Weather in Sofia

Planning your day or trip to Sofia? Here you will find the latest weather information, including detailed forecasts and clear charts, to make your stay in the capital of Bulgaria as comfortable as possible.

The climate in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, can be characterized as humid continental. This means the city experiences four distinct seasons, each with its own features. Travellers should prepare for noticeable fluctuations in temperature and weather conditions throughout the year.

Summer in Sofia, especially in July and August, is generally warm and pleasant, with average temperatures around 20-21°C, while maximum values can rise to 26°C and above. Winters, on the contrary, are quite cold: the average temperature in January is about -0.4°C, and frosts are not uncommon. Spring and autumn are transitional periods with milder and changeable weather.

As for precipitation, it is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year, without a pronounced rainy season. The highest number of rainy days occurs in May and June (about 16 days), while September and October are the driest months (about 6 rainy days). However, the total rainfall in millimetres remains low throughout the year.

The temperature regime in Sofia is characterized by clearly defined seasons, ensuring a variety of weather conditions throughout the year. The annual temperature range is significant: from palpable winter cold to very comfortable summer warmth. The lowest monthly averages occur in January, when the average temperature is -0.4°C, and average nightly lows drop to -4.4°C. The peak of warmth is traditionally observed in August: the average temperature in this month reaches +20.8°C, and average daily highs rise to +26.5°C.

Summer in Sofia, especially in July and August, is distinguished by pleasant warm weather. During the day, the air warms up on average to +26°C – +26.5°C, creating wonderful conditions for walking and exploring the city. Nights bring refreshing coolness, with temperatures dropping on average to +15°C. Such diurnal fluctuations, when the difference between day and night temperatures can exceed 10°C (for example, in August from +15°C at night to +26.5°C during the day), are a characteristic feature of the summer period. Spring and autumn serve as transitional seasons: in April the average temperature is about +9.3°C, and in October – about +11.4°C, offering milder but changeable conditions.

Winter in the capital of Bulgaria is quite cool, and at times frosty. From December to February, average daily temperatures range from +3.7°C (in January) to +7.1°C (in February), but frosts often occur at night. January is the coldest month, when average night temperatures consistently hold at the mark of -4.4°C, and during the day the air warms up only slightly. Even in the winter months, the difference between day and night temperatures remains noticeable, amounting to about 7-9°C (for example, in January from -4.4°C to +3.7°C), which requires an appropriate approach to choosing clothing for the trip.

Precipitation in Sofia is distributed throughout the year, however, its total amount, according to the provided data, is small. The highest amount of precipitation falls in June (3 mm), and the months with the highest number of rainy days are May and June, when precipitation is recorded on average 16 days per month. The driest months in terms of precipitation are August, September, and October (only 1 mm each), while September and October also have the fewest days with precipitation – about 6 days.

The character of precipitation in Sofia changes depending on the season. In the winter months, especially from December to February, when average temperatures drop to negative values (for example, in January the average temperature is -0.4°C, and the minimum is -4.4°C), precipitation most often falls as snow. During the rest of the year – in spring, summer, and autumn – it is predominantly rain. Given the small total amount of millimetres of precipitation, one can assume that it more often takes the form of light rain or drizzle, rather than heavy downpours.

The frequency of precipitation varies. For example, in May and June, one can expect precipitation approximately every other day. At the same time, in the drier autumn months, such as September and October, rainy weather happens significantly less often, approximately once every five days. Despite the difference in frequency, the total monthly amount of precipitation remains low year-round, fluctuating from 1 to 3 mm, which makes Sofia a city with moderate humidity.

When packing your suitcase for a trip to Sofia, it is important to consider the changeable nature of the weather and the distinct change of seasons. Regardless of the time of year, comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestones and sightseeing will be your best friend. The principle of layering clothes is the key to comfort, as day and night temperatures, as well as the weather on different days, can differ significantly. A light scarf or stole will come in handy even in summer for evening walks or visiting religious sites.

If your trip falls during the warm season, from late spring to early autumn (May-September), be sure to take sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as the sun can be quite active, especially in the summer months (July-August) with maximum temperatures up to +26.5°C. A light jacket or cardigan will be useful for cool evenings. Despite the fact that the total amount of precipitation is small, May and June are distinguished by the highest number of rainy days (about 16), so a compact umbrella or a light raincoat will not be superfluous. For summer, light breathable fabrics are suitable.

Winter months in Sofia (December-February) require more thorough preparation. Average temperatures hover around zero, and at night drop to -4.4°C, so a warm jacket or down coat, hat, gloves, and scarf are absolutely necessary. Waterproof shoes with stable soles will be useful in case of snow or slush. In the transitional seasons – spring (March-April) and autumn (October-November) – the weather can be unpredictable. It is worth taking a mid-season jacket, sweaters, as well as items that can be combined to adapt to changes from cool mornings to warmer days.