Bulgaria

Weather in Bulgaria

The weather varies from region to region. As one might expect, the temperatures in the coastal regions are moderated by the Black Sea. What is not so obvious to foreigners, is that there is a notable difference between the climate on the northern coast (around Varna), and the climate in the south (Burgas province).

Black Sea Coast

In the summer months, there is an hour more sunshine per day in Burgas, and only two days per month of rainfall, compared with six in the north. This is because in the north there are more cloudy days, due to the effect of the Balkan mountain range. The temperature difference is small, it is only slightly warmer in Burgas, and the rainfall is actually higher. This is because when it rains in Burgas, the rainfall is heavier, but for a shorter period.

This can be seen by analysing the weather statistics from the UN climatological survey. Bulgarians are of course aware of the difference, which is why most Bulgarians that live inland, travel to the southern coast for their summer holiday.

During the start of the summer, the sea temperature is broadcast on TV every day. It is notable that the sea warms up quicker in the south. This is because the sea is shallower than in the north. This means that the holiday season can start earlier. It also means that the sea cools quicker as winter approaches.

The winters are mild compared with the rest of Bulgaria, with snow for a few days a year. There are exceptional years like 2006, where snow can lie on the ground for a couple of weeks. In 2007 and 2008 there was almost no snow.

Inland

The temperatures in Sofia are noticeably cooler than in the central regions. Sofia is the highest capital city in Europe, at 600m above sea level.

The central regions can get very hot in the summer, particularly the low lying cities like Plovdiv. In the winter it can get quite cold, similar to the climate in southern Germany, where snow is common.

Climatological data

Thanks are due to the Hong Kong Observatory, for presenting the UN climatological data on the internet.

Information

Do statistics lie?

The rainfall statistics can mislead.

There is nearly twice as much rainfall in Miami compared to London.

However there are far more hours of sunshine per day.

Tourist season

Thanks to the weather, the tourist season starts earlier in the south, and finishes later.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes are a theoretical risk in Bulgaria, tremors do occur from time to time, but no real damage is caused.

Nevertheless, buildings are designed to withstand earthquakes.
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