If you have decided to travel along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, but do not know what climate conditions to expect, we will help you by offering you a detailed description of the weather conditions for each month of the year.
Bulgarian Black Sea coast falls entirely into the southern-most parts of the temperate climate zone and therefore seasonal temperatures vary strongly.
This area is known for the changing character of its climate, especially during the spring and autumn months.
January
The weather along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast in January is very cold.
The days are shorter and sunlight is very weak. Snowfall is quite common.
In warm years it melts for a few days, but during cold winters it may persists throughout the month.
Black ice is a typical phenomenon in the region in this part of the year.
In Varna, daytime temperatures are usually no more than 1 – 2°C, in rare cases are slightly higher.
Night time temperatures in January are almost always negative.
The cold north wind and the sea proximity create the illusion of much lower temperatures.
Sometimes from the north-east invade Arctic air masses. In such cases, temperature can drop to about (-10) – (-15) °C!
Partially sea water freezing along the coast has happened several times in the past.
If you plan to visit cities like Varna and Burgas, you will have to prepare very warm clothes!
February
February weather on the Bulgarian coast is still very cold, but you can generally feel a slight change in the weather.
Winter days are still short and dark and sea water is very cold, dropping to around 1-2°C.
Daytime temperatures are mostly around 4-5 degrees.
The number of frosty and snowy days reduces, although the night-time temperatures are still below freezing.
In February, it is still possible influx of Arctic air masses, especially during the first half of the month.
In February are also possible extreme low temperatures dropping to around (-15) °C, although it does not happen every year.
However, thick jacket, warm sweater, scarf and hat are required.
March
Weather along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast in March is very dynamic and variable.
Some days are warm and sunny with pleasant spring temperatures that sometimes reach to about 14 – 15°C.
In other days, winter recalls that it is not yet over, and reduces daytime temperatures to about 5°C.
The nights are still cold, often with temperatures below freezing.
Sometimes it may forms non lasting snow cover.
The rainfall in March falls mainly as rain.
By the middle of the month the first fruit trees are covered with color, although still lower temperatures.
During this month, warm clothing is still necessary, although in some days you may feel more comfortable with a thin jacket.
April
April is a typical spring month.
Days are already very warm, sunny and bright.
In warmer days, the bars and restaurants that have outdoor seating are already full with visitors.
In the second half of April all the trees are green.
Daily temperatures range mostly between 14 and 17°C.
In cool days temperatures can drop to around 10°C and until the end of the month can reach up to about 20°C.
The nights are still pretty cool, but no less than 5°C.
Along the coast it is still pretty cool, because sea water is still very cold.
It is still advisable to wear jacket and dress with long sleeves.
Similar to the previous month, April is also variable with sudden rainfalls.
May
May is the most beautiful month along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast.
Everything is covered with lush vegetation and the rainfall is quite abundant.
The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the air bears the aroma of fresh flowers, trees and shrubs.
Temperatures in the early May are about 18 – 20°C and in the second half of May – around 20 – 24°C.
The nights are usually cool but not cold with temperatures around 10 – 15°C.
The weather conditions during the first half of May are suitable for light spring clothes, but during the second half short sleeves are already needed.
Even in cool day you don’t need anything but light spring jacket.
At the end of May the Bulgarian Black Sea beaches already attracts visitors (tourists and local residents).
Despite the warm weather conditions, however, sea water can be still quite cold – about 15 – 16°C.
June
June is the first summer month on the Bulgarian coast.
It offers impeccable weather with perfect temperatures between 24 and 28°C.
The sea water is already warm enough for swimming.
The last days of June are the longest of the year, and the sun became very strong and dangerous.
This is, however, one of the best moments to visit the Bulgarian Black Sea coast as the typical summer heat has not yet begun and the huge crowds of tourists have not yet arrived.
In June are possible thunderstorms with sudden rain. The nights are warm and pleasant.
July
In July the Bulgarian Black Sea coast weather becomes very hot.
Daytime temperatures usually reach around 32 – 35°C in the shade, but it is possible to become even warmer.
The nights are very warm with temperatures around and above 22°C.
Sometimes July is extremely dry without even a single drop of rain.
If, however it rains, the rain is usually heavy and torrential, accompanied by thunders and lightings.
The heat is unbearable.
Many people prefer to go out in the cooler morning or evening hours.
The sea water is very warm and tourism conditions are perfect.
It is, however, recommended to be very careful with the sun!
In July everything is covered with lush greenness, but due to the lack of rainfall and high temperatures the grass areas turn yellow.
August
The beginning of August is considered to be the hottest part of the year.
Day-time temperature are usually over 35°C.
Night temperatures are around and sometimes over 25°C.
The summer heat reaches its peak, the temperature of sea water can reach to about 30°C!
This is considered to be the most holiday month in Bulgaria.
The crowds of visitors are huge and the hotels are full of people.
At the end of August usually occur sudden thunderstorms and torrential rains that slightly reduce the temperatures.
Despite the heat, in the last days of August you can feel that summer will soon be over.
September
September is one of the months with the most enjoyable weather on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast.
During the first half of the last summer month there are pleasant temperatures around 25 – 30°C.
The water of Black Sea is still warm and the beaches are crowded of visitors.
During the second half of September temperature gradually decreases.
In late September day-time temperatures are between 20 and 24°C.
Nights are cool and sometimes overcoat is needed.
Some days in the late September are still suitable for the beach, but the perfect weather is not guaranteed.
The weather changes are associated with the beginning of the astronomical autumn during the third decade of September.
Although everything is still green, on the trees appear some yellow leaves.
Night temperature in September gradually falls, reaching no more than 10 – 12°C at the end of the month.
Overall, September is considered to be the driest month of the year.
October
After the volatile September, October weather on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast has a typical autumn character.
Bulgarian beaches are empty for the first time in five months.
Daily temperatures are between 15 and 20 degrees.
In October there are some warmer days, when temperatures can reach to about 22 – 23°C, but night-time temperatures are already quite low – between 5 and 10°C.
Midday hours in some October days are quite warm.
Because of this reason you to walk even in short sleeves.
Yet, no matter how warm it is, do not forget to get a warm overcoat.
The days begin to shorten significantly.
The number of rainy and cloudy days increases in comparison with the last few months.
Most of the trees are still green, but some plants have already lost their leaves.
Cafes and restaurants equipped with outdoor seating are still filled with visitors.
Many people dedicate the last warm days of socializing, walking and outdoor activities.
November
In November the weather on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast is already cool.
Daily temperatures range mostly between 10 and 15°C.
Night-time temperatures can drop to around 0°C.
Autumn frosts usually occur in the first days of November and the leaves of the trees start quickly to turn yellow and fall.
Days are already very short and mostly cloudy.
November’s rains are mostly weak, but continuous.
Sometimes it may rain for days without stopping.
During the warmer days an anorak or a light spring jacket are enough, but if the weather is dark and chilly, winter jacket shall be required.
December
The December weather in Varna and Bourgas is usually quite cold and cloudy.
There are very few sunny days and even the cloudless days after 4 o’clock are already dark.
The trees are completely bare of leaves, and the likelihood of snowfall increases significantly.
Although December is usually warmer than January and February, December is known as one of the most unpleasant winter months because of the darkness during this part of the year.
Daytime temperatures usually reach to about 5 – 8°C and the nights are frosty.
Warm winter jacket is required.
