Forecast by:  | 11 Sep Fri | 12 Sep Sat | 13 Sep Sun | 14 Sep Mon | 15 Sep Tue | 16 Sep Wed | 17 Sep Thu |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | 34° 15° | 27° 16° | 24° 12° | 24° 10° | 22° 12° | 25° 11° | 26° 12° |
| Precipitation | 6% | 81% | 18% | 12% | 66% | 20% | 41% |
| Humidity | 47% | 68% | 62% | 56% | 74% | 68% | 68% |
| Wind | 15 km/h | 15 km/h | 18 km/h | 9 km/h | 13 km/h | 2 km/h | 8 km/h |
Best time to visit Sofia
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.
JanuaryTemp (°C)-2°Rain (mm)23Sun Hours5Dry Days18
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.
FebruaryTemp (°C)1°Rain (mm)15Sun Hours5Dry Days18
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.
MarchTemp (°C)5°Rain (mm)31Sun Hours7Dry Days17
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.
AprilTemp (°C)11°Rain (mm)39Sun Hours10Dry Days18
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.
MayTemp (°C)15°Rain (mm)52Sun Hours11Dry Days18
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.
JuneTemp (°C)18°Rain (mm)57Sun Hours11Dry Days15
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.
JulyTemp (°C)21°Rain (mm)51Sun Hours12Dry Days21
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.
AugustTemp (°C)21°Rain (mm)25Sun Hours12Dry Days24
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.
SeptemberTemp (°C)17°Rain (mm)26Sun Hours9Dry Days23
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.
OctoberTemp (°C)11°Rain (mm)24Sun Hours7Dry Days23
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.
NovemberTemp (°C)8°Rain (mm)20Sun Hours6Dry Days23
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.
DecemberTemp (°C)2°Rain (mm)25Sun Hours6Dry Days19
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.
Sources: responsibletravel.com
Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Full-Day Tour
Cost: From 23.72 USD · Duration: 8 hours · ★ 4.6 (1,132 reviews)
Join an 8.5–10 hour guided group tour to Rila Monastery, with select options also including Boyana Church — please check your chosen option before booking. Enjoy a 40-minute guided tour at Rila Monastery, followed by 2.5 hours of free time for photos, museums, shopping, or lunch. On options that include Boyana Church, admire its stunning 800-year-o
From Sofia Rila Monastery with Boyana Church or St. Ivan’s Cave
Cost: From 23.72 USD · Duration: 8 hours · ★ 4.6 (953 reviews)
Maximize your time in Bulgaria by combining two UNESCO World Heritage Sites into one efficiently coordinated day trip from Sofia. Journey into the peaceful Rila Mountains to explore the sprawling Rila Monastery complex at your own pace, paired with a stop at the historic medieval Boyana Church. ⚠️ BOYANA ENTRY NOTICE: Inside entry is heavily regula
Communist Walking Tour of Sofia
Cost: From 21.35 USD · Duration: 3 hours · ★ 4.9 (762 reviews)
Find out what it was like on the eastern side of the Iron Curtain by joining our Communist tour. A 45-year-long period compressed in about 3 hours, including the factors that led to it, its aftermath and how it affects present-day Bulgaria. The main goal is to present this controversial period of Bulgarian history in an objective and informative wa
Wine Tasting in Heart of Sofia
Cost: From 35.77 USD · Duration: 1 hour · ★ 4.9 (579 reviews)
During your personal tasting experience I will guide you through the distinctive world of Bulgarian wines. Although Bulgaria has been producing wine for 5000 years it is still relatively unknown to the rest of the world. Now a rising new generation of Bulgarian boutique winemakers are devoted to the craft and bringing new attention to our country.
Day tour to Skopje, North Macedonia - Small Group
Cost: From 117.41 USD · Duration: 12 hours · ★ 4.7 (483 reviews)
Appreciating the diversity of Balkan culture can be difficult, especially with limited time in the region. Explore Macedonian culture on a day tour to Skopje from Sofia, and tick off another Balkan capital in just 1 day. Enjoy the company of 2 professional guides - one from Bulgaria and one local from Macedonian. Travel the distance with ease via m
Must-See Plovdiv Day Tour from Sofia
Cost: From 22.53 USD · Duration: 9 hours · ★ 4.5 (395 reviews)
Join us for an unforgettable journey to Plovdiv, the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe. Nestled among picturesque hills, this vibrant destination offers a rich blend of history, culture, and charm. Stroll along one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets, explore the beautifully preserved Revival-era Old Town, and marvel at the impressive
Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip from Sofia
Cost: From 55.74 USD · Duration: 13 hours · ★ 4.8 (327 reviews)
This self-guided, shared shuttle tour will take you to both the 7 Rila Lakes area in the morning and then in the afternoon to the UNESCO Rila Monastery in the Rila National park - Bulgaria's most famous natural and cultural sites. In the morning the shuttle bus tour bus will take you to the start of the hiking routes ar the Rila Lakes area and base
Plovdiv Small Group Full Day Guided Tour from Sofia
Cost: From 22.53 USD · Duration: 12 hours · ★ 4.4 (249 reviews)
Travel hassle-free from Sofia to Plovdiv and back in the comfort of a modern and air-conditioned minibus. Plovdiv is one of the oldest towns in the world. More ancient than Rome! With an expert guide at your side, explore and experience its millennia of epic history, monumental attractions, unique Bulgarian culture, and way of life. Your guide will
Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa Full-Day Trip
Cost: From 22.53 USD · Duration: 11 hours · ★ 4.7 (194 reviews)
Enjoy a guided combo tour to two of the most fascinating towns in Bulgaria. These are Plovdiv - the European Capital of Culture 2019 and Koprivshtitsa - a picturesque town with an epic history and a striking architecture. Explore all major attractions in the old town of Plovdiv with a professiona English-speaking guide and admire the marvelous heri
Small group tour to Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery
Cost: From 88.94 USD · Duration: 9 hours · ★ 4.8 (181 reviews)
During this day tour, you will be able to visit one of the must-see places in Bulgaria, not surprisingly elected European Capital of Culture for 2019, as well as two of the highlights in the region - Asen's fortress and Bachkovo Monastery
Brief
- Try Bulgarian specialties such as banitsa, shopska salad, kebapche, grilled trout, and local yoghurt. Mineral water is also widely available.
- Sofia is well served by metro, trams, buses and taxis. Use licensed taxis or app-based services and confirm the fare before departure.
- Smoking restrictions in bars and restaurants are not always consistently observed. Bulgaria’s tap-water quality varies by region; bottled or filtered water is a prudent choice, particularly outside mountain areas. (
wikivoyage.org)
Safety and health
- Protect yourself from tick and sand-fly bites in parks, wooded areas and rural surroundings. Bulgaria has reported risks of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever and leishmaniasis, although these are not typical urban-Sofia hazards. (
cdc.gov)
- Be cautious with meat-based food from informal street stalls, where hygiene enforcement can be inconsistent. (
- Recent heavy rain and hail have caused flooding and fallen trees in Sofia. During storms, avoid flooded underpasses, parks and areas beneath damaged trees, and check local transport updates. (
newsnow.com)
Recent News
- 4 September 2026: Bomb threats were reported at several kindergartens in Sofia and other Bulgarian cities. Police said standard procedures were being followed. Visitors should avoid affected facilities and follow police instructions if an area is cordoned off. (
bta.bg)
- 4 September 2026: Intense thunderstorms brought heavy rain and walnut-sized hail to Sofia. Municipal crews were reported clearing fallen trees and flooded areas, while torrential rain prompted emergency measures in parts of Bulgaria. (
