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Bulgaria

A versatile country with much to offer tourists, Bulgaria is an excellent alternative to the Mediterranean resorts for your European holiday. The Sunny Beach offers the chance to enjoy the attractive shoreline of the Black Sea, a vast array of sporting amenities and a vibrant nightlife incorporating bars, fairgrounds and souvenir markets. A more atmosphere can be found in Obzor, where you can relax on the golden sands and eat to your hearts content in restaurants serving local and international cuisine. Culture fans can explore the old town of Nessebar for a dose of history, whilst further inland, the capital city of Sofia is home to a number of interesting museums and sites of cultural importance.

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What you’ll love most about Bulgaria

  • Begin your Bulgarian adventure in Sofia, the capital city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Visit iconic landmarks such as Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. Sofia Church, and the UNESCO-listed Boyana Church. Explore the city’s bustling markets, parks, and museums, and sample traditional Bulgarian cuisine at local restaurants
  • Explore Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through the charming cobblestone streets of the Old Town, lined with colourful Renaissance houses and ancient Roman ruins. Visit landmarks such as the Roman Theatre, Ancient Stadium, and Nebet Tepe hill for panoramic views of the city
  • Journey to Rila Monastery, Bulgaria’s most famous monastery and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire the monastery’s striking architecture, colourful frescoes, and tranquil courtyard, and learn about its history and significance as a centre of Bulgarian culture and spirituality
  • Discover the natural beauty of the Rila Mountains, Bulgaria’s highest mountain range. Hike through pristine alpine landscapes, visit the Seven Rila Lakes, and explore the Rila National Park, home to diverse flora and fauna, including rare species such as the Balkan chamois and the Eurasian lynx
  • Unwind on the sunny beaches of the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast, a popular holiday destination known for its golden sands, clear waters, and lively resorts. Visit seaside towns such as Varna, Burgas, and Sunny Beach, and enjoy water sports, sunbathing, and beachfront dining
  • Indulge in Bulgaria’s rich winemaking tradition by visiting local vineyards and wineries. Explore wine regions such as Melnik, Thracian Valley, and Danubian Plain, and sample a variety of Bulgarian wines, including robust reds, crisp whites, and aromatic roses

Average temperature

Information below is based on average highest temperature for each month.

  • 6℃
  • 6℃
  • 9℃
  • 15℃
  • 20℃
  • 25℃
  • 27℃
  • 27℃
  • 24℃
  • 18℃
  • 13℃
  • 8℃
  • 9
  • 9
  • 10
  • 13
  • 13
  • 13
  • 9
  • 8
  • 7
  • 8
  • 10
  • 10

Information above is based on the average number of days which experience some form of rainfall for each month.

Rainfall

When to Visit

Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.

January

Winter is firmly established, with highs around 2–6°C in Sofia and colder conditions in the mountains. Snow blankets the slopes of Bansko and Borovets, making it prime ski season. In cities, Orthodox churches and museums offer warm retreats from sharp air and frosted streets.

February

Cold but often bright, with similar temperatures. Ski resorts remain busy, while lower towns begin to see slightly milder afternoons. It’s a good month for combining mountain sports with cultural visits to Plovdiv’s Roman theatre or Sofia’s galleries and food markets.

March

Early spring brings highs of 10–13°C in lowland areas. Snow recedes from valleys, revealing green hillsides and flowing rivers. It’s a pleasant time for city breaks in Plovdiv, exploring monasteries, and walking in foothill regions before the main tourist season.

April

Mild and increasingly settled, with highs around 15–18°C. Blossoms appear across parks and orchards, and trails in the Rila Mountains reopen at lower elevations. Easter celebrations add colour and atmosphere in towns and villages.

May

Warm and fresh, highs of 20–23°C. Countryside landscapes are vivid green, and hiking routes through the Rila and Pirin ranges are accessible. It’s an excellent month for exploring monasteries such as Rila Monastery, visiting Thracian sites, and touring vineyards in southern Bulgaria.

June

Early summer brings highs of 24–27°C. The Black Sea coast becomes increasingly inviting, with beaches near Varna and Burgas opening for the season. Inland, long daylight hours suit mountain trekking, cycling and cultural sightseeing.

July

Hot and sunny, with highs around 28–32°C in many regions. Coastal resorts are lively, while mountain areas provide cooler air for hiking and lake walks. Evening concerts and open-air festivals take place in city squares and amphitheatres.

August

Similar warmth to July, often 29–33°C. The coast remains busy, and the sea is at its warmest. Early mornings and late afternoons are best for exploring historic towns such as Nesebar or Sozopol, while inland lakes and shaded mountain trails offer relief from midday heat.

September

Temperatures ease to 22–26°C, with calmer conditions and fewer visitors. It’s an excellent month for combining coast and countryside, as sea temperatures remain pleasant and vineyards begin harvest. Hiking, photography and cultural tours are particularly rewarding.

October

Cooler and settled, with highs around 16–20°C. Autumn colours spread through forests and mountain valleys. It’s a strong month for scenic drives, monastery visits and exploring Plovdiv’s Old Town without summer crowds.

November

Chill returns, highs around 10–14°C. Higher ground may see early snow, while cities remain accessible and quieter. Cultural sites, museums and thermal spas provide appealing alternatives to brisk outdoor conditions.

December

Winter settles in again, with highs of 4–8°C in lowland areas and snow in the mountains. Christmas markets appear in Sofia and Plovdiv, and ski resorts reopen. Clear, cold days suit short city walks, balanced by evenings enjoying Bulgarian cuisine and wine indoors.

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