Sofia Temperatures: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights
On this page, we’ll explore Sofia’s temperature statistics in detail, including day and night variations and monthly averages. We’ll also compare the annual temperature to other cities in Bulgaria.
Monthly Temperature Averages
Depending on the time of the year, temperatures range from warm to cold in Sofia. On average, maximum daytime temperatures range from a warm 27°C in August to a cold 4°C in January. Nighttime temperatures can drop, with averages reaching -5°C in January.
The chart below illustrates the average maximum day and minimum night temperatures in Sofia by month:
The minimum temperature is often recorded between 4 AM and 6 AM, while the highest temperature is usually reached at 3 PM. During this time the sun's heating effect is the strongest.
The chart below shows the average temperature throughout the year:
August, the city’s warmest month, also receives about 50 mm of rainfall spread over roughly 6 days. For more information, please visit our Sofia Precipitation page.
Annual Temperatures in Bulgaria Compared
The map below shows the annual temperature across Bulgaria. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
very warm
warm
pleasant
moderate
cold
very cold
Sofia Temperatures Compared World Wide
Sofia’s average annual maximum temperature is 16°C. Let’s compare this with some popular tourist destinations:
In Lisbon, Portugal, the average annual temperature is 21°C, offering warm summers and mild, rainy winters.
Interlaken, Switzerland, the average annual temperature is significantly lower at 8°C, with mild summers and very cold winters.
Meanwhile, New York City, USA, experiences a more pronounced seasonal variation with an average annual temperature of 17°C.
Melbourne, Australia, has a slightly cooler climate, with an average annual temperature of 20°C.
How are these Temperatures Measured?
Generally, temperature data depicting climate is usually given over a 30-year average in order to reduce short-term fluctuations and reveal better long-term trends in climate conditions.
This temperature data is taken from land-based thermometers, ocean buoys, ships, and satellites. These measurements are transmitted to weather stations and climate centers around the globe where they are processed, averaged, and analyzed in order to monitor the trends and create climate models.
Sea vs. Land Temperatures
The influence of nearby oceans or large water bodies significantly affects local temperatures:
- Ocean Influence: Coastal regions tend to have more stable temperatures, as large bodies of water absorb and release heat slowly. This often results in milder winters and cooler summers compared to inland areas.
- Continental Climates: Landmasses well away from large bodies of water tend to show greater extremes in temperature, having hotter summers and colder winters because of the absence of water as a moderating influence.
For more detailed information about Sofia’s weather, including monthly rainfall, sunshine hours, and humidity levels, visit our Sofia climate page.
Current temperature in Sofia
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