It should be noted that the water temperature at this time is still at +17 degrees, and the air in the south of the coast can heat up to +20.

November is rich in surprises and unpredictable in terms of weather, so it will be useful to familiarize yourself with the weather forecast.

You can already feel the approaching breath of winter, but in the first half of the month autumn still rules with its rainy and cloudy days. Despite the abundance of precipitation, in November you can still catch a rare sunny day and enjoy the autumn landscapes or, for example, go on an excursion. On a November day, air masses heat up to no higher than +9-11, sea waters cool down by the end of the month, and there are almost no tourists left in Varna and Burgas. Capricious weather can bring surprises of sleet and almost winter cold.

The mountain slopes are not sufficiently covered with snow, so winter fun is not yet available. Due to the weather, November in Bulgaria is not crowded and is mainly suitable for excursions, for example, in Sofia or Plovdiv.

The country's topography and climate are suitable for beach holidays and winter sports. The first one should be planned for July, August or September in Varna, Burgas, Pomorie, etc. The best time for winter fun is from mid-December to April. It is better to explore the sights of Plovdiv, Sofia and other cities in spring and autumn.

Usually we are with you in our articles about the weather in Bulgaria at different resorts We say something casually, we decided to correct this injustice, because the weather at the resort is an important thing. The weather can make your holiday unforgettable or turn it into a living hell. Therefore, you need to be careful and serious not only about choosing a resort, but also about the weather that this resort currently has.

How to find out the weather at the resort where you are planning to go? There is nothing complicated here, if you are a modern person and you have a computer and the Internet at home, you can easily get the information you need. You should not trust those sites where they give a weather forecast for 30 days; there are others like that on the Internet. You can see a more or less adequate picture if you look at 7-10 days; even a 14-day forecast can already give serious errors. Therefore, it is best to find out the weather before leaving for the resort and then you can be at least a little sure that your vacation will not be ruined.

So, we’ve figured out how to find out the weather, and now let’s talk in more detail about what kind of weather can await you at which resorts. You can relax in Bulgaria all year round, so it would be nice to know the weather for the whole year and at all resorts, but we won’t write about all the resorts - it’s very long, we’ll make it simpler, we’ll divide all the resorts in Bulgaria by season, decide where It’s better to rest at one time or another, and let’s talk about the weather. Of course, when talking about the weather, we will definitely mention the temperature in Bulgaria during the period of time when you are going to relax at some resort.

Temperatures in Bulgaria by month: spring

So, since it’s the height of spring, let’s talk about it. In the spring in Bulgaria you can relax on all of them, both on the sea and on the sea.

The fact is that Bulgaria, despite its small size, is located in such a way that the weather here is very different. If on the Black Sea coast in spring it is already quite warm and the bravest tourists try to open the swimming season in May, then on the other hand in the mountains the weather is still absolutely winter and there is snow until the end of April.

Therefore, if you didn’t have snow in your region in winter and had to celebrate the New Year in the rain, you have a chance to get into a real winter fairy tale in Bulgaria even in the spring. True, at this time the fairy tale already looks a little faded, the temperature at the ski resorts begins to tend to above zero, the snow is slowly melting, but it’s still snow, and if you can’t go skiing, then you can play enough snowballs and build different snow castles will. So, in March at the ski resorts in Bulgaria the temperature is still winter, here it may well be -2-4 degrees during the day, and at night the temperature can drop to -5-6 degrees.

Temperature in April It is already starting to rise and during the day it is usually above zero - 0-+2, at night the temperature can drop to -2 degrees. If you decide to go to a ski resort in May, then you will not find any snow there, the temperature during the day will be above zero, at night it can drop to 0 or -1 degrees, but by this time the snow will have completely melted. Therefore, in May, all ski resorts in Bulgaria begin to adapt to completely different tourists.

Hiking enthusiasts, climbers and other orcs begin to appear here, you read that right, orcs and other fairy-tale evil spirits. Various Tolkienists and reenactors love to come here to hold their games. If you are a fan of hiking and unity with nature, then we do not recommend you go to the ski resorts in Bulgaria in May; the temperature in Bulgaria at these resorts is not very pleasant for living in tents.

If anyone thinks that it is comfortable to spend the night in a tent at -1 degree, then he is clearly not a tourist. If you want to really relax and admire nature to the fullest, then it is better to come here at the end of May or beginning of June, then the weather here will be most favorable for walking or cycling. In general, the temperature in May in Bulgaria is already beginning to resemble summer.

If you decide to go vacation on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria in May, then you made the right choice, the weather here is really good. Everything begins to bloom, the air warms up to a pleasant 20+ degrees, and the evenings are quiet and calm, the air is clear and clean, in short, it’s perfect for walking.

Since we're talking about the Black Sea coast, let's now talk about what you can do in the spring. So, March and April are not suitable for a holiday on the seashore at all, the weather can be disgusting, in March there can still be frosts at night, and it often rains. In April, it becomes more comfortable near the sea, the temperature rises above +12 degrees, the sun appears more often and you can calmly walk outside.

If you like to relax in the spring, then May is best for a holiday in Bulgaria. As we have already said, the temperature in May in Bulgaria becomes almost summer and during the day you can not only walk along the embankment, but even sunbathe. At the beginning of May in Bulgaria, of course, you won’t be able to lie on the beach yet, but in mid-May or at the end you can sunbathe without any problems.

Beach holidays in May in Bulgaria is not yet accessible, so if you like to splash around in the warm sea, you shouldn’t come here in the spring. In addition, coastal cafes and restaurants are still closed in May, so finding a place where you can have a snack and admire the sea at this time is quite difficult. What can you do in Bulgaria in spring? You can go shopping, or just walk around the city where you are staying. The temperature in May in Bulgaria is very comfortable, so you can travel to different attractions. This time of year is especially good for sightseeing, because there are not very many tourists here at this time of year, and you can see the sights without the fuss and crowds of people.

Temperature in Bulgaria by month: summer

In the summer you can also relax for everyone. If you prefer to simply admire nature and hike, then it is best for you to go to the mountain bases of Bulgaria, where all conditions will be prepared for you. You can take all the necessary equipment for your walks if you don’t have your own. Here you can take backpacks, tents, sleeping bags and go hiking in the mountains. If you are an inexperienced tourist in this regard, then in any hotel and at any base you will be offered the services of an experienced guide who will show you the best routes and tell you various interesting stories. and of course will show you the most beautiful places.

If hiking is not very interesting to you, then you can rent a bike and go for a bike ride. This way you can see much more than walking. In short, even summer in Bulgaria in the mountains There is a lot to do, but the main attention of tourists in summer is, of course, attracted by the seaside resorts of Bulgaria.

In June, the tourist season officially opens in Bulgaria, all entertainment venues are already in full swing, you can swim in the sea without any problems, although the water is not very warm yet. At the beginning of June, the water temperature in Bulgaria does not exceed +21 degrees. Therefore, not everyone can swim in such water, and certainly not worth going to Bulgaria with children in early June. If you are planning a trip with the whole family, it is better to postpone it until mid-July or the end of the month. By this time, the water has already warmed up to +23 degrees and swimming in it is much more comfortable.

It's worth remembering that in June in Bulgaria It can be cool in the evenings, so you need to take warm clothes with you for evening walks and an umbrella. Unfortunately, it often rains this month, so it is quite possible to get wet.

July is considered one of the hottest months of the Bulgarian summer and it is not surprising, because the air temperature here can reach +30 in some resorts, and the water temperature in Bulgaria by this time already rises to +25-27 degrees. This month is great for beach holidays and for children's beach holidays. The seashore in Bulgarian resorts is flat, quite shallow near the shore and the water warms up well, so children can sit in the water for hours and not get out of the sea.

This month is really hot, but the sea breeze saves you from the oppressive heat, which brings long-awaited coolness in the evening, so it’s comfortable to walk in the evenings. There is practically no rain and, well, there may be a small thunderstorm and then only for a few minutes.

It is practically no different from July; this month is great for a beach holiday; it is the hottest; the temperature in Bulgaria in August often exceeds 30 degrees Celsius. Going on excursions this month is not very comfortable, the fact is that if the heat is not very felt near the sea, a light breeze from the sea will still save you from the heat.

But if you go somewhere from the sea to the ruins of a castle standing in the middle of the steppe, the risk of getting sunstroke increases greatly, and you will not get pleasure from such an excursion. August smoothly turns into September and here the real velvet season begins. Beach tourists begin to go home, students go to school, and life at seaside resorts slowly begins to fade.

And this is a great moment for those people who like to relax without unnecessary noise. in Bulgaria it opens up to 100%, there is no longer that summer heat, the temperature in Bulgaria is becoming more comfortable, there is no rain yet, and the sea no longer looks like just boiled milk, but begins to refresh. You can still lie on the beach and bask in the sun, but only until mid-September, by the end of the month the weather is already starting to change, it is still warm during the day, but at night it can be cool, so the water is slowly cooling down.

Autumn

In October, the beach season is already completely closed and you can only sometimes sunbathe on the beaches; during the day it is still warm and the air sometimes warms up to +20 degrees, but the best thing in October in Bulgaria is to just walk and enjoy the views of falling asleep nature, and visit the sights. And in November the first ski resorts begin to operate.

Seaside resorts fade into the background, the first snow falls in the mountains, and the first lovers of winter sports and recreation begin to come to Bulgaria. The temperature this month is not quite yet, but it is already quite cool; during the day the thermometer shows 0-1 degrees minus, and at night the temperature can drop to -2 degrees. November smoothly flows into December and this month the real winter tourist season begins. For the New Year holidays, all hotel rooms are full and you need to book them in advance.

The thickness of the snow cover can reach several meters by this time and skiing here is very comfortable. in mountain resorts it rarely drops below -7 degrees, so skiing here is comfortable and you can spend the whole day outside, but in the evening you can sit in cozy restaurants that are located on the territory of the hotels that you have chosen for your holiday.

In general, as you can see, holiday in Bulgaria You can do it at any time of the year without any problems, only your entertainment will be different, the weather will make some adjustments to it. And of course you need to choose the right resort. If you need to find out the weather in Bulgaria, water temperature, then it is best to use the Internet. There you can find the temperature of water and air in Bulgaria by month, and at the same time find out what the weather will be like in the coming days in a particular city. Remember that if you come on vacation and the weather is really bad, then no one has yet canceled the thermal springs, of which there are many in Bulgaria, so you can swim in hot water in Bulgaria even in the harshest winter.

The weather by month is presented in the temperature table and in tourist reviews; in February, Golden Sands is 6°C, Burgas is 7°C.

Bulgaria is a resort country, which is visited by large crowds of tourists year after year. Most of the territories of Bulgaria are characterized by a temperate continental climate. The climate of Bulgaria is definitely clearly divided into four main seasons, summer, autumn, winter and spring. The Black Sea coast is considered a resort destination in Bulgaria, and the Mediterranean climate dominates on the coast. It is worth noting that winter in Bulgaria is quite warm and comfortable, so in the coldest month of the year – January, the average daytime temperature ranges from -2 to +2°C, while in mountainous areas the daytime temperature in the winter months can drop to -10-15°C. The warmest month of the year is July, during this month the average air temperature is +18+25°C, in the south of the country the thermometer rarely exceeds +30°C, but if the weather is hot, the beaches are filled with vacationers.

In flat areas, the average annual precipitation is around 650 mm, while in mountainous areas the amount of precipitation is much higher, from 800 to 1000 mm of precipitation. The heaviest rainfall occurs in the months of May and June, while the winter month of February receives minimal or no rainfall, as meteorologists call February the driest month of the year. Bulgaria is characterized by a climate that is most suitable and comfortable for recreation, which makes this country attractive to tourists. Weather in Bulgaria in March: Golden Sands 9°C, Burgas 10°C.

The climate of Bulgaria is in many ways similar to the Ukrainian one - hot summers and cold winters, however, it also has its own distinctive features. Despite the relatively small territory of this country, the climate is still heterogeneous, because there are both mountains and the sea.

The Balkan Mountains create a natural barrier for air masses, influencing the weather throughout the state; in the north the climate is temperate continental. In the south, the climate in Bulgaria is closer to subtropical (something similar to the Mediterranean), thanks to the Black Sea.

August, as well as July in Bulgaria are the warmest months of the year. The sun warms the air to +25..+27 ˚С, light southern and eastern winds blow with sea coolness, and northern and northwestern winds occasionally bring with them small refreshing rains. Dark Bulgarian nights retain the warmth of the passing day; the temperature after sunset and until the morning does not drop below +20..+22 ˚C.

Climate in Bulgaria: Golden Sands

When is the best time to vacation in Bulgaria?

The best time to relax in Bulgaria in the summer by the sea is the first half of August. At this time, the air and sea temperatures are most acceptable, and precipitation is rare. Afterwards it starts to get colder. In July, basking in the sun is also a good time. But in June it is rainy.

The best time for a ski holiday is January and February, when the likelihood of skiing on real snow is greatest. At the same time, there are practically no severe frosts there, even compared to ours. But the best months for excursions are April and October.