The Seasons of Bulgaria.

The weather in Bulgaria is a significant factor in choosing what time of year to make your visit.  Bulgaria’s climate is a combination of continental and Mediterranean influences which means that the country has four very well defined seasons, and the temperature can vary dramatically in different times of the year.  Generally the summers are quite hot and dry, and the winters are very cold and snowy.  Spring and Autumn are generally very nice transition seasons and great times to be out and about.

Bulgarian Spring:  As winter gives way to the warmer weather of spring, the trees an flowers begin their blooming cycle and the crops begin to grow.  The weather in the spring months, typically from March to June can be quite unpredictable.  Temperatures usually range from 60-80° F and there is always a chance for rain, wind and fog.  The alpine environment in the mountains about 6000 feet usually remain snowy until June or July, so hiking can be a challenge.  Spring is a great time to visit Bulgaria because there are many festivals and national holidays to take part in.  There are many celebrations and parades around these events.

Summer:  The summer is hot and dry, with temperatures in the cities and lower level valleys often exceeding 100°F.  At times it is quite uncomfortable in July and August.  This is a great season for visiting the mountain resorts where the air is cooler, or the seaside where you can cool off in the Black Sea and relax on the beach. 

As the heat of the summer begins to cool into the Fall season, the weather once again turns beautiful during the months of September and October.  The snow hasn’t arrived yet and the Mountains are in their prime for hiking and exploring.  Walking tours of Sofia and Plovdiv are pleasant, and the small villages are welcoming.  There is very little rain during these months normally, so time spent outdoors is rewarding and relaxintg.

The winters in Bulgaria can turn very cold.  Temperatures can be near zero F at night but can warm up into the 20s or 30s F during the day.  It can rain or snow, and can sometimes be wet and miserable.  The winter can still be a beautiful time of year to visit for Spa vacations or Food and Wine tours as the restaurants are very warm and inviting.  Also the mountain resorts are bustling with Snow Skiing, Snowboarding, and other winter sports.  There is often plenty of fresh snow in the mountains sometimes piling up by the feet.  The cities in the lower elevations can get several feet of snow, but also may be mostly rainy and cold.  It just depends on the winter that particular year.  The best thing about the Bulgarian Winter is the smell of fresh burning firewood in the homes of the villages in the plains and mountains.