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Best Time to Visit Sofia

Sofia is beautiful all year round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and autumn seasons when the weather is mild and pleasant.

 

High Season in Sofia

The high season in Sofia is during the summer months of June to August when the city is bustling with tourists and there are plenty of outdoor activities and festivals to enjoy.

green and blue dome building under blue sky during daytime
Ivan Nedelchev @ Unsplash

Shoulder Season in Sofia

The shoulder season in Sofia is in the months of April, May, September, and October. The weather is still pleasant, and there are fewer tourists, making it a great time to visit and explore the city.

Low Season in Sofia

The low season in Sofia is during the winter months of December to February. The weather can be cold, but if you don't mind the chilly temperatures, you'll find great deals on accommodations and fewer crowds at popular attractions.

 

Annual Average Temperature

* The chart above displays the average yearly 'feels like' temperature in Sofia over the last 5 years.

Seasons

Sofia in Spring

Spring in Sofia is beautiful with blooming flowers and pleasant temperatures. It's a great time to explore the city's parks and enjoy outdoor activities.

brown mansion house near rectangular swimming pool surrounded with tall and green trees during night time
Valeri Terziyski @ Unsplash

Sofia in Summer

Summer in Sofia is warm and sunny, perfect for exploring the city's historical sites and enjoying outdoor festivals and events.

Sofia in Autumn

Autumn in Sofia is picturesque with colorful foliage. The weather is mild, making it a great time for sightseeing and exploring the city's architecture.

Sofia in Winter

Winter in Sofia can be cold, but the city's beautiful Christmas markets and cozy cafes make it a charming destination. Bundle up and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Annual Average Precipitation

* The chart above shows the annual average precipitation for Sofia for the past 5 years.

Month-By-Month

Sofia in January

→ -8 to 0 °C (18 to 32 °F)

January in Sofia is cold, but you can warm up with a visit to the city's thermal baths or enjoy ice skating in the parks.

Sofia in February

→ -6 to 4 °C (22 to 39 °F)

February in Sofia is still cold, but you can embrace the winter season by visiting the Vitosha Mountain for skiing or snowboarding.

white gothic cathedral
Alexandr Bormotin @ Unsplash

Sofia in March

→ -3 to 7 °C (26 to 44 °F)

March in Sofia marks the beginning of spring with milder temperatures. It's a great time to visit the city's museums and art galleries.

Sofia in April

→ 3 to 14 °C (37 to 57 °F)

April in Sofia is the start of the spring season with pleasant temperatures. Explore the city's parks and gardens, or visit the famous Boyana Church.

Sofia in May

→ 9 to 20 °C (48 to 68 °F)

May in Sofia is lovely with blooming flowers and warmer weather. Take a stroll along Vitosha Boulevard or visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

Sofia in June

→ 15 to 25 °C (59 to 77 °F)

June in Sofia is the beginning of summer with warm temperatures. Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking in Vitosha Mountain or visit the Serdika Ruins.

Sofia in July

→ 17 to 28 °C (63 to 82 °F)

July in Sofia is hot and sunny, perfect for exploring the city's parks and outdoor attractions like the National Palace of Culture.

bird's-eye view of cityscape near road during daytime
Natalya Letunova @ Unsplash

Sofia in August

→ 18 to 28 °C (64 to 83 °F)

August in Sofia is still hot, but you can cool off with a visit to the city's water parks or enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pancharevo.

Sofia in September

→ 11 to 22 °C (52 to 71 °F)

September in Sofia is the beginning of autumn with mild temperatures. Visit the Rila Monastery or take a day trip to the nearby Vitosha Nature Park.

Sofia in October

→ 6 to 15 °C (42 to 60 °F)

October in Sofia is picturesque with colorful foliage. Explore the city's architecture or take a scenic drive to the nearby Rila National Park.

Sofia in November

→ 1 to 9 °C (33 to 49 °F)

November in Sofia is chilly, but you can warm up with a visit to the city's cozy cafes or explore the underground tunnels of the Central Mineral Bath.

Sofia in December

→ -5 to 3 °C (23 to 38 °F)

December in Sofia is cold, but the city's Christmas markets and festive decorations create a magical atmosphere. Don't miss the beautiful lights at Vitosha Boulevard.

Annual Average Humidity

* The chart above shows the annual average humidity percentage for Sofia for the past 5 years.

Accommodation

Sofia offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. You can also find cozy guesthouses and apartments for a more authentic experience.

white concrete building under blue sky during daytime
Jack Krier @ Unsplash

Public Transportation

Sofia has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, and the metro. It's easy to navigate the city and reach popular attractions.

Sofia Airport

Sofia Airport is the main airport serving the city. It's located just 10 kilometers from the city center and offers various transportation options to the city.

Airport to City Center

You can reach the city center from Sofia Airport by taking the metro, bus, or taxi. The metro is the fastest and most convenient option.

Is Sofia Safe?

Sofia is generally a safe city to visit. However, it's always important to take common safety precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

According to the Global Peace Index, Bulgaria ranks 30th among all countries in the world in 2023. Bulgaria achieved a score of 1.64 out of 5, based on 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators from highly respected sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ideal Time to Visit Sofia

The best time to visit Sofia is during the spring and autumn seasons when the weather is mild and pleasant.

Best Sofia Visit Length

A 3 to 4-day trip is recommended to explore the main attractions of Sofia.

Must-See Attractions in Sofia

Some of the must-see attractions in Sofia include the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Boyana Church, and the National Palace of Culture.

Sofia Nightlife: What to Do

Sofia has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to enjoy. Explore the trendy district of Oborishte for a lively night out.

Getting Around Sofia Efficiently

The best way to get around Sofia is by using the city's public transportation system, which includes buses, trams, and the metro. Taxis are also readily available.

Sofia 3 day Itinerary

Day 1

Start your day with a visit to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, an iconic landmark in Sofia. Explore the surrounding park and enjoy the beautiful architecture. Next, head to the National Museum of History to learn about Bulgaria's rich heritage. End your day with a visit to Vitosha Boulevard, the main shopping street of Sofia, where you can find cafes, shops, and lively atmosphere.

  1. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
  2. National Museum of History
  3. Vitosha Boulevard
green and brown dome church during daytime
Fred Moon @ Unsplash

Day 2

Start your day with a visit to the Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its remarkable frescoes. Next, explore the serenity of Borisova Gradina, one of Sofia's largest parks. In the afternoon, visit the National Palace of Culture and enjoy the cultural events and exhibitions. End your day with a walk in the city center and dinner at a traditional Bulgarian restaurant.

  1. Boyana Church
  2. Borisova Gradina
  3. National Palace of Culture

Day 3

Start your day with a visit to the Sofia Central Market Hall, where you can experience the local culture and taste traditional Bulgarian food. Next, explore the ruins of Serdika, an ancient Roman city. In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Socialist Art to learn about Bulgaria's communist past. End your day with a relaxing walk in the South Park and enjoy the beautiful nature.

  1. Sofia Central Market Hall
  2. Serdika Ruins
  3. Museum of Socialist Art
  4. South Park