Most of the territory of Bulgaria is dominated by a temperate continental climate with distinct four seasons. On the Black Sea coast and in the southern regions, the climate is close to the Mediterranean. In the country, the average temperature of the coldest month - January - is from -2 to +2 o C. In the mountains, the thermometer can drop to -10 ... -15 degrees. The average temperature of the warmest month - July - ranges from +18 o C to +24 o C in the northern regions to +28 in the south and on the Black Sea coast, while it rarely exceeds 30 degrees. The annual rainfall is 670 mm, and in the mountains - 800 - 1000 mm. In northern Bulgaria and the Black Sea region, the wettest months are May - June, the driest - February. In southern Bulgaria, the maximum precipitation occurs in November - December, the minimum - in August. The water in the Black Sea warms up to +25 o C. The climate of Bulgaria is favorable for recreation, especially for residents of the middle zone.

Best time to visit:

Sightseeing trips around Bulgaria can be made from May to October, and it is best to sunbathe and swim in June-September. In July and August, warm sunny weather sets in (air temperature is not lower than +23 o C and not higher than +30 o C). The water in the sea remains quite warm until the end of September. For lovers of skiing, winter time is more suitable.

Climatic zones of Bulgaria, classification. At temperate continental climate zone Central Europe is part Bulgaria, occupies the largest share of the country's territory. It includes the Danubian Plain and the Cis-Balkans, the northern slopes of the Staraya Planina mountain (up to 1000 m above sea level), the southern slopes and the Trans-Balkan valleys to the west ofKoznitskaya ridge, western and central low-mountain parts of the Middle Mountains, valleys and low mountains of Kraisteto. These are parts of the territory of Bulgaria that are far from the Mediterranean Sea and are under the dominant influence of air masses of temperate latitudes - oceanic and continental.

Danube fields

The average annual temperature is 10-11° C , temperature in January from -1 to -3° C . Winter is cold and summer is hot. Monthly temperatures in July are 22-24° C. Annual temperature amplitudes range from 24 to 26° C and are the largest in Bulgaria.

Precipitation in a temperate continental climate is unevenly distributed. They grow from north to south. At least around 450mm/m2, they are right next to the Danube River due to the sedimentary shadow of the Carpathians.

Danube river

To the south, due to the increase in height, they reach 600 mm, and in some places up to 750 mm in the Cis-Balkans and in the Kraishte valleys. Only on the northern slopes of Staraya Planina and Vitosha they reach 1000 mm. By the way, the predominant amount of precipitation is rain. Snow falls mostly in December, January and February, but it can rain during this time. Therefore, as well as due to changes in air temperature, in most places there is no stable snow cover.The amount of precipitation is unevenly distributed throughout the year. At least they are in winter, and the maximum precipitation occurs in spring-summer.

Cis-Balkans

During most of the year, westerly and northwesterly winds, associated with the transport of Atlantic moist atmospheric air masses, prevail. In winter and spring, especially in northeastern Bulgaria, east and northeast winds often blow. The winds in the Danubian Plain are the fastest, but the smallest in the valleys.

Continental-Mediterranean climate region is part of the Mediterranean climatic region in Europe, covering the southern parts of the Balkan Peninsula. It occupies a much smaller area of ​​the country than the temperate continental. It covers the southernmost parts of the country along the southern border - the Struma river valley (south of the Kresna gorge), the Mesta valley (south of Momina-Klisura), the eastern Rhodopes, Sakar, the Dervent and Strandzha heights. It is formed under the influence of its more southerly geographical position, the Mediterranean masses of the Mediterranean Sea and the Aegean Sea, the specifics of the relief and especially the extent of its large forms.The typical climate of this area is mild, sometimes even warm, with high winter precipitation and hot and dry summers.

Maritsa river

Temperatures are characterized by higher values ​​than the temperate continental climate. Average annual temperatures are around 13-14°C. There is no month in the year when average temperatures are below 0°C. C . Average January temperatures are 1-3°C. Summer temperatures are the highest in the country. Average July temperatures are around 24-25°C.

Precipitation is mainly from rain. Even rarer, but snow showers and snow cover are formed, but this does not last long. As an amount, rainfall is unevenly distributed. They vary from 475 to 575 mm, but in Strandzha and the Eastern Rhodopes they reach up to 800/1000 mm in some places. Most often they are between 600 and 800 mm.

River Arda

The winds are mainly southerly - they blow from the southeast, south, southwest and west. River valleys and their openness to the south (Struma, Mesta, Maritsa, Tundzha) contribute to the intrusion of warm Mediterranean air masses.

Transitional-continental (transitional) climatic region - this climatic region covers the eastern part of the Balkan valley (east of the Koznitsky ridge) and the adjacent slopes of the mountains Staraya Planina, the Upper Thracian Basin, the Rhodopes, Sredny Gora and Sarnenskaya Gora, the Bakadzhik-Hissar Heights, part of the Tundzha region, the valley of the Struma River between Zemensky and Oranovsky gorges, as well as the adjacent slopes of Osogovo, Vlahina, Konyavska and Mount Rila.

Middle mountain

The climate in the transition zone is influenced both by the geographical position of the transition between two climatic regions, and by continental air masses of temperate latitudes, and air masses emanating from the Mediterranean Sea and the Aegean Sea.Winters in the transitional region are milder than in the temperate continental region and colder than in the continental Mediterranean region.

The average annual temperature is about 12-13° C , and the average temperature in January is from -1° C to + 1° C . The winter season is characterized by large fluctuations in temperature - from + 20 ° С to -25 ° С. Summer is warm and hot, the temperature is high - on average from 23 to 24 ° С.

Southern Bulgaria

The amount of precipitation is low - from 550 to 750 mm / m2 per year. They are least in the Pazardzhik-Plovdiv region, where they fall below 500 mm. This is due to the shades of precipitation that form the surrounding mountains - Rila, Rhodopes, Stara Planina and Sredna-Srednyaya Gora. For the transitional climatic region, two almost equal precipitation maxima are observed - May-June and November-December, and two minimums - February and August. Snow cover lasts about half as much as in Northern Bulgaria. It usually melts before the snow falls.

In the transitional zone, westerly and northwesterly winds prevail, and in the more eastern part, northeasterly ones. Strong winds blow in the Trans-Balkan basins (and) in winter.

Climatic region of the Black Sea is under the strong influence of the Black Sea on the climate and features of atmospheric circulation in this region of the country. This climatic region covers a strip along the sea with a width of 30 to 50 km. It is distinguished by the climate of other areas, with relatively mild and wet winters and hot, sunny and dry summers. Spring is cool and autumn is warmer compared to the same seasons in other areas.

Black Sea

Average annual temperatures are 12-13° C , and the average January temperatures are positive (+ 1/+ 3° C ) and increase from north to south - 1.4° C, 2.3°C and Tsarevo 3.2° C. Average temperatures in July are in the range of 22-23° C and do not differ significantly from those in other climatic zones.

Precipitation shows significant variation in quantity and distribution throughout the year. Their annual sum is between 450 and 700 mm/m2 and increases from north to south. In the Northern Black Sea region, the amount of precipitation is the least; on the coastline of Dobruja, it drops below 500 mm. In this part, they have a continental regime - a maximum in May-June and a minimum in February.

Dobruja

Snow cover on the northern coast of the Black Sea lasts 15-25 days, the average sea coast lasts 10-15 days, and the southern coast of the Black Sea is rare and rare - usually for 4-5 days.

In the cold half of the year, north and northeast winds prevail in the Black Sea climatic region, which are the most characteristic and strongest in the north, sometimes reaching 30 m/s. The Black Sea breeze is characteristic of the entire region, but it is most evident on the southern coast of the Black Sea.

Mountain climatic zone

This climatic region covers lands in the mountains above 1000 m above sea level, these are the high parts of Stara Planina, Vitosha, Sredna Gora, Rila, Pirin, Western Rhodopes and others. In fact, the relief changes the properties of passing air masses.

Mount Pirin

The temperature in this area is the lowest in the country. The average annual temperature is -3/+ 6° C. This area has a record low average annual temperature of -2.9° C was measured at Musala Peak. It is also very low at Botev Peak with 0.6°C. As the altitude increases, the average annual and average January temperatures decrease. Average annual temperature above 2300 m above sea level below 0° C . January average temperatures range from -4/-10° C , and Musala peak up to -10.8° C . The maximum temperatures in the highest places instead of July are in August 12-17°C.

Mount Rila

Spring is much cooler and comes on average in a month. Autumn is much warmer than spring, drier and sunnier. The duration of the snow cover is from 5 to 9 months.

This country is called a paradise, surprisingly combining the beauty of snow-capped mountains and extensive coastal resorts. The climate in Bulgaria is determined by its geographical location, proximity to the sea and the terrain. The country is located in the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula, washed by the waters of the Black Sea. Having decided in advance on the purpose of the trip, at any time of the year you can choose an activity to your liking: from a beach holiday in the summer to skiing in the winter. And do not forget about the balneological resorts and sights of this country.

Briefly about seasonal and regional differences

Two climatic zones influence the weather conditions in Bulgaria. The temperate continental climate covers its large territory. Winters are cold with heavy rainfall, while the summer months and September are hot.

The south of the country is under the influence of Mediterranean air masses and a breath of fresh sea breeze is constantly felt from the sea, so the heat is easy to endure.

In December, the real winter begins. The climate of Bulgaria will differ markedly by region: on the coast, the temperature does not fall below 0 ° C, and for the Bulgarian capital Sofia -15 ° C - the average temperature in January.

Along with fogs and rains in the center of Bulgaria, a lot of snow falls in the mountainous part, which is conducive to winter sports. Ski resorts operate from December to April, but the most favorable weather is January and February.

March here is considered to be the month of a good rest in the mountains in the northern part of the country, and May is the beginning of the swimming season on the southern coast. The main flow of tourists falls on the summer period, when the seaside resorts of Sunny Beach, Golden Sands, Burgas and other places are filled with lovers of beach entertainment.

In the last decade, the winter seasons in Bulgaria are quite mild and severe frosts have become a rarity. December weather is capricious with drops from minus to plus and precipitation in the form of sleet.


In January, the magical time of the holidays comes, which is also favored by temperature indicators - the weather is warm, up to + 6 ° C, but there is a little lack of snow. But already in February there is plenty of it in the Balkans, and ski centers receive many tourists who prefer outdoor activities.

The pearl in the Pirin Mountains is the ski resort of Bansko. Unique climatic conditions with frequent snowfalls allow vacationers to ski and snowboard here from December to the end of May.

For the winter period of the coastal strip, the temperature is on average 4 degrees higher than in the rest of Bulgaria, and the sea water does not exceed + 6 ° C, which is completely unsuitable for swimming. Burgas and Varna are quite empty in winter, although travelers drop in here too.

Here is a map of winter temperatures for a number of popular cities.

Months / citiesSofiaBanskoPamporovoSozopolVarnaBurgas
December+4 -4 +1 +9 +7 +8
January+2 -7 -3 +6 +5 +6
February+4 -6 0 +8 +6 +8

Spring in Bulgaria: climatic conditions

Snow lies on the slopes of the mountains in March, but the sun is already luring the first greenery, although the weather throughout the country does not exceed + 5-6 ° С.

By mid-spring, temperatures on the Black Sea coast reach +15 °C, which allows you to take walks along the edge of the sea or go sightseeing in cities. But in the center the air is still cold and rarely rises above 0°C.

Closer to May, a sharp warming begins, which entails a green riot and flowering. In a matter of days, many trees and flowers bloom, and the air is fragrant with spring aromas.

In the south, the summer season begins in mid-May, when the water in shallow water warms up to +17°C. The daytime air temperature reaches +20 °C, and the night temperature is kept within +10 °C. This is the time of arrival of the first vacationers to the beaches of Bulgaria and to health resorts, in particular, to the resort of Sandanski, which specializes in the treatment and prevention of asthma.

The opening of the swimming season officially begins in June. At this time, the water warms up to +22 °С, and the daily air temperature reaches +25 °С. The weather is comfortable, but there are occasional showers.

Bulgaria water temperature monthly:

July is the peak of the influx of beach tourists, which affects prices in Primorye, including housing and excursions. To explore cities, it is cheaper to rent a car or use public transport services. The climate in Bulgaria in July is quite hot and dry, during the day on the coast +27 °С, in the mountains +20 °С.

By August, the central and mountainous regions of the country warm up, traveling through them will bring much more pleasure than at the beginning of summer.

By the end of the month, the heat near the sea is on the decline, the water becomes a little cooler, but still pleases vacationers. For various types of recreation and beach activities, the climate in August in Bulgaria is ideal.

Air temperature in summer:

About the autumn weather

Many parents with children come to the south of the country during the velvet season - in September, when the water is still warmed up to +23 ° C, and the weather is warm. The climate in Bulgaria in September is comfortable temperature indicators. The autumn season is also beautiful with a play of colors and a generous harvest of vegetables and fruits. But although the coastal zone still accepts vacationers on the beaches, in mountainous areas the air can cool to 0 ° C at night, and not rise above +8 ° C during the day.

This is not a hindrance for those who travel.

Since October, tourists have been moving to mountainous regions and centers of balneological resorts.

And no matter what the climate is in Bulgaria, the flow of tourists to the country is increasing. It's time to visit Yambol - the oldest city located in the zone of the archaeological reserve.

November's wet weather is unpredictable: frequent temperature fluctuations and surprises in the form of rain. If these factors cannot affect the rest, then you can safely go on the road. Below is information on weather conditions during this period:

Months/CitiesBanskoSofiaGolden SandsBurgassunny BeachPamporovo
September+8 +23 +24 +24 +24 +16
October+4 +16 +18 +18 +19 +11
November0 +8 +13 +12 +13 +6

It has already been mentioned that the climate in Sunny Beach differs significantly from the weather conditions in the central part of the country. Therefore, before traveling, be sure to check the long-term weather forecast. Even in June, you need to take with you not only beach outfits, but also warmer clothes. If you plan to travel around the country (to the mountains or excursions), for example, to Sofia, then you need to remember that daily temperatures in the capital can fluctuate sharply this month. Of course, do not forget to bring a raincoat or umbrella, which is useful for any season.

Those who like the exceptionally summer climate in Varna cannot do without a hat, bathing suit, beach umbrella, sunglasses and cream.

Why Bulgaria is comfortable for rest

When choosing a place to stay, you should seriously pay attention to the fact that throughout the year both on the Black Sea coast and in the continental part of the country, the average air humidity is 65%. With such indicators, even 30 ° C heat is tolerated comfortably, and the cold is simply not felt.

The very nature, climate and weather in Bulgaria have created excellent healing conditions for people with various lung diseases, hypertension, as well as for families in which babies grow up. Air, water, a large number of mineral springs and eco-products grown with love contribute to the general recovery here.

Climate in Bulgaria: Video

The climate of Bulgaria will habitual for all residents of post-Soviet countries: here moderately hot summer and snowy, but rarely cold winter. For this reason, the country has two tourist seasons: summer and winter, respectively. The bulk of the tourists prefers to come to Bulgaria in the warm season, to soak up plenty of the gentle sun and swim in. But there are other vacationers who like to spend their winter days on the slopes of the wonderful country.

Climate and weather in Bulgaria in general during the summer tourist season

Tourist season in summer opens around the second half May and lasts until September inclusive. Many tourists during this period prefer or swim in the sea. If you love hot weather we advise you to go to Golden Sands(although the prices there are geared towards tourists). For everyone else, more or less. comfortable and not so stuffy.

Climate and weather in Bulgaria in general during the winter tourist season

During the winter tourist season in Bulgaria are actively developing. Main part open from December when the weather is already more or less established and the until mid April(some before May).

ski resort Borovets, for example, open since November but we would recommended still go to January-February when there is already enough snow and quite comfortable temperature. November and December can bring unpleasant surprises tourists in the form of rain and temperature changes.

Most wanted ski resorts in Bulgaria are: Bansko, Borovets And Pamporovo. In addition to those listed, there are a few more smaller but no less beautiful resorts. If you want to have a good rest, wherein without overpaying for the promotion of the place, we advise you to come to Bulgaria.

Advantages of Bulgarian ski resorts

The main part of the Bulgarian ski resorts is relatively young, and only one (Borovets) remembers the times of the Soviet Union. The resorts are equipped with the necessary equipment and technology, some even have free wireless internet.

obvious advantages of Bulgarian ski resorts eat:

  • Availability decent hotels, good service services, comfortable conditions recreation.
  • Fast modern lifts and usually high throughput.
  • Various tracks, able to accept both beginners and experienced skiers.
  • Some resorts provide trails for snowboarders.
  • Bulgaria is very various tracks: There are very short ones and very long ones.
  • Ski resorts offer excellent preparatory schools for children and adults.
  • Practically perfect weather and mild climate.
  • The resorts are mainly located in the country's national parks, where it is insanely beautiful and interesting.
  • All ski resorts easy to reach from Sofia or Plovdiv.

Bulgaria in spring and autumn

Spring and autumn months in Bulgaria are usually very changeable. Sometimes, tourists manage to visit a lot of interesting things during this time, but it also happens that bad weather does not allow you to leave their shelters for a long time. As an exception can be distinguished: September when many come to enjoy the velvet season and May when a comfortable air temperature and the weather in general are established.

Bulgaria is a country with pronounced seasonality: dry and hot summers, cold winters, rainy autumns and springs. The country can be divided into three climatic zones: the northern (temperate continental climate), the central steppe zone and the Black Sea coast with a climate close to the Mediterranean.

Description of the weather in Thailand for each month: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.

beach season

May-September. Air +31°C, water +24°C, rain 6 days.

fully you can sunbathe from the end of April, swim - from mid-June. Peak temperature indicators of water and air reach in July-August. Between the beach resorts of the north (Albena, Balchik, Golden Sands, St. Constantine) and the south (Nessebar, St. Vlas, Sunny Beach, Pomorie, Sozopol), the temperature difference reaches 1-2 degrees.

The Velvet season

"Golden autumn" is short-lived - 2-3 weeks in September. Air +24°C, water +22°C, rain 8 days.

At this time, families with school-age children, students leave the resorts, and tourists from Western Europe come to replace them - lovers of a calm environment, warm sea and cool weather.

ski season

End of November - beginning of April. Air -5°C, humidity 85%, snow/rain 12 days.

Bansko

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug sen Oct But I Dec
Average maximum, °C 2 5 9 15 20 23 26 26 23 17 10 5
Average minimum, °C -6 -4 -1 3 8 11 12 12 9 5 1 -4
Monthly weather in Bansko

Burgas

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug sen Oct But I Dec
Average maximum, °C 9 10 13 18 23 27 29 29 25 19 15 10
Average minimum, °C 1 1 5 9 13 18 20 20 17 12 8 4
Weather in Burgas by months

Varna

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug sen Oct But I Dec
Average maximum, °C 6 7 10 15 20 25 28 28 24 19 13 8
Average minimum, °C -2 -1 2 6 11 15 17 17 14 9 5 1
Weather in Varna by months

Veliko Tarnovo

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug sen Oct But I Dec
Average maximum, °C 5 7 13 20 24 28 31 31 27 20 13 6
Average minimum, °C -4 -4 1 7 11 14 16 16 12 7 3 -3
Veliko Tarnovo weather monthly

Melnik

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug sen Oct But I Dec
Average maximum, °C 7 9 15 21 27 31 34 35 28 22 15 8
Average minimum, °C -2 -1 3 7 13 16 18 18 14 9 4 0
Melnik weather monthly

Plovdiv

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug sen Oct But I Dec
Average maximum, °C 5 8 13 18 24 28 31 30 26 19 12 7
Average minimum, °C -3 -1 2 6 11 15 17 17 13 8 3 -1
Plovdiv weather monthly

Primorsko

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug sen Oct But I Dec
Average maximum, °C 9 10 13 16 22 26 29 29 25 21 15 12
Average minimum, °C 2 3 6 9 14 18 20 20 17 13 8 4