2027 Climate Averages

Weather: Sofia — January

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers.

👍 Climate Overview

January is a good time to visit Sofia. Expect cold weather with temperatures around 7°C during the day. With only around 9 hours of daylight, plan outdoor activities earlier in the day. Being off-peak, you'll find better deals and fewer crowds.

6.5
GoTripzi Score Good

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

7°C

Avg Low

-2°C

Rainy days

9days

Daylight

9.4h

Feels like 3°C / -5°C — wind chill makes it feel cooler

Rainfall

55mm

Sunshine

6.4h/day

Humidity

80%

Very Humid
Sun Strength

2.8

Moderate
Wind

11 km/h (gusts 30)

Is January a good time to visit Sofia?

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers.

Now

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Feels like --
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Local time

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Quiet
  • Travel Costs Value Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

07:55

Sunset

17:18

9.4h daylight

Visiting Sofia in January: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Fewer crowds and better hotel deals

Things to Do in January

Events & Festivals

🎭
Surva International Masquerade Festival (Kukeri, Pernik)
Last weekend of January Cultural

Recommended for This Weather

Cozy cafes & local food scene
🏛️ Indoor attractions & shopping
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Sofia Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan Current 7°C -2°C 9d (55mm) 6.4h
80% Very Humid
2.8 Moderate
Good
Feb 10°C -1°C 6d (33mm) 7.7h
73% Humid
4.1 Moderate
Good
Mar 12°C 2°C 10d (58mm) 8.4h
69% Humid
5.7 High
Good
Apr 16°C 5°C 11d (62mm) 10h
69% Humid
7.4 Very High
Good
May 21°C 10°C 14d (76mm) 10.7h
73% Humid
8 Very High
Excellent
Jun 26°C 14°C 11d (75mm) 12.4h
73% Humid
9.2 Very High
Excellent
Jul 30°C 16°C 6d (29mm) 13.2h
64% Moderate
9.8 Very High
Good
Aug 29°C 16°C 9d (40mm) 12.2h
64% Moderate
8.4 Very High
Good
Sep 25°C 12°C 6d (31mm) 10.1h
68% Humid
6.5 High
Excellent
Oct 19°C 7°C 7d (53mm) 8h
75% Humid
4.4 Moderate
Excellent
Nov 12°C 3°C 9d (58mm) 6.1h
83% Very Humid
2.7 Moderate
Good
Dec 8°C 1°C 10d (56mm) 5.5h
86% Very Humid
2.2 Moderate
Good

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5
3
3
Your Best MonthJulScore: 7.4

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Sofia – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

Sofia

Orthodox cathedrals with Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Vitosha Mountain hike,Roman ruins, and Vitosha Mountain ski access.

View Full Destination Guide

What to Pack for January

Bundle up with a warm coat, scarf, and closed-toe shoes. Thermal layers underneath give flexibility as you move between indoors and outdoors. Pack a compact umbrella or light rain jacket for occasional showers.

Moderate Quiet

🎒Personalized Packing List

Tell us about your trip and we'll create a custom packing list based on the weather.

Your Packing List

📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Sofia?

💰 Off-peak — great deals available now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is January a good time to visit Sofia?
January is typically good for visiting Sofia, with average highs of 7°C and around 9 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Sofia in January?
Yes, nights in Sofia during January are cold, averaging -2°C. Pack warm layers, a coat, and consider thermal underwear for extended outdoor evenings. Restaurants and cafés have indoor seating, and many museums stay open late.
What should I pack for Sofia in January?
With highs of 7°C and lows of -2°C in January, we recommend: Warm winter coat, Thermal base layers, Scarf and gloves, Compact umbrella. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Sofia in January?
Sofia typically sees around 9 rainy days in January. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
How many hours of daylight are there in Sofia in January?
In January, Sofia gets approximately 9.4 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is January peak season in Sofia?
No, January is not peak season in Sofia. Expect better value on accommodation, shorter queues at attractions, and fewer tourists at popular spots. This is an excellent time to experience the city like a local and enjoy a more authentic atmosphere.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: Europe/Sofia)

Last Updated: February 2026