---
title: "Sofia, Bulgaria"
description: "Bulgaria · airport SOF"
canonical: "https://sorted.travel/places/sofia"
last-updated: "2026-10-11"
---

# 🇧🇬 Sofia, Bulgaria

Bulgaria · airport SOF

## On the ground

- Safety: Normal security precautions
- Currency: Bulgarian Lev (BGN). 100 USD = 174.78 BGN
- Phone code: +359
- eSIM: [https://airalo.pxf.io/154NLz](https://airalo.pxf.io/154NLz)
- Taxi / ride-hailing: Bolt
- Wikivoyage: [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Bulgaria](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Bulgaria)

## Brief

- Try local specialities such as **banitsa**, **shopska salad**, grilled kebapche, Bulgarian yoghurt, and regional wines or rakia.
- Bulgaria Air will continue Sofia-Burgas flights three times weekly during winter, with the winter schedule starting **25 October 2026**. ([novinite.com](https://www.novinite.com/articles/240865/Bulgaria+Sees+Strong+Growth+in+Platform-Booked+Stays))
- A new direct Sofia-Lisbon service is scheduled to operate twice weekly from **17 December 2026**. ([novinite.com](https://www.novinite.com/articles/240865/Bulgaria+Sees+Strong+Growth+in+Platform-Booked+Stays))

## Safety and health

- Tick-borne Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever and sand-fly-borne leishmaniasis are reported risks in Bulgaria. Use insect repellent and wear covering clothing when hiking or spending time in rural or wooded areas. ([cdc.gov](https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/bulgaria))
- Tap-water quality and taste vary. It is generally safer in mountain areas, while bottled water is advisable in northern Bulgaria and areas near the coast. Use care with meat-based food from informal street stalls. Avoid second-hand smoke, as smoking restrictions in bars and restaurants may not always be observed. ([wikivoyage.org](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Bulgaria))
- Security concerns have increased in the wider Black Sea region after attacks on commercial vessels. This does not indicate a specific threat to central Sofia, but travellers continuing to the coast should monitor official advice and maritime or transport updates. ([nbcnews.com](https://www.nbcnews.com/world/europe/bulgaria-says-drone-attack-hits-2-commercial-vessels-black-sea-rcna602019) | [wftv.com](https://www.wftv.com/news/business/bulgarias-president/KNFY3EMRLU4OBEL4H4OF6TEG3M/))

## Recent News

- **6-7 October 2026:** Two commercial vessels were struck by drones in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea, prompting an emergency government response and a security council meeting. The incident was offshore and did not report disruption to Sofia, but may affect travellers combining a Sofia visit with coastal travel or maritime excursions. ([nbcnews.com](https://www.nbcnews.com/world/europe/bulgaria-says-drone-attack-hits-2-commercial-vessels-black-sea-rcna602019) | [wftv.com](https://www.wftv.com/news/business/bulgarias-president/KNFY3EMRLU4OBEL4H4OF6TEG3M/))

_Updated 2026-10-11._

## Weather and timing

The best times to visit Sofia are May to June and September to October, when conditions suit city walks, sightseeing and day trips. July and August are hot, with possible heatwaves, while November to April is cooler and more changeable, with frost, rain or snow.

| Month | Fit | Avg °C | Rain mm | Sun hours |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| January | OK | -2 | 23 | 5 |
| February | OK | 1 | 15 | 5 |
| March | OK | 5 | 31 | 7 |
| April | OK | 11 | 39 | 10 |
| May | Great | 15 | 52 | 11 |
| June | Great | 18 | 57 | 11 |
| July | OK | 21 | 51 | 12 |
| August | OK | 21 | 25 | 12 |
| September | Great | 17 | 26 | 9 |
| October | Great | 11 | 24 | 7 |
| November | OK | 8 | 20 | 6 |
| December | OK | 2 | 25 | 6 |

### Month by month

- **January (OK):** January is cold and often snowy, around -1°C to 6°C, with frost and fog. Museums suit the weather, while nearby mountains support winter walks and snow sports.
- **February (OK):** February is wintry, around 0°C to 7°C, with frosty mornings and possible snow. Indoor sightseeing works well, and mountain areas remain suitable for snowshoeing and other winter activities.
- **March (OK):** March is cool, around 3°C to 11°C, with changeable city weather and snow remaining in the mountains. Winter walks may be available at altitude, while sightseeing calls for a warm layer.
- **April (OK):** April is mild, around 7°C to 16°C, with occasional rain and snow at higher elevations. City walks and cultural visits work well between showers.
- **May (Great):** May is mild, around 12°C to 21°C, with frequent showers and green parks. Walking and city sightseeing are appealing, while snow can remain on the highest peaks.
- **June (Great):** June is warm, around 16°C to 26°C, with regular rain. Walking routes and city sightseeing are enjoyable when outdoor plans allow for showers.
- **July (OK):** July is hot, around 18°C to 28°C, with possible heatwaves above 35°C. Generally dry conditions suit city walks and mountain excursions, though midday sightseeing can be intense.
- **August (OK):** August is hot, around 17°C to 28°C, with possible heatwaves above 35°C. Dry spells support outdoor sightseeing and mountain trips, although rain remains possible.
- **September (Great):** September is comfortable, around 14°C to 25°C, with agreeable conditions for city walks and day trips. Autumn colour begins to appear, with crisp evenings.
- **October (Great):** October is cool, around 12°C to 19°C, with autumn foliage and comfortable sightseeing conditions. Evenings are crisp, so outdoor plans need an extra layer.
- **November (OK):** November is cool, around 6°C to 13°C, and often grey and wet. Mountain snow returns, while Sofia visits suit a mix of indoor attractions and short outdoor walks.
- **December (OK):** December is cold, around 2°C to 8°C, with frost and possible snow. Festive city visits and nearby mountain activities suit the winter conditions and shorter daylight.

### 7-day forecast

_Forecast by [Foreca](https://www.foreca.com)._

| Day | High °C | Low °C | Precip chance |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 25 Oct 25 Oct | 17 | 6 | 14% |
| 26 Oct 26 Oct | 14 | 6 | 64% |
| 27 Oct 27 Oct | 12 | 2 | 31% |
| 28 Oct 28 Oct | 12 | 4 | 70% |
| 29 Oct 29 Oct | 14 | 7 | 30% |
| 30 Oct 30 Oct | 14 | 8 | 35% |
| 31 Oct 31 Oct | 14 | 8 | 56% |

## Visa

Passport-specific visa stance is on the HTML page after you set a passport, or via MCP `check_visa_requirements`. Confirm with a government source before you fly.

## Activities

- [Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Full-Day Tour](https://www.viator.com/tours/Sofia/Rila-Monastery-and-Boyana-Church-Shuttle-Day-Trip/d5630-42558P86?mcid=42383&pid=P00310321&medium=api&api_version=2.0) — from 22.87 USD · 8–8 HOUR
- [From Sofia Rila Monastery with Boyana Church or St. Ivan’s Cave](https://www.viator.com/tours/Sofia/Rila-Monastery-and-Boyana-Church-Day-Trip-from-Sofia/d5630-6992RILA?mcid=42383&pid=P00310321&medium=api&api_version=2.0) — from 22.87 USD · 9–9 HOUR
- [Day tour to Skopje, North Macedonia - Small Group](https://www.viator.com/tours/Sofia/Day-tour-to-Skopje-Macedonia/d5630-87479P2?mcid=42383&pid=P00310321&medium=api&api_version=2.0) — from 113.22 USD · 12–12 HOUR
- [Must-See Plovdiv Day Tour from Sofia](https://www.viator.com/tours/Sofia/Plovdiv-Shuttle-Bus-Tour-from-Sofia/d5630-42558P20?mcid=42383&pid=P00310321&medium=api&api_version=2.0) — from 21.73 USD · 9–9 HOUR
- [Plovdiv Small Group Full Day Guided Tour from Sofia](https://www.viator.com/tours/Sofia/Plovdiv-Full-Day-Tour-from-Sofia/d5630-6992P9?mcid=42383&pid=P00310321&medium=api&api_version=2.0) — from 21.73 USD · 12–12 HOUR
- [Sofia: History and Heritage - Small Group City Tour](https://www.viator.com/tours/Sofia/Sofia-Small-Group-City-Tour/d5630-5556909P1?mcid=42383&pid=P00310321&medium=api&api_version=2.0) — from 22.87 USD
- [7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour](https://www.viator.com/tours/Sofia/7-Rila-Lakes-and-Rila-Monastery-tour/d5630-102527P4?mcid=42383&pid=P00310321&medium=api&api_version=2.0) — from 67.47 USD
- [Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa Full-Day Trip](https://www.viator.com/tours/Sofia/Plovdiv-and-Koprivshtitsa-Day-Trip-from-Sofia/d5630-6992PLOVDIV?mcid=42383&pid=P00310321&medium=api&api_version=2.0) — from 21.73 USD · 11–11 HOUR
- [Small group tour to Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery](https://www.viator.com/tours/Sofia/Day-tour-to-Plovdiv-Asens-Fortress-and-Bachkovo-Monastery/d5630-87479P8?mcid=42383&pid=P00310321&medium=api&api_version=2.0) — from 88.06 USD · 9–9 HOUR
- [Tour to Lovech, Devetaki cave & Krushuna waterfalls](https://www.viator.com/tours/Sofia/Tour-to-Lovech-Devetaki-cave-and-Krushuna-waterfalls/d5630-87479P1?mcid=42383&pid=P00310321&medium=api&api_version=2.0) — from 108.64 USD · 10–10 HOUR

More on the HTML page: https://sorted.travel/places/sofia#activities

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## More

- HTML: [https://sorted.travel/places/sofia](https://sorted.travel/places/sofia)
- MCP: [https://sorted.travel/mcp](https://sorted.travel/mcp) (`get_destination_info`, `get_destination_weather`, `check_visa_requirements`)
- Discover: [https://sorted.travel/discover](https://sorted.travel/discover)