Water and air temperature in Bulgaria. When is the best time to vacation in Bulgaria?

The weather in Bulgaria is suitable for year-round tourism. Winters here are mild and warm, summers are pleasant, without sweltering heat.

Each season in Bulgaria is good in its own way: active ski holidays are popular in December-February, and beach holidays on the Black Sea coast are popular from May to September. Excursion holidays in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, are always in demand.

Most tourists vacation in Bulgaria in the summer.

Bulgaria is a small country, but the climate is very different in different parts.

Weather on the Black Sea coast

Weather on east coast Bulgaria is defined by the Black Sea. Thanks to warm sea currents, the air temperature here is always higher than in the central part. The high Balkan Mountains, dividing the country into two parts, reliably protect the Black Sea coast from the winds. Thanks to the mild climate of the eastern part of Bulgaria, resorts such as Varna are popular even in the off-season.

Weather in the central and western parts of the country

The weather in central and western parts of Bulgaria is independent of the Black Sea. The change of seasons occurs more abruptly and habitually for Russian tourists. A cool, snowy winter (air temperature does not drop below −5°C) gives way to a bright spring, then comes comfortable summer(the air warms up to +27°C) and rainy autumn.

	During the day	At night	Sea	Season
January	+6	0	+7	Ski
February	+7	0	+6	Ski
March	+10	+2	+6	Ski
April	+16	+7	+9	Ski
May	+21	+12	+16
June	+25	+16	+21	Beach
July	+27	+18	+24	Beach
August	+27	+17	+25	Beach
September	+24	+14	+23	Beach
October	+18	+13	+18
November	+13	+5	+13
December	+8	+2	+9	Ski

Summer in Bulgaria is the most comfortable time of the year. The average air temperature is +26°C, even on the coast there is no sweltering heat. July and August in Bulgaria are the hottest months, when the sea warms up to +25°C and the beaches are filled to capacity with vacationers.

Winter in Bulgaria - best time years to master winter sports. The weather, by Russian standards, is warm (from −5 to +8°C, depending on the region). Most Popular ski resorts located in the western and southwestern parts of the country, near Sofia. There are always a lot of Russian tourists in Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo - it’s sunny here, there are no winds, but there are many resorts with hot mineral water. So you can swim in Bulgaria in winter (in the warm pools of ski resorts).

Spring in Bulgaria is the time of awakening and flowering of nature. In March-April it is still too early to swim (water temperature +6-9°C), but it’s time to go to the Balkan Mountains for flowering meadows, numerous nature reserves and unusual flora. In spring, ornithological excursions are very popular in Bulgaria (hundreds of unique bird species live here). The weather in Bulgaria in March-April is changeable, there is frequent rain, so we recommend checking the weather forecast before traveling. The beach season begins in Bulgaria in May.

Autumn in Bulgaria

Autumn in Bulgaria is a continuation of the beach season. Until mid-September it is still warm (up to +24°C) and you can swim (water temperature up to +23°C), so the beaches are crowded like summer. In October the first frosts begin, the resorts become noticeably empty. With November on the Bulgarian coast comes “ dead Season“, but ski resorts are almost ready to receive tourists.

Any potential buyer of property abroad would do well to learn as much as possible about the destination country, its structure, climate conditions, traditions and laws. For those who have chosen Bulgaria, we have prepared a series of articles that will introduce readers to this amazing and diverse country of the Balkan Peninsula. In this article we will talk about the territorial structure of the Bulgarian state, as well as climatic conditions in different regions of the country.

Regions of Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a beautiful country with a population of 7.364 million inhabitants, occupying about one-fourth of the Balkan Peninsula, its eastern part is washed by the waters of the Black Sea. It has land and river borders with Turkey, Greece, Serbia and Romania and sea borders with the states of the Black Sea coast.

Geographically, the Bulgarian state is divided into 28 regions, which in turn are divided into 264 communities. The most famous to Russian citizens are the areas in which the Bulgarian ski, balneological and sea resorts are located. The southern and central parts of Bulgaria are covered with green foothills, as well as snow-capped high mountain peaks. The most visited resort complexes are located in the following areas:

• Blagoevgradskaya (resorts Bansko, Borovets, Malyovitsa);
• Montanaskaya and Lovechskaya (resorts Varshets, Ribaritsa and Teteven);
• Smolyanskaya (Pamporovo Resort);
• Pazardzhikskaya (Velingrad and the mountain resort of Yundola);
• Sofia (Mount Vitosha, located near Sofia).

All seaside resorts in the country are part of three Bulgarian regions:

• Dobrichskaya (Krapets, Albena, Balchik);
• Varna (Varna, Golden Sands, St. Constantine and Helena);
• Burgas (Sozopol, Burgas, sunny Beach, Nessebar).

The northern regions of Bulgaria are the agricultural heart of the country. In these hilly Danube regions it is grown most of agricultural products. Moreover, Vidinskaya, Montanaskaya, Vratsa, Plevenskaya, Rusenskaya, Silistra regions are border regions with Romania.

Climate in Bulgaria

The climatic conditions in Bulgaria are quite varied, despite its small area. In view of this, the entire territory of the state is located in the continental and Mediterranean climatic zones. Serious factors influencing the weather in the region are the Balkan Mountains and the Rhodope Mountains, which delay flows air masses, as well as the sea, which has a serious impact on weather V coastal areas countries.

The climate in Bulgaria is characterized by dry, hot summers (average temperature 23 degrees C) and cool winters, sometimes with heavy snowfalls. IN northern regions Due to the influence of the Balkan Mountains, the country's average temperature is slightly lower than in the rest of Bulgaria. For those who are interested in resort real estate in the sea areas of the country, we note that this region is characterized by a higher average daily temperature in summer months, as well as warmer and milder winters, especially in the southern Burgas region.

The climate in Bulgaria is determined by the characteristics geographical location countries.

Most of the territory is mountainous, but the country has access to the warm sea.

The Alps, rising in the path of humid western air currents, are a large condenser of moisture, and on the precipitation map. In the main part of Bulgaria the climate is temperate continental. There is practically no intense heat on the coast, as a refreshing breeze blows from the sea, and it becomes cool at night.

In Bulgaria, June is the rainiest month of the year, and the most dry time year - the beginning of autumn.

All this determines August-September as the best time for a resort holiday in Bulgaria. You can swim until the end of September, and even in October the Black Sea remains accessible to tourists who will prefer water a few degrees less, but in return they will receive silence from the already departed vacationers and a noticeable reduction in prices both in hotels and restaurants. However, the decrease in tourist flow leads to the fact that many attractions are closed in mid-September. The southern half of Bulgaria is protected from the northern winds by the high Stara Planina mountain range. The mountains cover the fertile valleys of Thrace, and here the weather is determined by the influence of the Mediterranean Sea.

Mountain climate region. Covers areas above sea level of more than 1000 meters. Characterized by the following features: average annual temperature- from plus 7-8 degrees in low parts to minus 3 on Mount Musala; Cold winter and cool summers, the smallest temperature range (16-18 degrees); large amounts of precipitation - from 800 mm to 1300 mm; predominantly strong western, northwestern and southwestern winds. Duration snow cover- up to 220 days on Mount Musala. The climate is favorable for mountain vegetation, high mountain pastures. In addition, the mountainous climatic region is favorable for tourism.

Best time to visit:

It is best to come to Bulgaria in the summer months - in July and August, when it is warm sunny weather(+23 °C) and the thermometer rarely rises above +30 °C. From the point of view of a tourist, the following conclusion can be drawn about the climate of Bulgaria: Excursion trips around Bulgaria can be made from May to October, and sunbathing and swimming are best in July-September. The sea water remains quite warm until the end of September.

The climate of Bulgaria is generally continental. Winters in Bulgaria are cold and summers are warm or hot. Climatic conditions are slightly milder in the coastal Black Sea regions, and cooler in the hilly regions and mountains. The country is exposed to both cold air masses from Northern Europe or Russia and warm air masses from the Mediterranean and North Africa. In the south, the Rhodope Mountains, separating Bulgaria from Greece, can block southern flows - but, however, the most strong waves heat can bypass them.

Bulgaria has two large flat regions, between which lies the Stara Planina mountain range, stretching from west to east. In the first such region - the Danube Plain - located north of the mountains, separated from Romania by the Danube River, and where the cities of Ruse and Pleven are located, the average temperature is around -1°C in January, and 22°C in July. In the second region - the Upper Thracian Lowland - located south of the mountains, and where the cities of Plovdiv and Stara Zagora are located, climatic conditions are slightly warmer, and the average air temperature is 1°C in January and 23°C in July. The Upper Afrakian lowland is less susceptible to cold waves because the Stara Planina mountains partially block the northern winds. The most cold temperature air temperature recorded in the Danube Plain over the past 20 years is approximately -25°C, and in the Upper Afrakian Lowland - about -15°C.

In the east of Bulgaria, in a region with not a very wide coastal strip, conditions are milder due to the Black Sea. In this region, where the cities of Varna and Burgas are located, winters are cold, but not very cold, with average air temperatures a few degrees above zero (however, cold waves caused by cold winds from Siberia are also possible here); Summer here is warm, or even hot, but regulated by the breeze. In the south-eastern part of Bulgaria, south of Burgas, and closer to the Turkish border, the climate becomes even milder.

In the southwest of the country, in the valley of the Struma River, closer to the border with Greece, the climate of Bulgaria is somewhat milder than in the lowland regions: in the city of Sandanski there is a relatively cold winter, with possible frosts (the average air temperature in January is about 2.5°C ), and hot summers (average air temperature in July is about 24°C).

The capital of Bulgaria, Sofia, is located in a place (in a valley, at an altitude of 550 meters above sea level), which increases the cold in winter time, and in some cases the summer heat too. The city is located south of the western part of the Stara Planina mountains - in this part the mountains are not very high, so they do not protect the city much from cold air masses. In addition, due to its altitude, the weather conditions in this city are often colder than in all other cities in Bulgaria. average temperature The air temperature here in January is -1.5°C. However, in summer time Sofia is cooler than the lowland regions, again due to the altitude: the average temperature in July here is 20°C, although it can sometimes be very hot, and temperatures can reach 35-37°C, from June to August, but at night it is almost always cool and pleasant here.

In the mountainous regions of Bulgaria, the climate and conditions are cool, and the air temperature is similar to that in the alpine regions.

Rains in Bulgaria

The rains in Bulgaria are not very heavy, because the territory of the country is protected from western winds temperate zone, and most of the rain falls over the Adriatic Sea. Annual precipitation is approximately 500-600 millimeters in lowland regions, and even less - up to 500 mm. - in the coastal northeastern regions (city of Varna), which are therefore quite dry; In mountainous regions there is slightly more precipitation.

In winter, in the lowlands, precipitation does not fall in large quantities, but often, and mainly in the form of snow. The most rainy months in Bulgaria - May and June, due to thunderstorms that may occur during the daytime; in coastal regions they occur less frequently, but very often and with big amount precipitation they occur in mountainous regions. As a rule, there is little rain in August and September, and even October can be a dry month, at least in the plains and in Sofia.

Winter in Bulgaria

Winter in the country is cold in all regions. Often cold air remains in the plains, along with clouds and light snowfall, but these periods can be interrupted by warm winds from the south, which can raise air temperatures to 15°C or higher, and, more often, they can be interrupted by a flow of cold air masses from Russia, bringing with them strong winds followed by severe frosts.

Spring in Bulgaria

Spring in the country is not very rainy, but it is characterized by large temperature changes, especially in March and April, due to the collision of air masses, so the first warm days alternate with cold ones, during which there may be light snowfalls. Typically, from mid-April-May, weather conditions in lowland regions become mild and warm. May also marks the beginning of the season for daytime thunderstorms.

Summer in Bulgaria

Summer in the country is warm, even hot, especially in the interior lowland regions: in the lowlands it is heatwave, especially at a certain distance from the sea. Average Maximum temperature The air temperature is usually around 30-32°C, but days with temperatures of 40°C are not that uncommon.

Autumn in Bulgaria

Autumn in the country begins with a pleasant period with little rain. Typically, a relatively sharp turn occurs in October, when cold air masses begin to circulate. However, the rains in the country are not as heavy as at the same time in the Mediterranean, which is explained by the fact that Bulgaria is not directly exposed to western or southern sea currents.

Climate of Bulgaria in different cities of the country

The table below shows the average minimum and maximum performance air temperatures in different cities and places in Bulgaria throughout the year.

Plovdiv (south of the country, Upper Afrakian Lowland)
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	But I	Dec
Min °C	-2	0	2	7	12	16	17	17	13	8	2	0
Max °C	4	6	11	17	22	27	29	28	25	18	10	6
Varna (Black Sea coast)
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	But I	Dec
Min °C	-1	0	2	7	12	16	18	18	14	10	6	2
Max °C	6	7	10	15	20	25	27	27	24	18	13	8
Varna (water temperature)
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	But I	Dec
	7	7	7	10	15	20	23	24	22	18	13	10
Sofia (capital; altitude - above 500 meters above sea level)
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	But I	Dec
Min °C	-5	-3	0	5	10	12	14	14	11	6	2	-3
Max °C	2	4	9	15	20	24	26	26	23	17	10	4

Climate in Bulgaria

Bulgaria, despite its proximity to Russia, is a rather colorful country with many cultural features and traditions. It has always attracted thousands of tourists every year. The pricing policy of hotel complexes is very democratic, local residents they are tolerant and friendly, and the weather at any time of the year allows you to have a great rest. In winter, ski centers open in Bulgaria, and in summer, holidaymakers are welcome magnificent beaches on a long Black Sea coast. The country can be proud of its kilometer-long wide beaches with delicate sand. The total length of the sandy coast exceeds 100 kilometers!

Weather on larger territory Bulgaria has a lot in common with climatic conditions countries Central Europe. The four seasons have their own distinct characteristics: summer is warm, winter is cold. Although certain adjustments are made to this certainty by the country’s topography and its proximity to the sea.

From the north the country is influenced by the Alps. These mountains stand in the way of moist air masses coming from the west and turn into an effective condenser. The Stara Planina mountain range in the south of the Balkan Peninsula separates southern Bulgaria from the cold northern air masses. This mountain range is located in the central part of the country and serves as a natural barrier, influencing the climate in Bulgaria as a whole. In its northern and central parts, the Alps and the Balkan massifs concentrate a lot of moisture here, the average annual precipitation is much higher than in the south, and winters are colder. The climate has all the features of a continental one. The movement of cold air masses in this region is also significantly influenced by the Danube Plain, along which severe cold snaps from the north often descend. There is another one in the south mountain system. The Rhodope mountain range has its own function. Together with the Black Sea, it creates in southern Bulgaria subtropical zone with signs Mediterranean climate. Summers here are very hot, and in winter snow is a rare occurrence.

Features of the annual seasons in Bulgaria

Spring in Bulgaria is quite short. In March, almost the entire territory is still cold, there is snow in the north, and the temperature does not exceed +6 degrees. Warming comes quickly, the air warms up to +19. In April, the country is a green riot and bloom. Many flowers bloom in a matter of days, trees join them, filling them with aromas warm wind spring. This season is very beautiful in Bulgaria!

Summer begins in mid-May in the south of Bulgaria and a little later in the north. Already in May, the temperature increases to +22 degrees during the day, and by the beginning of June the sea warms up. Average water temperature near the main Bulgarian resorts is +20-21 degrees. At the beginning of summer it often rains on the Bulgarian coast. The most suitable period for beach holiday– from July to August. The absence of sweltering summer heat and relatively cool nights very typical for the Bulgarian summer. The water warms up well, everyone will like a comfortable +25 degrees. Do not forget that summer in Bulgaria is a very favorable time for traveling to its mountainous regions: meadows and pastures surrounded by high mountain ranges are incredibly beautiful. The trips are not tiring, since the temperature in the mountains rarely reaches +30.

Autumn is characterized by long breaks between rains. In September swimming season does not end, the sea cools by a maximum of 1-2 degrees. The flow of tourists is noticeably decreasing. At this time, tourists who prefer warm seas with relatively low temperatures come to the country. environment. In October-November they again come to the country rain clouds, wind and dampness. Average daily temperatures do not exceed +12. We still get weather like this sunny days in the south of Bulgaria, but the imminent arrival of winter is already noticeable.

With the arrival of December, Bulgaria opens its doors to ski lovers. The country boasts several modern winter resorts that begin operations with the first snow in early December. In winter, the air temperature is mountainous areas decreases to -3. It snows very often. IN southern regions enjoy your holiday in snowy mountains possible until February. In the north, snow remains on the mountain slopes until the beginning of April. In the coastal zone, the winter season has a number of features: the fallen snow melts very quickly, the temperature is usually 3-4 degrees higher than in the rest of the country, and there is a large amount of precipitation in December.