Climate - Sofia (Bulgaria)
Average weather, temperature, rainfall, sunshine hours
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Climate chart - Sofia
The climate of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is continental, with cold winters and warm summers. The relatively low latitude (which is the same as central Italy) is offset by the position in the Balkan Peninsula (which is exposed to cold waves from Russia) as well as by altitude: the city is located at 550/600 meters (1,800/2,000 feet) above sea level.
Here are the average temperatures.
Sofia - Average temperatures (1991-2020) | Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | Mean (°C) | Min (°F) | Max (°F) | Mean (°F) |
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| January | -5.5 | 4 | -0.8 | 22 | 39 | 30.6 |
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| February | -3.8 | 7.1 | 1.7 | 25 | 45 | 35 |
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| March | 0 | 12.2 | 6.1 | 32 | 54 | 43 |
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| April | 4.5 | 17.3 | 10.9 | 40 | 63 | 51.6 |
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| May | 9.1 | 21.9 | 15.5 | 48 | 71 | 59.9 |
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| June | 12.7 | 25.9 | 19.3 | 55 | 79 | 66.7 |
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| July | 14.5 | 28.6 | 21.5 | 58 | 83 | 70.7 |
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| August | 14.3 | 29.1 | 21.7 | 58 | 84 | 71.1 |
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| September | 10.2 | 24.1 | 17.2 | 50 | 75 | 62.9 |
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| October | 5.5 | 18.2 | 11.9 | 42 | 65 | 53.4 |
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| November | 0.8 | 11.2 | 6 | 33 | 52 | 42.8 |
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| December | -3.7 | 5.1 | 0.7 | 25 | 41 | 33.3 |
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| Year | 4.9 | 17.1 | 11 | 40.9 | 62.8 | 52 |
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Precipitation is not abundant, since it amounts to 640 millimeters (25 inches) per year, but it is well distributed over the seasons, with a relative maximum in May and June because of afternoon thunderstorms, and a relative minimum in winter.
Here is the average precipitation.
Sofia - Average precipitation| Month | Millimeters | Inches | Days |
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| January | 40 | 1.6 | 6 |
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| February | 35 | 1.4 | 6 |
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| March | 45 | 1.8 | 8 |
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| April | 50 | 2 | 8 |
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| May | 75 | 3 | 10 |
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| June | 80 | 3.1 | 9 |
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| July | 65 | 2.6 | 7 |
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| August | 55 | 2.2 | 6 |
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| September | 55 | 2.2 | 6 |
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| October | 55 | 2.2 | 7 |
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| November | 40 | 1.6 | 6 |
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| December | 40 | 1.6 | 7 |
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| Year | 640 | 25.2 | 86 |
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Winter, from December to February, is cold: the average temperature is slightly below freezing (0 °C or 32 °F). In periods of stable weather, fog often forms. Snowfalls are frequent, but they are typically light, though they can occasionally be more abundant. However, snow covers the ground for long periods.
During outbreaks of cold air masses from Russia, the temperatures can drop by many degrees. The coldest record is -25 °C (-13 °F), recorded in February 2006.
On the other hand, when the south wind blows, which sometimes can be strong, the temperature can rise a lot, and there can be mild days, up to about 15 °C (59 °F) even in winter: the air comes down from nearby Mount Vitosha, with a down-slope, föhn-like effect. In the warm winter of 2014, the temperature reached 18 °C (64 °F) in January and 22 °C (72 °F) in February.
Spring, from March to May, is unstable, especially in March and April: the first mild days alternate with the return of cold weather, with possible snow in March, and sometimes also in April. In May (but sometimes also in the second half of April), the first warm days occur, with highs close to 30 °C (86 °F), and also the first afternoon thunderstorms.
Summer, from June to August, is warm and sunny, usually with cool nights, and some afternoon thunderstorms. Generally, daytime temperatures are warm but without excesses, however, there can also be heat waves, which typically do not last long, with highs about 36/38 °C (97/100 °F). Anyway, the humidity is not high and nights remain cool. The highest record is 41 °C (106 °F), recorded in July 2000 and in July 2007. In 1994 and 2015, the temperature reached 35.5 °C (96 °F) in mid-September.
Autumn, from September to November, is mild and pleasant in September, and often also in the first half of October, then it quickly becomes more cold, gray, and even relatively rainy. In October, it gets cold at night; usually, the first snowfalls occur in November, when fog becomes quite common as well.
The amount of sunshine in Sofia is good from May to September, when the sun often shines, while it is quite low from November to February, when the weather is often dull and sometimes foggy. In total there are around 2,250 hours of sunshine per year. Here are the average sunshine hours per day.
Sofia - Sunshine hours| Month | Average | Total |
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January | 3 | 90 | February | 4 | 120 | March | 5.5 | 170 | April | 6.5 | 195 | May | 7.5 | 235 | June | 9 | 270 | July | 10 | 310 | August | 10 | 305 | September | 7.5 | 225 | October | 5.5 | 165 | November | 3.5 | 110 | December | 2 | 70 | Year | 6.2 | 2260 |
Best Time
The best time to visit Sofia is from mid-May to late September, keeping in mind that it can sometimes be hot in July and August, and more rarely in the second half of June and in the first half of September, so those who don't like the heat can avoid these periods. You should also take into account some afternoon thunderstorms, in addition, it's better to bring a sweatshirt for the evening, and maybe even a jacket if you go in May or September.
Sofia - Weather by month
Based on the period 1991-2020
In January, the coldest month of the year, the weather in Sofia is usually very cold. The average temperature is of -0.8 °C (31 °F), with a minimum of -5.5 °C (22 °F) and a maximum of 4 °C (39.2 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -15 °C (5.5 °F). However, it dropped to -24 °C (-11.2 °F) in January 1993.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 13 °C (55.5 °F). However, it reached 19 °C (66.2 °F) in January 2010.
Precipitation amounts to 40 mm (1.6 in), distributed over 6 days.
The day lasts on average 9 hours and 30 minutes.
There are on average 3 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 30% of the time.
The average humidity is 84%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 10 kph (6 mph).
In February, the weather in Sofia is usually cold. The average temperature is of 1.7 °C (35 °F), with a minimum of -3.8 °C (25.2 °F) and a maximum of 7.1 °C (44.8 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -13 °C (9 °F). However, it dropped to -25 °C (-13 °F) in February 2006.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 16.5 °C (62 °F). However, it reached 23 °C (73.4 °F) in February 2016.
Precipitation amounts to 35 mm (1.4 in), distributed over 6 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 35 minutes.
There are on average 4 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 40% of the time.
The average humidity is 76%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 mph).
In March, the weather in Sofia is usually quite cold. The average temperature is of 6.1 °C (43 °F), with a minimum of 0 °C (32 °F) and a maximum of 12.2 °C (54 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -7 °C (19.5 °F). However, it dropped to -19 °C (-2.2 °F) in March 2018.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 22.5 °C (72.5 °F). However, it reached 27.5 °C (81.5 °F) in March 2001.
Precipitation amounts to 45 mm (1.8 in), distributed over 8 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 5.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 45% of the time.
The average humidity is 67%.
The average wind speed is 12 kph (7 mph).
In April, the weather in Sofia is usually mild. The average temperature is of 10.9 °C (52 °F), with a minimum of 4.5 °C (40 °F) and a maximum of 17.3 °C (63.1 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -2 °C (28 °F). However, it dropped to -6 °C (21.2 °F) in April 2003.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 25.5 °C (77.5 °F). However, it reached 31 °C (87.8 °F) in April 2013.
Precipitation amounts to 50 mm (2 in), distributed over 8 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 25 minutes.
There are on average 6.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 48% of the time.
The average humidity is 63%.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 mph).
In May, the weather in Sofia is usually very mild. The average temperature is of 15.5 °C (60 °F), with a minimum of 9.1 °C (48.3 °F) and a maximum of 21.9 °C (71.5 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 3.5 °C (38 °F). However, it dropped to 0 °C (32 °F) in May 2011.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 29 °C (84 °F). However, it reached 34.1 °C (93.4 °F) in May 2020.
Precipitation amounts to 75 mm (3 in), distributed over 10 days.
The day lasts on average 14 hours and 40 minutes. So the days are long.
There are on average 7.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 52% of the time.
The average humidity is 67%.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 mph).
In June, the weather in Sofia is usually warm. However, there are remarkable differences between night and day. The average temperature is of 19.3 °C (67 °F), with a minimum of 12.7 °C (54.8 °F) and a maximum of 25.9 °C (78.6 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 6.5 °C (44 °F). However, it dropped to 3 °C (37.4 °F) in June 1997.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 33 °C (91.5 °F). However, it reached 38 °C (100.4 °F) in June 2007.
Precipitation amounts to 80 mm (3.1 in), distributed over 9 days.
The day lasts on average 15 hours and 20 minutes. So the days are long. June 21, the summer solstice, is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 9 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 58% of the time.
The average humidity is 67%.
The average wind speed is 10 kph (6 mph).
In July, the weather in Sofia is usually warm. However, there are remarkable differences between night and day. The average temperature is of 21.5 °C (71 °F), with a minimum of 14.5 °C (58.1 °F) and a maximum of 28.6 °C (83.4 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 9 °C (48.5 °F). However, it dropped to 4 °C (39.2 °F) in July 1993.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 35 °C (95 °F). However, it reached 41 °C (105.8 °F) in July 2000.
Precipitation amounts to 65 mm (2.6 in), distributed over 7 days.
The day lasts on average 14 hours and 55 minutes. So the days are long.
There are on average 10 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 67% of the time.
The average humidity is 61%.
The average wind speed is 10 kph (6 mph).
In August, the warmest month of the year, the weather in Sofia is usually warm. However, there are remarkable differences between night and day. The average temperature is of 21.7 °C (71 °F), with a minimum of 14.3 °C (57.8 °F) and a maximum of 29.1 °C (84.4 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 8.5 °C (47.5 °F). However, it dropped to 6 °C (42.8 °F) in August 1993.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 35 °C (94.5 °F). However, it reached 39.4 °C (102.9 °F) in August 1993.
Precipitation amounts to 55 mm (2.2 in), distributed over 6 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 50 minutes.
There are on average 10 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 72% of the time.
The average humidity is 59%.
The average wind speed is 9 kph (6 mph).
In September, the weather in Sofia is usually very mild. However, there are remarkable differences between night and day. The average temperature is of 17.2 °C (63 °F), with a minimum of 10.2 °C (50.4 °F) and a maximum of 24.1 °C (75.4 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 4 °C (39 °F). However, it dropped to -1.4 °C (29.5 °F) in September 2018.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 31.5 °C (88.5 °F). However, it reached 36 °C (96.8 °F) in September 2015.
Precipitation amounts to 55 mm (2.2 in), distributed over 6 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 25 minutes.
There are on average 7.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 60% of the time.
The average humidity is 64%.
The average wind speed is 9 kph (6 mph).
In October, the weather in Sofia is usually mild. The average temperature is of 11.9 °C (53 °F), with a minimum of 5.5 °C (41.9 °F) and a maximum of 18.2 °C (64.8 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -2 °C (28.5 °F). However, it dropped to -5 °C (23 °F) in October 2001.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 27.5 °C (81 °F). However, it reached 33.6 °C (92.5 °F) in October 1993.
Precipitation amounts to 55 mm (2.2 in), distributed over 7 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 5.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 49% of the time.
The average humidity is 73%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 9 kph (6 mph).
In November, the weather in Sofia is usually quite cold. The average temperature is of 6.0 °C (43 °F), with a minimum of 0.8 °C (33.4 °F) and a maximum of 11.2 °C (52.2 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -6.5 °C (20 °F). However, it dropped to -12 °C (10.4 °F) in November 2008.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 20.5 °C (69 °F). However, it reached 25.5 °C (77.9 °F) in November 2004.
Precipitation amounts to 40 mm (1.6 in), distributed over 6 days.
The day lasts on average 9 hours and 40 minutes.
There are on average 3.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 37% of the time.
The average humidity is 80%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 10 kph (6 mph).
In December, the weather in Sofia is usually cold. The average temperature is of 0.7 °C (33 °F), with a minimum of -3.7 °C (25.3 °F) and a maximum of 5.1 °C (41.2 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -13 °C (8 °F). However, it dropped to -20 °C (-4 °F) in December 1997.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 15 °C (59 °F). However, it reached 23 °C (73.4 °F) in December 2010.
Precipitation amounts to 40 mm (1.6 in), distributed over 7 days.
The day lasts on average 9 hours and 5 minutes. December 21, the winter solstice, is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 2 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 25% of the time.
The average humidity is 84%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 9 kph (6 mph).
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