Best Times to Visit

Weather

The climate in Bulgaria varies with altitude. The country enjoys warm summers with some rain, and cold winters with snow. To the south, the climate is increasingly Mediterranean; winters are slightly warmer on the Black Sea coast. The majority of rain falls in spring and autumn.

Visitors are advised to bring mediumweight clothing most of the year, with warmer outdoor wear necessary in winter.

More information about the Bulgarian weather may be found in Climate in Bulgaria.

Festivals

The arrival of Baba Marta (Spring) is marked with the exchanging and wearing of red and white tassles, on 1 March. Late March sees men with grotesque masks perform ritualistic processional dances as part of Kukerov Den. The Kazanluk Rose Festival is held in early June. September sees Bulgaria's oldest coastal colony, Sozopol, celebrate the Greek god of music and dance over ten days with jazz, rock, and theatre. Varna Summer International Festival is held between May and October.

Public Holidays

The following table shows the public holidays celebrated in Bulgaria: