Sofia Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria. The figures are based on a 30-year period (1990–2020) to provide a reliable average. Let's now guide you through the details for a complete overview.
Generally, Sofia has a moderate amount of precipitation, averaging 734 mm (29 in) of rain/snowfall annually.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
Significant seasonal changes in precipitation occur throughout the year. During the wettest month, May receives substantial rainfall, averaging 91 mm (3.6 in) of precipitation, recorded across 11 rainy days.
In contrast, the driest month, November brings less rainfall, with 42 mm (1.7 in) over 7 rainy days.
May, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 21°C (70°F). The city receives 235 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month November you can expect a temperature of 11°C (52°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Sofia Temperature page.
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in June
Explore Sofia's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Sofia spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in Bulgaria: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across Bulgaria. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
almost none
Sofia vs World: Rainfall Compared
Sofia's average annual precipitation is 734 mm (29 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
New York City, USA, receives 1276 mm (50 in) of rainfall annually, with precipitation evenly distributed throughout the year.
Meanwhile, Buenos Aires, Argentina, enjoys a humid subtropical climate with 1000 mm (39 in) of annual rainfall, mostly in the summer.
In Brisbane, Australia, the annual precipitation is 979 mm (39 in), making it wetter than Sydney.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, receives 2529 mm (100 in) of annual rainfall, characteristic of its equatorial tropical rainforest climate, with consistent rainfall throughout the year and peak months during March and November.
Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.
Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.
Precipitation has a very strong role in determining the local climate and ecosystem:
- Changing Rainfall Patterns: Global warming causes drastic changes in the patterns of rainfall. Some areas have been experiencing increased frequency and intensity of rainfall, while other areas experience longer dry spells or even droughts.
- Local Impacts: Many regions are experiencing heavier rainfall in the winter months and drier, hotter summers. This affects agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems.
- The U.S. has a significant number of thunderstorms every year, with over 14.6 million taking place across the world annually.
- Approximately 70% of lightning bolts strike land rather than oceans.
- A storm named John was the longest-lasting Pacific tropical storm, continuing for 31 days. As it crossed the dateline twice, it changed status from a hurricane to a typhoon and back to a hurricane.
For more detailed information about Sofia's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Sofia Climate page.
