Our verdict
The best time to visit Bulgaria is July
In summer, the average maximum temperature in Sofia climbs to around 27℃ (80℉), but temperatures can sometimes reach as high as 30℃ (86℉) on the hottest days of the year. In the colder months such as January, temperatures usually get down to an average minimum of -5℃ (23℉). Temperatures often differ in other areas of Bulgaria though so you can find out more information about this below.
The days are longest in Bulgaria in August, so if you want to see the sights during the day when the sun is up for the longest time, it’s best to visit around that time of year. On average it rains the most days in June, making it the wettest month of the year. Although it’s the wet season, it can often rain a little bit during the day or evening but have fine weather for a majority of the day too, so don’t let this put you off.
Continue reading to find out loads more about when to travel to Bulgaria, check out climate info on some of the top places to visit, then use the handy tools below to search for the best flight and hotel options that are right for you.Quick links: Fast facts / Seasons / Average temperatures / FAQs / Map
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Bulgaria seasons
Before you plan your trip, it’s important to know when the seasons are as they may be different to yours depending on where you’re travelling from. Bulgaria is in the Northern hemisphere, so the seasons fall on:
Season | Months |
---|---|
Summer | June to August |
Autumn/fall | September to November |
Winter | December to February |
Spring | March to May |
Best time to visit the top destinations in Bulgaria
We’ve put together a breakdown of the average minimum and maximum temperatures by month, as well as the best times to visit for each. To learn more about these destinations including detailed climate breakdowns and much more, click or tap the city/destination name below.
City | Best time to visit | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sofia | July | ↑↓ | 2℃-5℃ | 5℃-3℃ | 9℃1℃ | 15℃4℃ | 19℃7℃ | 23℃10℃ | 26℃12℃ | 27℃12℃ | 22℃10℃ | 16℃6℃ | 11℃3℃ | 4℃-3℃ |
Varna | May-July | ↑↓ | 5℃0℃ | 7℃2℃ | 10℃5℃ | 14℃8℃ | 19℃12℃ | 24℃17℃ | 27℃19℃ | 28℃20℃ | 23℃17℃ | 17℃12℃ | 13℃8℃ | 7℃3℃ |
Explore Bulgaria
Top FAQs
Check out these guides for the top must-see destinations in Bulgaria: