Bulgaria (Sunny Beach)
Bulgaria · Europe
The best time to visit Bulgaria (Sunny Beach) is June, July, August, and September. In summer, daytime highs average 30°C (86°F), with peaks around 35°C (95°F); in winter, nights average 0°C (32°F), dropping to around -8°C (18°F) on the coldest. During the best travel months, the sun shines up to 11 hours per day — ideal for beach and outdoor activities.
Bulgaria (Sunny Beach) – What you should know
Sunny Beach (Slantschev Bryag) on Bulgaria's Black Sea coast is one of Eastern Europe's most popular bathing resorts: over 8 kilometres (5 mi) of fine sand, shallow water and a reliably warm summer from June to September with temperatures of 26–30°C (79–86°F). The Black Sea reaches 22–26°C (72–79°F) during this period — slightly cooler than the Mediterranean but pleasant, and noticeably less salty.
The swimming season begins at the end of May and ends at the end of September; outside this period Sunny Beach is largely closed. Autumn (September/October) is golden: fewer tourists, pleasant temperatures of 22–25°C (72–77°F) and lower prices. Unlike Mediterranean destinations, summer days in Bulgaria are often less hot and muggy — an advantage for families with children.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 8° (46°)-2– (28–)16 (61) | 10° (50°)0– (32–)19 (66) | 13° (55°)5– (41–)22 (72) | 17° (63°)10– (50–)25 (77) | 22° (72°)15– (59–)29 (84) | 27° (81°)20– (68–)33 (91) | 30° (86°)25– (77–)34 (93) | 30° (86°)25– (77–)35 (95) | 25° (77°)17– (63–)31 (88) | 20° (68°)12– (54–)27 (81) | 14° (57°)6– (43–)22 (72) | 10° (50°)0– (32–)18 (64) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 0° (32°)-8– (18–)7 (45) | 2° (36°)-7– (19–)8 (46) | 4° (39°)-3– (27–)9 (48) | 7° (45°)1– (34–)12 (54) | 12° (54°)7– (45–)17 (63) | 17° (63°)11– (52–)21 (70) | 19° (66°)15– (59–)22 (72) | 20° (68°)15– (59–)23 (73) | 16° (61°)10– (50–)20 (68) | 11° (52°)3– (37–)16 (61) | 7° (45°)-2– (28–)14 (57) | 2° (36°)-7– (19–)10 (50) |
☀️Sunshine | 4h UV 3 | 5h UV 4 | 7h UV 6 | 9h UV 7 | 9h UV 8 | 11h UV 8 | 11h UV 8 | 10h UV 8 | 8h UV 6 | 6h UV 5 | 4h UV 3 | 4h UV 3 |
🌊Water Temp | 8° (46°) | 7° (45°) | 9° (48°) | 12° (54°) | 18° (64°) | 23° (73°) | 27° (81°) | 27° (81°) | 24° (75°) | 20° (68°) | 15° (59°) | 11° (52°) |
🌧Rain Days | 5d48mm (1.9") | 4d36mm (1.4") | 5d31mm (1.2") | 5d42mm (1.7") | 5d36mm (1.4") | 5d53mm (2.1") | 3d32mm (1.3") | 2d11mm (0.4") | 3d38mm (1.5") | 3d46mm (1.8") | 6d52mm (2.1") | 5d47mm (1.8") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
From June to July, UV levels in Bulgaria (Sunny Beach) reach 8 — very high on the WHO scale. High-SPF sunscreen and shade around midday are essential.
May offers great weather in Bulgaria (Sunny Beach) with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
The travel year in Bulgaria (Sunny Beach)
November – March
Winter shutdown. The hotel strip stands empty, the beach bars are dismantled, the Black Sea drops to 7°C (45°F). Anyone who comes is really here for neighbouring Nesebar, whose peninsula old town only comes into its own without the day trippers.
April – May
Shoulder season: eight to nine hours of sun already, prices at their annual low, and kilometres of sand belonging to walkers. At 12 to 17°C (54 to 63°F), the water is still too cold for swimming.
June – August
Peak season. In high summer Sunny Beach is one of the loudest destinations on the Black Sea — clubs, water parks, party boats. The numbers back it up, though: over ten hours of sun a day, almost no rain and water at 26 to 27°C (79 to 81°F).
September – October
Post-season, with the warmest water of the year in September. The families have gone, prices drop, and the hinterland with the vineyards around Pomorie is now worth more than the beach.
Events & Festivals
August
- Sunny Beach Folklore Festival· varies (early August, ~6 days)
International folklore festival in Nessebar and Sunny Beach with folk dance groups and music ensembles from more than 20 countries. Evening events on the beach promenade combine Bulgarian tradition with folk groups from all over Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Bulgaria (Sunny Beach)?
- The best time to visit Bulgaria (Sunny Beach) is June, July, August, and September. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Bulgaria (Sunny Beach)?
- In summer, daytime highs in Bulgaria (Sunny Beach) average 30°C (86°F), with peaks around 35°C (95°F); in winter, nights average 0°C (32°F), dropping to around -8°C (18°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Bulgaria (Sunny Beach) get?
- Bulgaria (Sunny Beach) has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 4 rain days per month. The driest months are March, July, and August.
- How warm is the water in Bulgaria (Sunny Beach)?
- Water temperature in Bulgaria (Sunny Beach) ranges from 7°C (45°F) (February) to 27°C (81°F) (August). During the best travel months (June, July, August, and September), the water is most pleasant for swimming.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
🏖️
Beach Holiday
Warm, sunny, little rain
JunJulAug
🏙️
City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
JunAugSep
