When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Bulgaria?

Most of the country falls into the continental climate zone, and thus you can experience all four different seasons in Bulgaria. Although the heat and cold differ in various parts of the country, you can expect temperature around 27-35°C (80-95°F) in summer, when the beaches at the Black Sea coast are full of vacationers. The temperature of the seawater is usually above 25°C (77°F) in August in the Southern resorts (around and south of Burgas) and a bit colder in the North part of the coast (north from Varna).

Spring and fall are characterized by unstable weather with both rainy and sunny days and wide-ranging temperatures (5 to 25°C / 41 to 77°F). The warm fall days are perfect for hiking to see the bright yellow, orange, and red colors of the foliage, especially in the Rhodope Mountains, which offer one of the best natural foliage shows.

In winter, you can expect day temperatures between -5 and +5°C (23 to 41°F) with Bansko, Borovets, and Pamporovo being the main ski resorts for enjoying the season.

Another important aspect to consider before deciding when to visit Bulgaria is the calendar of events and festivities throughout the year. Summer is the season when most of the open-air festivals, such as Nestinari (barefoot walking on embers) and July Morning, take place. Party-goers will enjoy the EDM music festival, Solar Summer Festival, taking place in Cacao Beach Club in Sunny Beach, usually in August, with world-famous DJs performing, such as Tiësto and Fedde le Grand. From the end of September to the end of June is the time when theaters and opera houses schedule their performances in Sofia and throughout the whole country.

Usually, on public holidays many Bulgarians travel for leisure, and the cities may feel empty. All government offices are closed, but most stores and restaurants are open. Here’s a list of the public holidays in Bulgaria:

January 1, New Year.

March 3, the National Day of Bulgaria when the country celebrates its liberation from the Ottoman Empire.

March, April or May – Friday to Monday on Orthodox Easter (the dates changes every year)

May 1, Labor Day

May 6, Day of the Bulgarian Army

May 24, Day of the Bulgarian Script and Literature

September 6, Day of the Unification of Bulgaria

September 22, Independence Day

December 24, 25, 26, Christmas