Best time to visit · Sofia · Bulgaria
The best time to visit Sofia
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
The best times to visit Sofia are May–June and September–October, when it is warm enough for terraces and hiking on Vitosha without midsummer heat. July and August are warm with pleasant evenings, while winter is cold and snowy but good for combining the city with skiing at Borovets.
Key facts
- Best months
- May–June and September–October
- Shoulder season
- April, July–August and December
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 28°C (82°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 3°C (37°F))
- Rainiest month
- May (~12 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- February
Seasons
At about 550 metres above sea level, Sofia has warm summers with cool nights, cold, snowy winters and frequent thunderstorms in late spring and early summer.
March–May
Spring
Martenitsa season, blossoming parks and mild days, with showers and thunderstorms in May.
June–August
Summer
Warm days and cool nights at altitude; the best time for hiking on Vitosha and to the Seven Rila Lakes.
September–November
Autumn
Dry, sunny September and colourful October, turning grey and foggy by November.
December–February
Winter
Cold and snowy, with Christmas markets and skiing at Vitosha and Borovets.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3°C | -4°C | 8 | 9.4 h | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| February | 6°C | -3°C | 8 | 10.5 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| March | 11°C | 1°C | 9 | 11.8 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| April | 16°C | 5°C | 10 | 13.3 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 21°C | 10°C | 12 | 14.6 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| June | 25°C | 14°C | 11 | 15.3 h | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| July | 28°C | 16°C | 8 | 15 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| August | 28°C | 15°C | 6 | 13.9 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| September | 23°C | 11°C | 7 | 12.4 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| October | 17°C | 6°C | 7 | 11 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| November | 10°C | 2°C | 8 | 9.7 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| December | 4°C | -3°C | 9 | 9.1 h | 2/5 | 3/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Yordanovden — cross-retrieving ceremonies in icy rivers and lakes across Bulgaria (6 January) |
| March | Baba Marta — martenitsa red-and-white bracelets (1 March); Liberation Day (3 March); Sofia International Film Festival (usually March) |
| April | Orthodox Easter (date varies) |
| May | St George's Day with roast lamb (6 May); Day of the Bulgarian Alphabet, Education and Culture, with student processions (24 May) |
| June | Rose Festival in Kazanlak (usually early June) |
| September | Unification Day (6 September); Independence Day (22 September) |
| October | Sofia Marathon (usually October) |
| December | Christmas markets in the city centre (usually December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in February, and the sights are quietest in January–February.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | A warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Sofia?
The best times to visit Sofia are May–June and September–October, when it is warm enough for terraces and hiking on Vitosha without midsummer heat. July and August are warm with pleasant evenings, while winter is cold and snowy but good for combining the city with skiing at Borovets.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Sofia?
Usually in February. Still cold and grey, with low prices and quiet museums.
+What is the rainiest month in Sofia?
May, with about 12 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Sofia get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 28°C (82°F) and lows of 16°C (61°F).