Last updated: January 18, 2025
Shumen, Bulgaria, experiences a diverse climate classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Cfa and Cfb. This climate model indicates a humid subtropical environment with significant temperature variations throughout the year. Winter months can plunge to a frigid -17°C (1°F) in January, while summer peaks can soar to a sweltering 38°C (101°F) in August. The annual average temperature hovers around a comfortable 12°C (55°F), highlighting Shumen's distinct seasonal contrasts that shape its unique ecological and cultural landscape.
Shumen, Bulgaria, showcases a marked seasonal temperature pattern, characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January and February are the coldest months, with minimum temperatures dropping as low as -17°C (1°F) and -13°C (9°F), respectively, while daily averages remain just above freezing. As spring unfolds in March and April, temperatures gradually rise, with March seeing a notable increase in maximums reaching 22°C (72°F). By May, the climate transitions towards warmth, with average temperatures soaring to 16°C (61°F) and highs hitting 29°C (85°F). The heat peaks in July and August, where maximum temperatures consistently reach 38°C (100°F) to 38°C (101°F). As autumn arrives, temperatures begin to decline, settling to a cooler 13°C (56°F) in October and dropping again by November, before the cycle concludes with the returning winter chill in December.
Shumen experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year, with January seeing minimums plummet to -17°C (2°F), while August peaks at a sweltering 38°C (101°F). This dramatic fluctuation highlights the diverse climate of the region, making it important for residents and visitors to prepare for both extremes. For further details on monthly temperatures in Shumen, visit monthly temperatures in Shumen.
Precipitation in Shumen, Bulgaria, exhibits distinct seasonal patterns throughout the year, correlating closely with temperature changes. The winter months of January and February receive moderate rainfall, measuring 50 mm (2.0 in) and 46 mm (1.8 in), respectively, over approximately 7 days each. As spring approaches, March sees a peak with 66 mm (2.6 in) of rainfall spread over 10 days, while April’s precipitation decreases to 42 mm (1.7 in), falling on a similar number of days. May presents a slight uptick in rainfall, with 57 mm (2.3 in) but retains the 10-day rainfall pattern.
The summer months experience a notable increase in precipitation, particularly in June, which records 111 mm (4.4 in) over 15 days, reflecting the transition to a wetter climate. By July, rainfall decreases to 63 mm (2.5 in) on 10 days, followed by a significant drop in August, where only 24 mm (0.9 in) is recorded over merely 4 days. As autumn sets in, precipitation levels vary slightly, with October experiencing 55 mm (2.2 in) on 6 days and November maintaining similar levels at 50 mm (2.0 in) across 6 days. December concludes the year with an increase in rainfall to 69 mm (2.7 in) over 11 days, setting the stage for the upcoming winter.
In Shumen, Bulgaria, sunshine duration follows a clear seasonal pattern, illustrating the transition from the limited light of winter to the abundant sunshine of summer. January begins the year with a modest 165 hours of sunshine, gradually increasing to 227 hours in February. March marks a significant leap, as sunshine totals rise to 281 hours, reflecting the warming temperatures and longer days. As spring unfolds, April and May witness a remarkable boost, with sunshine durations reaching 341 hours and 391 hours respectively, showcasing the increasing vitality of the season.
The peak sunshine months occur during the summer, with July recording the highest exposure at 423 hours. This is closely followed by August with 403 hours, indicating a slight decline as the season transitions to autumn. September sees a notable decrease to 339 hours, which continues into October, where sunshine hours drop to 280 hours. The final months of the year, November and December, experience further reductions, with 206 hours and 193 hours of sunshine, underlining the dimming days of winter. Overall, Shumen's sunshine trends highlight a vibrant and warming spring and summer, contrasted by the shorter, cloudier days typical of the colder months.
The UV Index in Shumen, Bulgaria, reveals distinct seasonal fluctuations that correlate with the intensity of sunlight throughout the year. During the winter months, particularly January and December, the UV Index remains low at 2, indicating minimal risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, with a burn time of 45 minutes. As February arrives, there is a moderate increase to 4, suggesting a heightened caution level, yet it remains manageable with a burn time of 30 minutes. However, as spring transitions to summer, the risk escalates significantly, particularly evident in May through August, where the UV Index reaches a peak of 9—classified as very high—allowing only 15 minutes of unprotected exposure before burning may occur.
This trend reflects the need for increased sun protection during the warmer months, especially between May and August, when outdoor activities are at their peak. The summer months also maintain high UV levels, with UV Index values at 9 throughout June and July, emphasizing the importance of wearing sunscreen and protective clothing. As autumn sets in, the UV Index starts to decline, falling to 7 in September and then dropping to 5 in October, marking a shift back towards moderate risk. The year wraps up with November and December returning to low and moderate categories, signaling a reduction in sun strength and a return to safer exposure levels as the colder months set in.
UV Risk Categories
In Shumen, Bulgaria, daylight duration exhibits a marked seasonal variation, closely linked to the progression of the year. The winter months of January and December experience the shortest daylight, with only 9 hours of sunlight each, creating a stark contrast to the longer days ahead. As February arrives, daylight increases to 10 hours, and this trend continues into March with 11 hours. By April, the length of daylight expands significantly to 13 hours, paving the way for the vibrant spring season.
The peak daylight duration occurs during the summer months, with June boasting a maximum of 15 hours of sunlight, allowing for extended outdoor activities and vibrant summer evenings. Following June, daylight hours begin to taper slightly, with July offering 14 hours and August providing 13 hours as the season transitions towards autumn. As fall approaches, daylight diminishes further, dropping to 12 hours in September and sustaining a more moderate 10 hours in October. This gradual decline continues into November, returning to 9 hours in both November and December, reflecting the cyclical nature of seasonal light in Shumen and the rhythm of life it influences.
Shumen, Bulgaria experiences a continental climate marked by distinct seasons. Winters can be quite cold, with January temperatures ranging from -17°C to 16°C, while summers are warm, peaking in July with highs around 37°C. Precipitation varies throughout the year, with June being the wettest month at 99 mm; conversely, August has the least rain at just 21 mm. Sunshine is abundant in summer, particularly in July when residents enjoy up to 421 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Shumen climate.
In conclusion, Shumen, Bulgaria, displays a dynamic climate characterized by distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight. Winters are marked by cold temperatures and shorter daylight hours, while summers bring warmth, ample sunshine, and elevated UV levels, necessitating protective measures against sun exposure. The transitional seasons of spring and autumn highlight the region's changing environmental conditions, with increasing daylight and fluctuating precipitation. This intricate interplay of factors not only shapes the ecological landscape of Shumen but also profoundly influences the daily lives and activities of its residents throughout the year.