Varna enjoys a temperate climate with hot, sunny summers and chilly, sometimes windy winters. Summer highs often reach 28–30°C, while winters are milder than inland Bulgaria, with daytime temperatures around 5–8°C. Rain falls year-round but is most common in spring and autumn. The Black Sea keeps the coast pleasant, making Varna a favourite summer destination.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Varna’s climate is shaped by its Black Sea location, offering four distinct seasons with a maritime influence. Summers (June–September) are hot and sunny, with average highs of 28–30°C and sea temperatures reaching 24–27°C, perfect for beachgoers. Rain is rare in July and August, and humidity is lowest in August, making it the driest and sunniest time of year. Nights remain comfortably warm, and gentle sea breezes help keep the heat in check.
Winters (December–February) are relatively mild for Bulgaria, with average highs of 5–8°C and lows near 0°C. Snow is possible but uncommon along the coast and usually melts quickly. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) bring milder temperatures and more rain, especially in April and October. Autumn is known for beautiful foliage and comfortable weather, while spring can be breezy and variable. Varna enjoys about 2,100–2,200 hours of sunshine annually, with July and August being the sunniest months. Winds are moderate, with breezier days in autumn and winter, and humidity ranges from 55% in summer to 85% in winter.
| Average climate data for Varna, Bulgaria | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 6 | 7 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 28 | 28 | 24 | 19 | 13 | 8 | 28 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | -2 | -1 | 2 | 6 | 11 | 15 | 17 | 17 | 13 | 9 | 4 | 0 | -2 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 32 | 30 | 43 | 58 | 45 | 58 | 51 | 42 | 44 | 42 | 56 | 42 | 541 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 13 | 11 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 9 | 11 | 103 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 78 | 76 | 72 | 75 | 75 | 71 | 70 | 70 | 72 | 77 | 78 | 78 | 74 |
| Average water temperature (°C) | 8 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 16 | 22 | 25 | 25 | 23 | 18 | 13 | 10 | 15 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 9 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| Average UV index | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
The best time to visit Varna is from mid-May to mid-September, when the weather is warmest (24–30°C), the sea is ideal for swimming, and sunshine is plentiful. July and August are perfect for beach holidays, while late spring and early autumn offer comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower humidity, making them great for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
The least favourable time for travel is late autumn and winter (November to February). These months are colder, with highs of 5–8°C, more rain, and occasional wind or frost. While the city is quieter and prices are lower, outdoor activities and beachgoing are limited, and the weather can be unpredictable.
Varna has hot, sunny summers (28–30°C), mild winters (5–8°C), and moderate rainfall year-round. Spring and autumn are milder and can be breezy or rainy. The Black Sea keeps the climate milder than inland Bulgaria.
The best months for swimming are July, August, and early September, when sea temperatures reach 24–27°C and the weather is hot and sunny. June and late September can also be pleasant, though the sea is cooler.
Snow is rare in Varna, especially along the coast. When it does occur, it’s usually light and melts quickly. Inland areas may see more snow, but winters are generally mild compared to the rest of Bulgaria.
Varna enjoys about 2,100–2,200 hours of sunshine annually. July and August are the sunniest months, with up to 9–11 hours of sunshine per day, while December and January are the least sunny.
Bring light, breathable clothes and sun protection for summer, layers and a rain jacket for spring and autumn, and a warm coat for winter. An umbrella is useful in autumn and spring, and comfortable shoes are a must year-round.
Varna can be breezy, especially in autumn and winter, with average wind speeds of 15–20 km/h. Winds from the sea help cool summer heat but can make winter days feel colder, so pack accordingly.
Varna is least crowded in late autumn and winter (November–March), when the weather is cooler and rainier. Spring and early autumn offer a good balance of pleasant weather and fewer tourists than the summer peak.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is July (27.9 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (6.3 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 16.9 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is July (17.3 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is January (-1.7 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 7.7 °C.
The month with the highest average water temperature is August (24.8 °C). The month with the lowest average water temperature is February (7.3 °C). Overall, the average water temperature over the whole year is 15.3 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is June (57.6 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is February (29.8 mm). Over the whole year there are 540.8 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is January (13.4 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is August (3.3 days). Over the whole year there are 103.3 days of rain on average.
The month with the highest average relative humidity is January (78.4 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is August (69.6 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 74.4 %.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 15 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 9 h). Over the whole year there are 11.8 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is July (Average sunshine: 9.2 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is December (Average sunshine: 2.1 h). Over the whole year there are 5.7 h of sunlight per day on average.
The month with the highest average UV index is July (UV index: 9). The months with the lowest average UV index are January and December (UV index: 1). Over the whole year the average UV index is 4.4.
