Let's tell you how and where you can vacation in Bulgaria at different times of the year, as well as the weather conditions of each season.
Before traveling to Bulgaria, it is important to decide on the main purpose of your trip. This country can truly surprise both first-time and seasoned travelers. There are clean beaches and warm sea, mountain slopes and hiking trails, cultural monuments, and even balneological sanatoriums! Of course, each type of vacation is preferred at a suitable time of the year. When is the best time to vacation in Bulgaria, you choose yourself, and we will help you decide.
Local climate
The Balkan Mountains divide the country into two climatic zones - continental in the north of the country, and Mediterranean in the south. On the plains, average January temperatures range from -2°C to +2°C, while July can be +25°C or higher, but heat waves are rare. Annual precipitation is 450 mm on the plains and 1300 mm in the mountains. Winters are usually snowy and quite warm.
High and low season in Bulgaria
The high season in Bulgaria lasts from June to September, and in winter from January to February. The low season in Bulgaria usually occurs in the rather rainy November, and in March-April.
When you decide to fly to Bulgaria depends on the budget of your trip. During the low season, the already democratic country will save you money.
Holidays in the country in winter
The weather in Bulgaria in winter is not too inclement. Frosts over -20°C are rare, but minus temperatures of -10-15°C are common. But, as a rule, the Bulgarian winter is 0°C, with heavy snowfalls.
Optimal time for a ski trip
In the ski resorts, of course, the weather is colder, and here the snow lies until spring. In November and December, winter recreation centers are just opening. The weather at this time is still unstable and unstable: temperature changes and rain are not uncommon. But January and February will bring plenty of snow.
Bulgaria's mountain ski resorts include:
Pamporovo. The southernmost and sunniest place for winter vacations;
Bansko. The newest winter vacation center in the southwestern part of the country;
Borovets. Conquering beauty of mountain lakes;
Vitosha. Located on the territory of the Aleko Nature Park;
Less popular small villages Panichishte, Malovica, Dobrinishte and Cepelare.
All Bulgarian winter recreation centers have been built and equipped with the latest technology in the last twenty years. Proof of this fact is the free wireless Internet on their territory. Only Borovets is an old-timer resort, and it was known in the times of the USSR.
Transfers to these ski resorts are most convenient from Sofia or Plovdiv.
In Pamporovo, however, it is better to go in January, by the end of February there are thaws. The other ski resorts don't close until April.
Spring in Bulgaria
March is a steady +8°C with lots of rain, so it's not a good idea to explore the country's cultural monuments this month.
April is warmer, but it's rainy for the rest of spring.
May is already low rainfall, not windy. It is just the beginning of the tourist season, but you can still count on a quiet, secluded vacation. The average temperature reaches +20°C.
Spring is a good time to visit spa resorts, or the mountain resorts of the sunny country, which are rich in therapeutic mineral deposits.
Therapeutic destinations
There are about 250 hydrothermal springs and artesian wells in Bulgaria. That is why there is a special demand for health tours. The most popular are the following balneological resorts:
Pomorie, specializing in mud treatment. People come here to heal the circulatory and nervous systems and to revitalize the body as a whole;
Sandanski, a famous center for the treatment of musculoskeletal apparatus, as well as respiratory organs. Many families with children can always be found here;
Velingrad is a paradise for those who complain of ailments of the cardiovascular system;
Hisar. Local health resorts help to cure depression, apathy, chronic fatigue;
Pavel Banya. This center is recommended for those who suffer from gynecological problems, as well as ailments of the musculoskeletal system;
Kamchiya is an exclusively children's health resort. The settlement of the same name is protected by UNESCO and includes a national natural park-reserve.
Vacation in Bulgaria in summer
The following advantages of vacationing in Bulgaria in summer are undeniable:
opportunity to see neighboring countries (Turkey, Greece, Romania) for a shopping tour or beach relaxation at a comfortable temperature;
The richest variety of local fruits and vegetables: from traditional apples and plums to exotic figs;
clean beaches, warm sea, pleasant air temperature.
Best Sea Relaxation
Thanks to the refreshing sea breeze, there's no sweltering heat in summer. It's warm in May and still warm in September. These two months are not bad for a seaside vacation and there are not too many people. The best time to come for beach relaxation is from June to September, when the average water temperature is +17-+25°C. Rains, however, are frequent.
The peak of the summer season begins in the second week of July (June is usually marred by strong winds) and lasts until the late twenties of August. During this period the weather is wonderful, with temperatures of +28-+32°C and sea water temperatures of up to +26°C. There is almost no rain during this period. The following seaside resorts are ready to welcome tourists at this time.
November is a cold and windy season, so it can be uncomfortable to walk the streets.
September and October are comfortable months for vacations in Bulgaria. Temperatures reach +20-+22°C.
Autumn is a good time not only for sightseeing, but also for horseback riding, hiking, cycling, traveling to nature reserves, attending cultural events and festivals.
Take in Sofia and Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo and Kazanlak, Varna and Sozopol, other sightseeing cities in the country.
The time for a cultural program
Excursion trips in the country can be made from May to October. But the ideal time to visit is early fall. It's already so hot, prices are down and there are fewer tourists.
Tourists rush to explore the following excursion itineraries first:
Alaju Monastery in Varna;
Roman-style amphitheater in Plovdiv;
The Rila Monastery, Alexander Nevsky Palace and St. Sophia Cathedral in the capital;
Pleven Wine Museum;
The medieval resort town of Nessebar and the authentic town of Gabrovo;
Tsarevets fortress in Veliko Tarnovo;
Queen Mary's Palace in seaside Balchik;
Kamchia Nature Park in the village of the same name;
Rose Valley at the foot of the Balkans;
The Rozhen and Bokac Monasteries.
In Bulgaria every traveler is able to find what he needs. The optimal time to visit the country is from July to September. In these months you can combine swimming in the sea, tourist excursions, visiting health resorts and treatment centers. The disadvantage of such a universal vacation is a higher price level.
