Geography and Climate of Bulgaria

Continental Climate

Bulgaria has a continental climate, with significant differences between summer and winter. The average temperature in the country is around 20°C during the warmest parts of the year. The hottest day recorded in the last ten years was August 7th, 1896, in Plevna at 41.8°C, while the coldest was January 6th, 1894, in Gabrovo at -25.0°C. This shows that Bulgaria experiences hot summers and very cold winters, typical of continental regions.

Winds

The winds in Bulgaria are influenced by Europe’s overall barometric conditions. The westerly and north-westerly winds are the most common. Northerly and north-easterly winds occur less often. Some areas have local wind patterns; for example, Gabrovo often experiences southerly winds. The winds are usually strong and persistent throughout the year, affecting both temperature and rainfall distribution Turkey Sightseeing.

Rainfall

Bulgaria has moderate rainfall, positioned between the wetter climate of Western Europe and the drier regions of Eastern Europe. The rainy season corresponds to that of Eastern Europe, but there is enough rainfall during the other seasons to support agriculture. The average annual rainfall is 26.5 inches, while coastal regions along the Black Sea receive at least 17.6 inches.

Seasonal rainfall in major towns:

Sofia: 193.2 rainy days, 26.2 inches; Spring 27.6%, Summer 34.2%, Autumn 21.7%, Winter 16.8%

Plevna: 143.7 rainy days, 23 inches; Spring 28%, Summer 37.1%, Autumn 16.6%, Winter 18.3%

Bourgas: 123.3 rainy days, 23.3 inches; Spring 25.7%, Summer 27.5%, Autumn 19.7%, Winter 26.7%

Philippopolis (Plovdiv): 110.9 rainy days, 20.8 inches

Gabrovo: 169.5 rainy days, 35.1 inches; Spring 23.5%, Summer 34.5%, Autumn 21.6%, Winter 20.4%

These figures show that summer is the wettest season, while winter is generally drier, except in some regions like Bourgas.

Bulgaria’s climate is shaped by mountains, plains, and its position in the Balkans. It has hot summers, cold winters, and moderate rainfall spread unevenly across the seasons. The winds and rainfall patterns play a crucial role in agriculture, forestry, and daily life. Despite seasonal variations, Bulgaria’s climate supports fertile plains, rich forests, and scenic mountainous landscapes, making it suitable for both farming and tourism.