Overview
The climate is moderate continental, with a warm Mediterranean influence in the south and a maritime influence along the Black Sea coast.
- Winter – from December to February. Snowy in the mountains (skiing from December to April), cold and windy on the Danubian Plain.
- Spring – short and green. Orchards blossom and the roses bloom (May–June).
- Summer – hot and dry. In Thrace and Sandanski, temperatures often pass 35 °C.
- Autumn – the best season. Warm and colourful, with the grape harvest and rakia in the still.
Records
- Lowest temperature: −38.3 °C in Tran (1947)
- Highest temperature: 45.2 °C in Sadovo (1916)
- Warmest place: Sandanski – with an almost Mediterranean climate and the favourite spot of Sofia residents with rheumatism.
When to come
- Sea: June – September. July and August are the hottest, but also the most crowded.
- Skiing: December – March. January and February are the most reliable for snow.
- Mountain hikes: July – September above 2,000 m.
- Cities and wine: May, June, September and October.
Between us
Every year the media announces an “anomalous” winter or an “anomalous” summer. Bulgarians learn from childhood not to trust the forecast and to keep a jacket in the boot – even in July.