Snowfall and Climate

Snowfall

Snow usually falls in Bulgaria from November to April. The frequency and amount of snow vary depending on the location:

Sofia: average of 42.2 days with snow per year

Philippopolis (Plovdiv): 14.8 days

Bourgas: 12.8 days

This shows that mountainous and northern areas receive more snow than southern and coastal regions. Snow cover often supports winter agriculture and maintains water supplies for rivers and streams.

Moisture and Clouds

Bulgaria’s climate is between the Mediterranean and Central European climates. The average cloud density during the year ranges from 5 at Philippopolis to 5.5 at Gabrovo Turkey Sightseeing.

November is the cloudiest month, with Sofia recording 7.9 on average.

August is the clearest month, with Bourgas at 2.6.

Humidity also varies: the average moisture is 70% at Gabrovo and 79% at Bourgas. Moisture decreases in summer to 58% and rises to 66% in December. Atmospheric pressure is highest in summer at Philippopolis (13.3) and lowest in January at Gabrovo (3.4).

Vegetation

Forests and Flora

Bulgaria’s vegetation reflects its geographical and climatic diversity. The mountains are covered with forests similar to those of Central Europe, including oaks, beeches, and pines. The northern plains along the Danube resemble the Russian steppes, with open grasslands. In contrast, Southern Bulgaria produces plants typical of southern Europe and Mediterranean regions.

Historically, Bulgaria was very rich in forests, as travellers’ memoirs confirm. However, reckless logging and mining have destroyed much of this wealth. Today, the remaining forests are mostly in remote mountain areas, far from towns and major roads. These forests are important for biodiversity, water conservation, and maintaining soil fertility.

Bulgaria’s climate, snowfall, and vegetation are influenced by its mountains, plains, and position between Central Europe and the Mediterranean. Snowfall provides water for rivers, while cloud and humidity patterns affect agriculture. Despite past deforestation, the remaining forests and diverse plant life continue to support the country’s ecological and economic balance, giving Bulgaria a unique natural environment.