Bulgaria Temperature
Temperature in Bulgaria varies a lot over the course of a year. The highest ever recorded temperature in Bulgaria was 45.2 °C (in 1916) and the lowest temperature was -38.3°C (in 1947). Why there is such a huge temperature difference? Well, Bulgaria temperature are affected by the specific location in Bulgaria (inland, coastal or mountainous region) and four distinct seasons (spring, summer, winter or autumn).
Average temperature in Bulgaria
The annual average temperature in Bulgaria ranges between 6.3°C and 15.2 °C. Generally, the southern parts of inland Bulgaria have the warmest temperature due to the Mediterranean influence. While northern and eastern mountainous districts of Balkan Mountains tend to be cooler due to higher altitudes. Average high and average low temperatures in Bulgaria recorded over 20 years:
| Bulgaria Temperature |
Average Low Temp.°C |
Average High Temp.°C |
|---|---|---|
| January | -3.4 | 3.3 |
| February | -3.7 | 4.9 |
| March | 0.6 | 8.8 |
| April | 5.2 | 14.3 |
| May | 9.9 | 19.3 |
| June | 13.6 | 23.4 |
| July | 15.5 | 26 |
| August | 15.2 | 25.9 |
| September | 12.1 | 22.7 |
| October | 8 | 16.7 |
| November | 3 | 10 |
| December | -0.6 | 5.4 |
| Annual | 6.3 | 15.2 |
Bulgaria Temperature by season
Due to Bulgaria's location within the continental and Mediterranean climate influences, there are four distinct seasons in Bulgaria, with significant temperature variations. Summers in Bulgaria tend to be the hottest and winters the coldest seasons, while spring and autumn have temperature ranges somewhere in between.
Spring - season of blossom
Spring in Bulgaria starts when trees begin to blossom, which takes place around March. While temperatures gradually rise and snow melts, the landscape starts to transform with lush green colors. Spring temperatures tend to fall between 15°C and 25°C, rising as the summer gets closer. The exception here are Bulgaria's highest mountains that have snow cover well into June.
Summer - season of bathing and hiking
Summer begins at the beginning of June with temperatures typically rising to around 30°C: the hottest season in Bulgaria. Bulgarian summer is the best time to enjoy sea- and sun-bathing , as well as hiking. Although temperatures can sometimes be as high as 40°C, the sea breeze or cooler mountain air will keep you comfortable. The sea water is pleasant to swim in, generally being over 20°C.
Autumn - season of harvest
Autumn begins; days get shorter, temperatures fall, usually noticeably so by around mid-September. You can expect temperatures between 10°C and 25°C, gradually falling as December approaches. The beginning of autumn in Bulgaria tends to be warm enough for beach activities and hiking. It is also grape harvesting season for wine makers.
Winter - season of skiing
Bulgarian winter begins in December, and temperatures typically start to drop below freezing (below 0°C). By the end of the month, you can expect the first snowfall. Temperatures between -5°C and -15°C in winter months are not uncommon in Bulgaria. Snow cover in Bulgaria's ski resorts usually lasts from December till March, offering excellent skiing conditions.
Temperature in Bulgaria by region
See below for temperatures across Bulgaria throughout the year with monthly averages in three areas representing each of Bulgaria's distinct types of region: Sofia (inland), Varna (coastal), and Borovets (mountainous).
| Location |
Sofia (inland) |
Varna (coastal) |
Bansko (mountainous) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Temperature | °C | °C | °C | ||
| January | -1 | 3 | -2 | ||
| February | 1 | 3 | 1 | ||
| March | 6 | 6 | 5 | ||
| April | 10 | 11 | 11 | ||
| May | 15 | 16 | 16 | ||
| June | 19 | 21 | 19 | ||
| July | 21 | 23 | 22 | ||
| August | 20 | 23 | 21 | ||
| September | 17 | 19 | 17 | ||
| October | 11 | 14 | 12 | ||
| November | 5 | 9 | 6 | ||
| December | 1 | 5 | 1 |
Temperature at Bulgaria's inland region (Sofia)
Temperatures in Sofia and most of Bulgaria are affected by a continental climate which brings long hot summers and cold snowy winters. Additionally, Sofia's altitude of 550 m means that Sofia in winter is often the coldest city of Bulgaria.
The highest temperatures in Sofia are in July with an average of 21°C, but the most sunny month with an average of 12 hours sunshine daily is June. The coldest time of the year in Sofia is January with an average temperature of -1°C. You can expect the most rain in the spring time, with April and May being the most rainy months.
Temperature at the Bulgarian coast (Varna)
Due to its coastal location, Varna's temperature is affected by the Black Sea influences which contribute to long sunny summers, and mild winters.
The highest temperature in Varna, with an average 23°C, is in July and August, which are also months with the most daily hours of sunshine: 12 hours. August is also the best time for swimming in the Black Sea with an average sea temperature of 25°C. January and February on the other hand, are the coldest months in Varna with an average temperature of 3°C, and November is the wettest month.
Temperature in the Bulgarian mountains (Bansko)
Bansko is located at an altitude of 927 m at the foot of the Pirin Mountains. Due to a higher altitude than places in the inland and coastal regions, temperatures tend to be lower here. As the altitude rises, the temperature drops.
July is the hottest and most sunny month in Bansko, with an average temperature of 22°C, and an average 9 hours of sunshine in the day. January with an average temperature of -2°C is the coldest month in Bansko, and December is the wettest month. Thanks to low temperatures and snowfall in winter months, Bansko ski resort boasts excellent ski conditions and the longest skiing season in Bulgaria.