Last updated: January 18, 2025
Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, experiences a diverse climate influenced by the Köppen-Geiger classification, encompassing Cfa (humid subtropical), Cfb (oceanic), and Dfb (continental) climates. The region exhibits a remarkable temperature range, with minimums plummeting to -20°C (-4°F) in March, while summer months can soar to a scorching 42°C (108°F) in August. The annual average temperature stabilizes around a mild 13°C (55°F), highlighting the dynamic seasonal shifts that characterize Stara Zagora's unique climatic conditions.
Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, showcases distinct seasonal temperature patterns throughout the year, characterized by cold winters and hot summers. In winter months, particularly January and February, temperatures can drop to as low as -20°C (-4°F), while daytime averages hover around 1°C (34°F) to 4°C (39°F). As spring approaches in March and April, temperatures begin to rise significantly, with March averaging 7°C (44°F) and April reaching around 11°C (53°F), culminating in warmer days with maximums hitting 29°C (84°F). The transition into summer brings even higher temperatures, with May to August witnessing peaks that often surpass 35°C (95°F), topping out at an intense 42°C (108°F) in August. As the year progresses into autumn, temperatures gradually decline, beginning with averages reaching 20°C (68°F) in September and tapering to cooler averages around 4°C (39°F) by December, completing the cycle marked by a sharp winter rebound.
Kazanlak experiences a minimum temperature of -19°C (-1°F) in March and a maximum of 38°C (101°F) in August, while Stara Zagora has slightly milder temperatures with a minimum of -18°C (0°F) in March and a maximum of 39°C (103°F) in August. For more detailed information, you can visit monthly temperatures in Kazanlak and monthly temperatures in Stara Zagora.
Precipitation in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, exhibits a varied distribution throughout the year, with a peak during the summer months. January and February feature relatively consistent rainfall, averaging around 49 mm (1.9 in) and 48 mm (1.9 in), respectively, with precipitation occurring over approximately seven days each month. March introduces a slight increase, with totals reaching 72 mm (2.8 in) over ten days, while April maintains moderate levels at 50 mm (2.0 in). The spring months transition into the wetter summer season, with June seeing the highest rainfall at 117 mm (4.6 in) spread over sixteen days, followed by substantial totals in July at 73 mm (2.9 in).
As summer wanes into autumn, precipitation begins to diminish notably. August experiences a sharp drop to just 27 mm (1.1 in) over five days, followed by September, which records even lower totals at 21 mm (0.8 in) across four days. However, October rebounds with 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain observed over seven days, while November and December see slightly increased precipitation at 59 mm (2.3 in) and 83 mm (3.3 in), respectively. This seasonal pattern highlights a wet summer and a transition to drier conditions in late summer, ultimately leading into a wetter autumn and winter.
In Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, sunshine duration demonstrates a clear seasonal trend, characterized by a gradual increase from winter to summer. January begins with a modest 172 hours of sunlight, which expands significantly as the year progresses. February offers an encouraging rise to 232 hours, and by March, the days become noticeably longer with 287 hours of sunshine. April marks a significant leap to 345 hours, and May continues this trajectory with 392 hours. The peak sunshine months of June and July showcase an impressive 400 and 426 hours, respectively, providing a radiant atmosphere ideal for outdoor activities during the summer.
As autumn approaches, the trend shifts, leading to a gradual decrease in sunshine hours. August retains a robust 404 hours, but by September, the total diminishes to 343 hours as the days shorten. This decline continues into October, with 289 hours recorded, and November experiences a further drop to 229 hours. Finally, December concludes the year with 214 hours of sunlight, reaffirming the annual cycle of decreasing sunlight during the colder months. Overall, the data indicates that Stara Zagora enjoys vibrant and sunlit summers, whereas the winter months bring about shorter days filled with less sunlight.
The UV Index in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, exhibits a distinct seasonal pattern that reflects the region's climatic variations throughout the year. In the winter months, specifically January and December, the UV Index remains low at 2, indicating minimal risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure, with recommended burn times of 45 minutes. As winter transitions into spring, February sees an increase to a moderate UV Index of 4, and by March, it escalates further to 6, categorizing the exposure as high. April heralds even stronger sunlight, with a notable jump to a very high UV Index of 8, necessitating precautions due to reduced burn times of just 15 minutes for fair-skinned individuals.
The peak UV Index is reached in the summer months, where June and July maintain a strong Index of 10 and 9, respectively, both categorized as very high. This trend continues into August with another UV Index of 9, emphasizing the need for protective measures during the intense summer sun. As autumn approaches, the UV Index gradually decreases, reaching a high of 7 in September and 6 in October, before dropping to moderate levels of 3 in November and low levels again in December. These fluctuations highlight the importance of sun safety awareness, particularly during the late spring and summer months when the UV radiation poses a greater risk.
UV Risk Categories
In Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, daylight duration varies significantly throughout the year, reflecting the region's seasonal shifts. Beginning in January, residents experience around 9 hours of daylight, which gradually increases to 10 hours in February and 11 hours in March. As spring transitions into summer, daylight hours expand notably, reaching 13 hours in April and peaking at 15 hours in June. The longest days occur in June, providing ample sunlight for outdoor activities, before slightly tapering off during the following months.
As summer wanes, July sees a slight decrease in daylight to 14 hours, followed by a further reduction to 13 hours in August. As autumn arrives, daylight diminishes more noticeably, with September providing 12 hours, October edging down to 11 hours, and November returning to 9 hours. December continues with 9 hours of daylight, marking the shortest days of the year. This cyclical pattern of daylight underscores the pronounced transition from long, sunlit days in summer to the shorter, darker days of winter, reflecting Stara Zagora’s typical seasonal rhythm.
Kazanlak, Bulgaria experiences a continental climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winters are cold, with January temperatures ranging from -15°C to 15°C, while summers are warm to hot, peaking in July and August with averages around 23°C and maximums reaching 38°C. Precipitation is highest in June (128 mm), contributing to lush vegetation, while the sunniest months are July and August, both boasting over 400 hours of sunshine. For more detailed information, visit Kazanlak climate.
Stara Zagora, Bulgaria experiences a continental climate characterized by hot summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from a chilly -15°C (6°F) in January to a warm 39°C (103°F) in August, with significant seasonal variation. Precipitation is highest in June at 104 mm (4.1 in) and lowest in August at 23 mm (0.9 in), while sunshine hours peak in July with 426 hours. For a detailed overview of the weather patterns in Stara Zagora, visit Stara Zagora climate.
In conclusion, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, showcases a dynamic climate characterized by diverse temperature patterns, varied precipitation, abundant sunshine, and notable fluctuations in UV exposure and daylight duration throughout the year. The region experiences a distinct transition from cold winters with limited sunlight to sun-drenched summers, highlighting the importance of adapting to these changes, particularly regarding sun safety during the peak UV months. Understanding these climatic aspects not only enhances the appreciation of Stara Zagora's unique environment but also informs residents and visitors alike about the necessary precautions to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle that the region's extended daylight and sunshine afford.