May Weather in Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Last updated: August 21, 2025

May in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, presents a vibrant tapestry of weather as temperatures range from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F), with an appealing average of 18°C (65°F). The month sees 51 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation spread over 11 days, contributing to the region's lush spring atmosphere. With humidity levels at 73%, the weather offers a refreshing blend of warmth and moisture, making May a delightful time to explore the scenic beauty and cultural richness of this historic city.

May Temperature in Plovdiv

As May arrives in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, the city bids farewell to the lingering chill of winter, embracing a delightful warmth that signals the advent of summer. With temperatures ranging from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F), the average temperature of 18°C (65°F) creates a perfect backdrop for outdoor activities and explorations. Compared to the preceding months, May showcases a significant leap in warmth, reflecting a steady upward trend from the crisp spring temperatures of April. This shift encourages both locals and tourists to enjoy the blossoming scenery, as the city's vibrant culture truly springs to life under the sunny skies.

May Weather in Plovdiv: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates May temperature patterns in Plovdiv, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends. In Plovdiv, May typically has an average temperature of {2}°C ({3}°F), with highs reaching up to {4}°C ({5}°F) and lows dropping to around {6}°C ({7}°F).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec354046546472777869574840
Data source: Temperature data for Plovdiv generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

May Precipitation in Plovdiv

In May, Plovdiv experiences a moderate climate with precipitation levels reaching 51 mm (2.0 inches) over approximately 11 days of rain. This marks a slight increase from April's rainfall, contributing to the lush greenery typical of the cusp between spring and summer. As the month progresses, the rainfall anticipates the heavier downpours of June, which average 77 mm (3.0 inches) and see a corresponding rise in precipitation days. Overall, May serves as a transitional period, bridging the lighter, cooler rains of spring with the more intense summer showers ahead, making it a vital time for local flora to thrive.

May Precipitation Trends in Plovdiv

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Plovdiv, with values for each month alongside May’s data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the amount of precipitation, providing insights into how May’s conditions compare to those of other months. In Plovdiv, May typically receives around {2} mm ({3} inches) of precipitation spread over approximately {4} days.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec414464495177472817515460
Data source: Precipitation data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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May Humidity in Plovdiv

In May, Plovdiv experiences a slight increase in humidity, sitting at 73%. While this level is notably higher than the drier months of June and August, it marks a gradual decline from the wetter winter months, which start at an impressive 89% in January. The transition into late spring sees humidity decrease from April's 71%, signaling a shift toward the warm and inviting summer that follows. As the city prepares for the warmth of June and July, May offers a balance of moderate humidity, making it a pleasant time for outdoor activities before the heat sets in. Overall, the trend indicates a gradual reduction in humidity as the year progresses, serving to enhance the vibrant atmosphere of Plovdiv.

May Average Humidity in Plovdiv

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Plovdiv, with May’s data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, helping you understand how conditions vary by season. In May, average humidity in Plovdiv is approximately {2}%, offering insight into how humid the weather typically is during this month.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec89%85%83%71%73%67%68%50%59%79%87%89%
Data source: Humidity data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

May UV Index in Plovdiv

As spring transitions into summer, May in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, marks a significant rise in UV exposure, with the UV Index reaching a striking 9—classified as very high. This trend mirrors the preceding months, where the UV Index consistently climbs, jumping from a low 2 in January to reach 8 in April. In May, residents and visitors alike should be vigilant, as the burn time decreases to just 15 minutes under peak sun exposure, signaling that protective measures are essential. This pattern continues into June, highlighting the importance of sunscreen and shade as the UV levels remain dangerously high. For detailed insights on daily UV levels, check out Plovdiv UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Plovdiv for May

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Plovdiv in May, representing the highest UV radiation level. The UVI measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, indicating the potential risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues. In May, the maximum UV index in Plovdiv typically reaches {2}, which falls under the {3} exposure category.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2468910997632
Data source: Plovdiv May UVI data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

May Sunshine in Plovdiv

May in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, welcomes a vibrant surge of sunshine, with 393 hours of bright daylight illuminating the city's historic charm. This marks a significant increase from the 346 hours recorded in April, showcasing the transition into a warm, lively atmosphere. As spring unfolds, Plovdiv basks in longer days that herald the approach of summer. The sunshine not only enhances the beauty of the city's ancient architecture but also invites both locals and visitors to embrace outdoor activities and events. Following May, June typically sees an even greater bask of light with 400 hours, setting the stage for a sun-drenched summer ahead. Overall, May serves as a delightful reminder of nature's bounty, bridging the transitional months and offering a glimpse into the radiant days to come.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Plovdiv: May Highlighted

The May sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Plovdiv experiences direct sunlight during the month of May, excluding cloudy or obstructed periods. This chart compares the sunshine duration of May with the other months of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec176h237h288h346h393h400h427h403h344h291h232h220h
Data source: Plovdiv May Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Plovdiv During May

As May approaches in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, residents can expect a 47% chance of sunny weather, mirroring the fluctuations experienced in the months leading up to summer. This probability aligns closely with April's sunshine forecast, suggesting a gradual transition into the more radiant months ahead. Interestingly, while May's likelihood of sunny days remains stable, it sets the stage for June's increase to 52%, hinting at the sunnier days of summer that await. As the year progresses, the data reveals a remarkable upturn in sunshine, peaking in July and August with chances soaring to 80% and 77%, respectively. Thus, while May may still offer some uncertainty, the promising trends indicate that the bright, sun-soaked days of summer are just around the corner.

Percentage of Sunny Days in May in Plovdiv

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Plovdiv throughout the year, with May highlighted. It highlights the variation in sunshine across each month and provides an overview of the typical frequency of sunny days, offering insights into how often Plovdiv experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec33%52%48%47%47%52%80%77%54%41%34%36%
Data source: Plovdiv May chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Plovdiv in May

As spring unfurls its vibrant colors in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, the increasing daylight duration becomes a joyful hallmark of the season. Starting with nine hours of daylight in January, the city experiences a steady rise, culminating in May when the days stretch to an inviting 14 hours. This trend continues through June, when the sun graces Plovdiv for an impressive 15 hours, marking the peak of daylight. As summer transitions into autumn, the daylight gradually wanes, dropping back to 12 hours in September and returning to nine hours by November. The rhythm of daylight not only enhances the beauty of each month but also highlights the joy of longer, sunlit days as residents embrace the warmth and energy that spring and early summer bring.

Average Daylight Hours in Plovdiv for May

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Plovdiv throughout the year, with May highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec9h 27m10h 33m11h 57m13h 23m14h 36m15h 12m14h 53m13h 48m12h 26m11h 1m9h 46m9h 7m
Data source: Plovdiv daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

May Winds in Plovdiv

As spring unfolds in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, May continues a gentle trend in wind patterns. With an average wind speed of 2.2 m/s (5 mph), the breezes mirror the calm that characterized earlier spring months, creating pleasant conditions for outdoor activities. This stability in wind speed shows continuity from April, where winds were also moderate, suggesting a serene atmosphere well-suited for leisurely pursuits. Interestingly, the wind eases slightly heading into the summer months, dipping to 2.0 m/s (5 mph) in both June and July, yet May remains a delightful blend of mild winds and blooming nature. Overall, the month's consistent breezes are a soothing precursor to the warmer days ahead, inviting residents and visitors alike to enjoy the vibrant charm of Plovdiv.

Average May Wind Speed in Plovdiv

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Plovdiv, with values for each month shown alongside May's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It illustrates the average wind speed, offering insights into how May's wind conditions compare to the rest of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2.32.02.22.02.2 m/s2.02.21.81.91.81.92.2
Data source: Plovdiv May wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How May Weather in Plovdiv Compares to Other Months

Weather in Plovdiv varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Plovdiv, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.

When comparing the weather in May and January, the contrast is striking. May features a wider temperature range, with lows around 4°C (40°F) and highs reaching up to 34°C (93°F), making it a much warmer month overall with an average of 18°C (65°F). In contrast, January sees much colder temperatures, with minima plummeting to -20°C (-5°F) and a maximum of only 16°C (61°F), resulting in an average temperature of just 2°C (35°F). Additionally, May experiences more precipitation, totaling 51 mm (2.0 in) over 11 days, while January has slightly less at 41 mm (1.6 in) across 7 days. The humidity is notably higher in January at 89%, compared to May's 73%. For more detailed insights, you can refer to Plovdiv weather in January.

May and February present contrasting weather patterns, marked by significant differences in temperature and humidity. In May, temperatures range from a cool 4°C (40°F) at night to a warm 34°C (93°F) during the day, with an average of 18°C (65°F). The month experiences around 51 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation over 11 days. In sharp contrast, February has a much colder climate, with nighttime lows plunging to -13°C (8°F) and daytime highs reaching only 20°C (69°F), averaging 5°C (41°F). February’s precipitation is slightly lower at 44 mm (1.7 in), occurring over just 8 days, and the humidity tends to be higher at 85%. For further details on February's weather, check out Plovdiv weather in February.

When comparing the weather in March and May, it's clear that May offers a much warmer and milder climate. In March, temperatures range from a frigid minimum of -18°C (0°F) to a maximum of 24°C (76°F), with an average of 8°C (46°F). In contrast, May sees temperatures starting at a minimum of 4°C (40°F) and rising to a comfortable maximum of 34°C (93°F), with an average of 18°C (65°F). Interestingly, both months experience a similar number of rainy days, with precipitation levels slightly higher in March at 64 mm (2.5 in) compared to May's 51 mm (2.0 in). Humidity is also notably higher in March at 83%, while May has a more moderate 73%. For more details on March's weather, visit Plovdiv weather in March.

In comparing the weather of May and April, May generally presents warmer temperatures, with minimums of 4°C (40°F) and maximums reaching up to 34°C (93°F), while April starts cooler, with minimums dipping to -3°C (27°F) and a maximum of 29°C (84°F). The average temperature in May is 18°C (65°F), a notable increase from April's 12°C (55°F). Precipitation levels are relatively similar, with May receiving 51 mm (2.0 in) over 11 days and April slightly lower at 49 mm (1.9 in) across 9 days. Additionally, humidity levels rise slightly in May at 73%, compared to April's 71%. For more detailed weather insights, you can check Plovdiv weather in April.

In comparison, May tends to have cooler temperatures with a minimum of 4°C (40°F) and an average of 18°C (65°F), while June warms up, featuring a minimum of 9°C (49°F) and an average of 22°C (72°F). The maximum temperatures in June can reach as high as 39°C (102°F), significantly surpassing May's peak of 34°C (93°F). Additionally, June experiences more rainfall, totaling 77 mm (3.0 in) over 12 days, compared to May's 51 mm (2.0 in) across 11 days, although the humidity is slightly lower in June at 67%. For a closer look at the nuances of June weather, check out Plovdiv weather in June.

In comparison to May, July experiences significantly warmer temperatures, with minimums starting at 12°C (54°F) and average highs reaching 25°C (77°F). This is a notable increase from May’s minimum of 4°C (40°F) and average of 18°C (65°F). While May has a maximum temperature of 34°C (93°F), July can soar up to 40°C (105°F), making it the hotter month overall. Precipitation is slightly lower in July at 47 mm (1.8 in), compared to May’s 51 mm (2.0 in), and rain falls on fewer days, with 7 days in July versus 11 in May. Additionally, humidity is a bit lower in July at 68%, compared to May’s 73%. For more details, check Plovdiv weather in July.

May and August present notably different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 4°C (40°F) to a warm maximum of 34°C (93°F), with an average of 18°C (65°F). The month sees a fair amount of rainfall, totaling 51 mm (2.0 in) over 11 days, accompanied by a relatively high humidity level of 73%. In contrast, August experiences milder nights with minimum temperatures of 12°C (54°F) and a much warmer average of 25°C (78°F), peaking at a sweltering 42°C (107°F). Additionally, August is drier, with only 28 mm (1.1 in) of precipitation spread over just 4 days and a lower humidity of 50%. For more detailed insights into August weather, visit Plovdiv weather in August.

May and September present distinct weather patterns, reflecting the transition between spring and autumn. In May, temperatures range from a cool minimum of 4°C (40°F) to a warm maximum of 34°C (93°F), with an average of 18°C (65°F). The month sees about 51 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation over approximately 11 days, coupled with relatively high humidity at 73%. In contrast, September offers a milder climate with temperatures that vary from a minimum of 2°C (37°F) to a maximum of 37°C (99°F), averaging 21°C (69°F). The month is notably drier, with only 17 mm (0.7 in) of precipitation falling over just 2 days, and the humidity drops to 59%. For a more detailed look at September weather, visit Plovdiv weather in September.

May and October present contrasting yet interesting weather characteristics. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F), with an average of 18°C (65°F), making it the warmer of the two months. The humidity is relatively moderate at 73%, and precipitation occurs on about 11 days, totaling 51 mm (2.0 in). In contrast, October sees a drop in temperatures, with a minimum of 0°C (33°F), an average of 14°C (57°F), and a similar maximum of 33°C (92°F). Although it also records 51 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation, rain is more sporadic, occurring on just 5 days, along with a slightly higher humidity of 79%. For a more detailed look at October conditions, you can check Plovdiv weather in October.

May and November present contrasting weather characteristics. In May, temperatures range from a comfortable minimum of 4°C (40°F) to a warm maximum of 34°C (93°F), with an average of 18°C (65°F). The month experiences about 51 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation over 11 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 73%. In contrast, November sees significantly cooler temperatures, with lows plummeting to -5°C (23°F) and averages around 9°C (48°F), reaching a maximum of 26°C (79°F). The precipitation in November slightly increases to 54 mm (2.1 in) over just 7 rainy days, and the humidity rises to 87%. For more details on November weather, you can visit Plovdiv weather in November.

May and December in Plovdiv showcase contrasting weather patterns, reflecting the transition from spring to winter. In May, temperatures range from a mild 4°C (40°F) at night to a warm 34°C (93°F) during the day, with an average of 18°C (65°F). The month sees around 51 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation over 11 days, and humidity levels linger at 73%. In stark contrast, December brings colder conditions, with temperatures dipping as low as -8°C (18°F) and averaging only 4°C (40°F). The maximum temperature reaches 18°C (65°F), and precipitation increases slightly to 60 mm (2.4 in) over 9 days, accompanied by a higher humidity level of 89%. For a more detailed look at December weather, you can visit Plovdiv weather in December.

Compare Plovdiv's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From May Weather in Plovdiv

As spring reaches its peak, May in Plovdiv offers a vibrant retreat from the colder months. With average temperatures rising significantly, residents and visitors alike can expect a delightful mix of warm days and cooler nights, perfect for outdoor exploration. However, don’t forget your umbrella—May sees a fair share of precipitation, with rain falling on numerous days, contributing to a lush, green landscape. Compared to the frosty chill of earlier months and the sweltering heat of summer that follows, May strikes a harmonious balance, making it an ideal time to enjoy the city. For a deeper dive into the weather patterns throughout the year, visit Plovdiv Climate.