Last updated: August 21, 2025
January in Smolyan, Bulgaria offers a unique winter experience characterized by its chilly temperatures. With a maximum of 12°C (54°F) and an average temperature hovering around -1°C (31°F), visitors can expect a mix of frosty days and occasional milder spells. The month sees a notable minimum temperature plunging to -18°C (0°F), showcasing the region's cold season. Precipitation is prevalent, with a total of 84 mm (3.3 in) spread over 8 days, contributing to the high humidity levels of 88%. Whether you are exploring the picturesque snow-covered landscapes or enjoying indoor activities, January in Smolyan encapsulates the essence of a Bulgarian winter.
In January, the winter chill grips Smolyan, Bulgaria, with minimum temperatures dipping as low as -18°C (0°F) and averaging around -1°C (31°F). Despite the biting cold, the region experiences occasional warm spells, reaching a maximum of 12°C (54°F), offering a glimpse of the spring warmth to come. This stark contrast in temperatures sets the tone for the month, as icy mornings gradually transition into crisp afternoons. As February approaches, the temperatures slightly improve, hinting at the slow but steady rise in warmth that culminates in the milder days of March and April. Overall, January serves as a pivotal point in the seasonal cycle, where the landscape glistens under a blanket of frost, marking the peak of winter's embrace before the upcoming thaw.
In January, Smolyan experiences a moderate amount of precipitation, totaling 84 mm (3.3 in) over approximately 8 rainy days. This marks a slight decrease compared to the following month, February, which sees 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain but lasts 9 days, indicating a steady pattern of wet weather as winter begins to wane. The trend continues into March, where precipitation peaks at 106 mm (4.2 in) and the number of rainy days rises to 14, highlighting the transition toward spring. Overall, January sets the stage for a gradual increase in precipitation leading into the wetter spring months, suggesting a shift from the drier winter conditions to the more humid spring climate characteristic of this beautiful region.
In January, Smolyan experiences a significant humidity level of 88%, marking the height of winter's moisture in the air. As the year progresses into February, this humidity begins to ease slightly to 83%, signaling the slow shift towards spring. March continues this trend with humidity dropping to 81%, while April brings a more noticeable change as levels dip further to 71%. This decline continues through May, stabilizing around 74% before the summer months arrive. The warmest season sees humidity reaching its lowest point in August at just 47%, providing a stark contrast to the winter's dampness. As fall approaches, humidity gradually rises again, peaking at 87% in December, bringing the cycle full circle as the town once again braces for winter’s embrace.
In January, Smolyan experiences a moderate UV Index of 3, necessitating a burn time of 30 minutes for sun exposure, setting a relatively gentle tone for the winter months. As the city transitions into February, the UV Index rises slightly to 4, maintaining the same exposure category and burn time. However, a notable shift occurs in March, where the UV Index spikes to 8, an indication of very high exposure levels with a significantly shorter burn time of just 15 minutes. This pattern of elevated UV levels continues through April and May, peaking at 10 in May, emphasizing the increasing intensity of sunlight as spring gives way to summer. By June, the UV Index reaches 11, categorized as extreme, further reducing safe sun exposure to a mere 10 minutes. The trend follows through the peak summer months of July and August, when the UV Index remains high yet slightly drops back to 10. In the transition into fall, September sees a decrease to 8, followed by a drop to 6 in October, signaling a return to more moderate conditions with increased burn times. This seasonal ebb and flow culminate in November and December, where the index goes back to 3, ensuring that the winter months are again marked by moderate sun exposure. For detailed information, visit the Smolyan UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In Smolyan, Bulgaria, January greets residents with 184 hours of sunshine, setting the stage for a gradual increase in daylight as the year progresses. By February, the sun's rays brighten the landscape with 243 hours, hinting at the promise of spring. March witnesses a leap to 298 hours, reflecting a growing vibrance in the surroundings. As April approaches, sunshine peaks at 349 hours, and the warm glow continues through May, reaching 402 hours. The longest days arrive in mid-summer with 428 hours in July, showcasing the region's sunny charm. However, as summer fades into autumn, a steady decline begins, dropping to 296 hours by October and tapering off to 228 hours in December. This rhythmic dance of sunshine not only marks the passage of seasons but also enriches the enchanting ambiance of Smolyan.
In Smolyan, Bulgaria, the likelihood of enjoying sunny weather in January is relatively low, with only a 29% chance of sunshine. This trend captures the essence of winter in the region, where clear skies are more of a rarity than a norm. As the months progress, the chances of sun begin to rise significantly, soaring to 77% by July. This upward trajectory highlights the shift from the cold, overcast days of winter to the vibrant, sun-filled days of summer. Interestingly, February shows a notable increase to 47%, providing a hint of optimism for those eager to bask in sunlight as winter recedes. Overall, January sets the stage for a gradual transition toward brighter, sunnier days in the following months.
In Smolyan, Bulgaria, January begins the year with approximately 9 hours of daylight, a stark contrast to the welcoming 10 hours in February. As spring approaches, daylight gradually increases, reaching 11 hours in March, and continuing to climb throughout April and May, where it peeks at 14 hours. The longest days arrive in June, offering 15 hours of sunlight, before slowly receding as summer fades into autumn. By July, the duration slightly drops to 14 hours, followed by a gentle decline through August and September, where daylight lasts 13 and 12 hours, respectively. October and November settle into a rhythmic return to 11 and 9 hours, respectively, mirroring January’s beginnings. December once again casts a shadow with its 9-hour days, completing the cycle of light and dark. This natural ebb and flow of daylight not only marks the seasons but also shapes the life and activities of the vibrant community in Smolyan.
In January, the winds in Smolyan, Bulgaria typically reach an average speed of 2.2 m/s (5 mph), a brisk but manageable breeze that sets the tone for the winter season. This steady wind persists into February, maintaining the same pace, before beginning a gradual decline in the following months. March sees a slight dip to 2.1 m/s (5 mph), while April and May experience even lighter winds, averaging 1.9 m/s (4 mph). As summer approaches, particularly in June, the winds become calmer, dropping to their lowest point at 1.4 m/s (3 mph). Interestingly, July marks a brief uptick to 2.0 m/s (4 mph) before the trend returns to 1.8 m/s (4 mph) in August, hinting at a seasonal variation influenced by local geography. As the year winds down, September and October stabilize back at 2.0 m/s (5 mph), and November follows closely with 1.9 m/s (4 mph). By December, the winds regain a bit of their winter vigor, rising to 2.3 m/s (5 mph), illustrating a dynamic and shifting wind pattern throughout the year in this picturesque Bulgarian town.
Weather in Smolyan varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Smolyan, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
January and February present a transition in weather conditions as winter progresses. In January, temperatures range from a chilly -18°C (0°F) at night to a slightly warmer 12°C (54°F) during the day, with an average temperature of -1°C (31°F). This month experiences 84 mm (3.3 in) of precipitation over 8 days and a high humidity level of 88%. In contrast, February offers marginally milder conditions, with nighttime lows around -17°C (1°F) and daytime highs reaching 16°C (61°F), averaging at 2°C (35°F). Precipitation decreases to 69 mm (2.7 in) over 9 days, and humidity drops slightly to 83%. For more detailed insights, check Smolyan weather in February.
January and March present contrasting weather patterns, despite sharing a similar minimum temperature of -18°C. January's average temperature hovers around -1°C, while March experiences a more temperate average of 4°C, moving closer to spring conditions. The maximum temperature in March reaches 19°C, a notable increase from January's maximum of 12°C. Precipitation also varies, with March receiving 106 mm over 14 days compared to January's 84 mm spread across 8 days, indicating a wetter month as it transitions towards the warmer season. Humidity remains relatively high in both months, with January at 88% and March slightly lower at 81%. For more specific details on weather trends, you can check Smolyan weather in March.
January and April present a stark contrast in weather patterns. In January, temperatures can plummet as low as -18°C (0°F), with an average of -1°C (31°F) and a maximum of only 12°C (54°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 88% and receives about 84 mm (3.3 in) of precipitation over 8 days. In contrast, April sees a significant warming trend, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -9°C (15°F) to an average of 8°C (47°F) and reaching a maximum of 22°C (72°F). Although April experiences more precipitation at 99 mm (3.9 in) over 15 days, the humidity drops to a more comfortable 71%. For more details on what to expect, check out Smolyan weather in April.
In January, the weather in Smolyan is characterized by cold temperatures, with a minimum of -18°C (0°F) and an average around -1°C (31°F), peaking at a maximum of 12°C (54°F). The month sees 84 mm (3.3 in) of precipitation over 8 days, coupled with high humidity levels at 88%. In contrast, May brings a significant warming trend, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 1°C (33°F) to an average of 13°C (55°F) and reaching a maximum of 27°C (80°F). During this month, precipitation increases to 123 mm (4.9 in) over 17 days, but humidity decreases to a more comfortable 74%. For more detailed information, visit Smolyan weather in May.
In January, the weather in Smolyan is characterized by frigid temperatures, with averages around -1°C (31°F) and nighttime lows dipping to -18°C (0°F). The month sees a relatively low average of 8 precipitation days, totaling 84 mm (3.3 in), while the high humidity of 88% adds to the cold discomfort. By contrast, June brings a dramatic shift, with much warmer temperatures ranging from a minimum of 4°C (39°F) to a pleasant average of 16°C (61°F) and maximums soaring up to 31°C (88°F). However, June is also wetter, experiencing 23 days of precipitation that accumulates to 212 mm (8.3 in), accompanied by lower humidity at 63%. For more detailed insights on the June weather, check out Smolyan weather in June.
In January, Smolyan experiences frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -18°C (0°F) and an average of -1°C (31°F), perfect for winter sports but requiring heavy winter clothing. With an average precipitation of 84 mm (3.3 in) over 8 days, the month is notably humid at 88%, contributing to a chilly and damp atmosphere. In stark contrast, July boasts much warmer weather, featuring a minimum temperature of 8°C (47°F) and a pleasant average of 19°C (66°F), reaching highs of up to 32°C (90°F). Although July sees increased rainfall at 136 mm (5.4 in) over 13 days, the humidity drops to a more comfortable 60%, making it ideal for outdoor activities. For more details about July weather in Smolyan, visit Smolyan weather in July.
In January, the weather is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -18°C (0°F) and an average of -1°C (31°F), peaking at a maximum of 12°C (54°F). The month sees substantial precipitation of 84 mm (3.3 in) over 8 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 88%. In contrast, August offers a much warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to an average of 20°C (68°F), and reaching a maximum of 33°C (91°F). The precipitation in August is significantly lower at 39 mm (1.6 in) over 9 days, and humidity drops to a comfortable 47%. For more specific details about Smolyan weather in August, this comparison highlights the stark differences between winter's chill and summer's warmth.
The weather in January presents a stark contrast to that of September. January is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -18°C (0°F) and an average of -1°C (31°F), resulting in a chilly environment that often invites heavy precipitation, averaging 84 mm (3.3 in) over 8 days. The high humidity of 88% further enhances the cold, making it feel even more biting. In comparison, September enjoys much milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 1°C (34°F) to a warm average of 16°C (60°F) and a maximum of 29°C (85°F). The month experiences less rainfall, averaging only 50 mm (2.0 in) over 6 days, and a more comfortable humidity level of 57%. For more details on September weather, you can visit Smolyan weather in September.
In January, the weather in Smolyan is quite cold, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -18°C (0°F) to a maximum of 12°C (54°F) and an average of -1°C (31°F). Precipitation occurs over 8 days, contributing to the 84 mm (3.3 in) of moisture, coupled with high humidity at 88%. In contrast, October offers a more moderate climate, with temperatures varying from a minimum of -2°C (29°F) to a comfortable maximum of 25°C (77°F), averaging around 10°C (51°F). Precipitation in October is slightly lower at 78 mm (3.1 in) over 7 days, and humidity decreases to 76%. For more detailed weather information, you can refer to Smolyan weather in October.
January and November present a stark contrast in weather conditions. In January, temperatures plunge much lower, with minimums reaching -18°C (0°F) and an average of -1°C (31°F), while November enjoys milder weather with temperatures that range from a minimum of -7°C (20°F) to a pleasant maximum of 21°C (69°F). Precipitation levels are similar, with January receiving 84 mm (3.3 in) over 8 days and November slightly less at 82 mm (3.2 in) over 9 days. Humidity remains relatively high in both months, with January at 88% and November at 85%, but the chill of January creates a significantly more frigid atmosphere than the comparatively mild November days. For more detailed insights, check Smolyan weather in November.
In January, the weather tends to be colder compared to December, with average temperatures dropping to around -1°C (31°F) and minimum temperatures plunging to -18°C (0°F). In contrast, December sees slightly milder conditions with an average temperature of 2°C (36°F) and a minimum of -14°C (8°F). Additionally, January experiences less precipitation, accumulating about 84 mm (3.3 in) over approximately 8 days, whereas December is wetter, with 140 mm (5.5 in) falling over 13 days. Humidity levels are quite similar, with January at 88% and December slightly lower at 87%. For more details on December weather, you can check Smolyan weather in December.
January in Smolyan is characterized by its brisk, chilly temperatures and high humidity, offering a stark contrast to the milder, more temperate months that follow. The average temperature hovers around -1°C, making it one of the coldest months of the year, while occasional warmth can reach up to 12°C. With 84 mm of precipitation spread over about 8 days, January is relatively wet, contributing to its unique charm amidst the picturesque winter landscape. For those interested in a comprehensive overview of Smolyan's climate throughout the year, be sure to check out Smolyan Climate.