Last updated: August 21, 2025
In January, Sofia, Bulgaria experiences a temperate winter, characterized by a maximum of 12°C (54°F) and an average chill of -2°C (29°F), occasionally dipping to a minimum of -25°C (-14°F). The month brings a moderate precipitation total of 55 mm (2.2 in) over about 9 days, resulting in a notably high humidity level of 89%. This combination of cold temperatures and moisture creates a unique atmosphere, making Sofia a picturesque yet brisk destination during winter.
In January, Sofia experiences its coldest temperatures of the year, with minimums plummeting to an icy -25°C (-14°F) and an average hovering around -2°C (29°F). While the city can occasionally see a milder peak of 12°C (54°F), the bitter chill is a defining characteristic of this month. The trends indicate a gradual warming as the season progresses, with February showing slightly less severity, and then a noticeable rise in temperatures by March, when averages reach 5°C (40°F). This transitional period hints at the changing seasons, paving the way for the more moderate and pleasant temperatures that spring brings. Overall, January stands out as a month of frosty beauty, contrasting sharply with the warmth that follows, making it a unique time to experience Sofia's winter charm.
In January, Sofia experiences an average precipitation of 55 mm (2.2 in) over approximately 9 days, marking it as a relatively wet start to the year. This month typically sets the tone for winter, transitioning from the heavier December rainfall of 68 mm (2.7 in) to slightly drier months ahead. As temperatures fluctuate, January often brings a mix of rain and occasional snow, making it a crucial transition period. The precipitation trend reveals a slight decrease as February approaches, with only 47 mm (1.8 in) expected, hinting at a gradual shift towards milder conditions in early spring. Overall, January serves as a reminder of winter's lingering presence in Sofia, characterized by its cool, damp atmosphere.
In January, Sofia experiences its peak humidity at a notable 89%, setting a trend of cooler, damp conditions that can persist into February, where humidity slightly decreases to 85%. As winter gives way to spring, there’s a gradual decline in humidity levels, reaching 71% by April. This trend of decreasing moisture continues through the warmer months, hitting a low of 50% in August, indicating a shift toward drier weather. However, as autumn approaches, humidity begins to rise again, peaking at 89% once more in December, creating a cycle that underscores Sofia's distinct seasonal variations in humidity throughout the year.
In January, Sofia experiences a low UV Index of 2, which means you can enjoy outdoor activities with minimal risk of sunburn—about 45 minutes of unprotected sun exposure is safe. As the month progresses into February, the UV Index increases to 4, indicating a moderate exposure category, where the burn time decreases to 30 minutes. This trend continues into the spring, with March and April both reaching a high UV Index of 7, resulting in a burn time of just 25 minutes. By late spring and summer, the UV Index peaks at 10 in June and July, categorizing the exposure as very high, necessitating protective measures after only 15 minutes in the sun. As the year draws to a close, the Index dips back; November sees a moderate 3 and December returns to a safe 2, with a burn time of 45 minutes once again. For more detailed insights, you can visit Sofia UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
January in Sofia, Bulgaria, may start with a modest 173 hours of sunshine, but it sets the stage for a gradual increase that brightens the days ahead. As winter gives way to spring, the hours of sunlight climb steadily, reaching 238 hours in February and 285 hours in March. This trend continues to blossom through the months, peaking at an impressive 423 hours in July, the sunniest month of the year. Even as summer fades, the city enjoys a generous 401 hours in August, before transitioning to a gentle decline in sunlight as autumn arrives. By December, the sunshine retreats to 211 hours, yet the vibrant glow of the earlier months lingers, reminding residents of the warmth that lies ahead each year. This predictable cycle of light not only enhances Sofia’s charm but also invites both locals and visitors to embrace each season's unique beauty.
In January, Sofia, Bulgaria typically experiences a modest 26% chance of sunny weather, making it one of the cloudier months of the year. This contrasts sharply with the sunnier spells that follow, as February nearly doubles the likelihood of sunshine to 50%. The trend continues through the spring, with March and April maintaining around 48% and 41% respectively. By the time summer arrives, the chances soar, with July and August boasting a remarkable 73% and 74% chance of sun. Overall, the gradual increase in sunny days from January through to late summer highlights a clear seasonal pattern, inviting both locals and visitors to bask in the sun's warmth as the year advances.
In Sofia, Bulgaria, the daylight duration evolves beautifully throughout the year, starting with a modest 9 hours in January. As winter gives way to spring, the days progressively lengthen, reaching 11 hours by March and a delightful 13 hours by April. This trend continues, peaking in June with an impressive 15 hours of daylight, making it the brightest month of the year. As summer wanes, daylight gradually decreases, with August bringing 13 hours and September a gentle drop to 12 hours. By October, the days shrink to 11 hours, and the cycle closes with the return to 9 hours in both November and December. This rhythmic pattern highlights the dynamic interplay of seasons in Sofia, inviting residents and visitors alike to embrace the changing light throughout the year.
In Sofia, Bulgaria, the wind dances gently through the city in January, with an average speed of 2.3 m/s (5 mph). This marks a consistent trend as January, March, and May all share this brisk pace, showcasing a winter chill that lingers just a bit longer. As the seasons shift to February and April, the winds ease slightly to 2.1 m/s (5 mph), hinting at the transition towards warmer months. Interestingly, the summer months of June through August experience a dip, with wind speeds settling around 1.7 to 2.0 m/s (4-5 mph), offering a more tranquil atmosphere. However, as autumn arrives, wind speeds return to the 2.0-2.1 m/s (4-5 mph) range, creating a balanced annual rhythm that encapsulates Sofia's seasonal charm.
Weather in Sofia varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Sofia, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
January and February present a notable shift in weather conditions. In January, temperatures range from a minimum of -25°C (-14°F) to a maximum of 12°C (54°F), with an average of -2°C (29°F). The month experiences 55 mm of precipitation over 9 days and has a high humidity level of 89%. In contrast, February sees a slight increase in average temperatures, with a minimum of -22°C (-8°F) and a maximum of 18°C (64°F), averaging at 2°C (36°F). Precipitation in February decreases to 47 mm across 8 days, and humidity slightly drops to 85%. For more detailed information, you can check Sofia weather in February.
In January, temperatures tend to be quite frigid, with a minimum of -25°C (-14°F) and an average of -2°C (29°F). The weather is characterized by a significant amount of precipitation, totaling 55 mm (2.2 in) over about 9 days, and humidity levels remain high at 89%.
In contrast, March brings a noticeable warming trend, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -20°C (-3°F) to a maximum of 22°C (71°F) and an average of 5°C (40°F). Although March sees slightly more precipitation at 74 mm (2.9 in) over 11 days, the humidity decreases to 83%. For more details, check out Sofia weather in March.
In January, the weather is quite harsh, with temperatures ranging from a biting minimum of -25°C (-14°F) to a mild max of 12°C (54°F) and an average of -2°C (29°F). The month sees about 55 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over 9 days, combined with high humidity levels at 89%. In contrast, April brings a noticeable warmth, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -6°C (21°F) to a comfortable maximum of 25°C (78°F) and an average of 9°C (49°F). Although April has similar precipitation, totaling 50 mm (2.0 in) over 10 days, the humidity drops to 71%, creating a more pleasant atmosphere. For more specific details on April weather, visit Sofia weather in April.
January contrasts sharply with May in terms of weather. In January, temperatures can plummet as low as -25°C (-14°F), with an average of -2°C (29°F) and a maximum reaching only 12°C (54°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 89%, and precipitation occurs over 9 days, totaling 55 mm (2.2 in). In stark contrast, May experiences much milder weather with minimum temperatures around 1°C (34°F) and averages climbing to 14°C (57°F), while highs can soar to 29°C (84°F). Although May has slightly more precipitation at 65 mm (2.6 in) spread across 14 days, the humidity is significantly lower at 73%. For a deeper look into the weather you can expect in May, check out Sofia weather in May.
January and June in Sofia present strikingly different weather patterns. In January, temperatures range from a chilling minimum of -25°C (-14°F) to a mild maximum of 12°C (54°F), with an average of -2°C (29°F). The month experiences significant humidity at 89% and sees around 55 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over 9 days. In contrast, June brings much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 4°C (39°F) and a maximum soaring to 32°C (91°F), resulting in an average of 18°C (64°F). Although June experiences more total precipitation at 87 mm (3.4 in), it occurs over 16 days, and humidity drops to a more comfortable 67%. For more details, you can check Sofia weather in June.
January and July present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -25°C (-14°F), with an average temperature around -2°C (29°F) and a maximum of 12°C (54°F). The month sees approximately 55 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation spread over 9 days, coupled with a high humidity level of 89%. In contrast, July boasts much milder temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (47°F), an average of 20°C (68°F), and a peak of 35°C (95°F). Precipitation slightly increases to 67 mm (2.7 in), occurring over 11 days, with humidity levels dropping to a more comfortable 68%. For more details on summer weather, check out Sofia weather in July.
January and August showcase stark contrasts in weather, reflecting the extremes of winter and summer. In January, temperatures plunge to a minimum of -25°C (-14°F) and hover around an average of -2°C (29°F), occasionally peaking at 12°C (54°F). The month experiences high humidity at 89% and 55 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over about 9 days. Conversely, August brings warmth, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 7°C (44°F) to an inviting average of 20°C (69°F), reaching a maximum of 35°C (96°F). Precipitation decreases to 33 mm (1.3 in) over just 7 days, and humidity drops to a more comfortable 50%. For more detailed information on weather patterns during this month, visit Sofia weather in August.
January and September present stark contrasts in weather, particularly in temperature and humidity. January's average temperature hovers around -2°C (29°F), with extremes reaching as low as -25°C (-14°F) and only maxing out at 12°C (54°F), while September boasts a much warmer average of 16°C (61°F), ranging from a minimum of -2°C (28°F) to a sweltering maximum of 32°C (90°F). Additionally, January is marked by higher humidity at 89%, contributing to its chilly feel, whereas September's humidity drops to a more comfortable 59%. Precipitation patterns differ as well, with January experiencing 55 mm (2.2 in) over 9 days compared to September's lighter 25 mm (1.0 in) over just 4 days. For more details on September weather, you can visit Sofia weather in September.
January and October present starkly contrasting weather patterns. In January, the temperatures plunge to a minimum of -25°C (-14°F) and only reach an average of -2°C (29°F), while the maximum barely hits 12°C (54°F). This month also sees considerable humidity at 89% and about 55 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation spread over 9 days. In contrast, October boasts a milder climate with minimum temperatures around -3°C (27°F) and an average of 10°C (51°F), peaking at a warm 28°C (84°F). It experiences less precipitation, totaling 44 mm (1.7 in) across just 6 days, and lower humidity at 79%. For more details on October's weather, check out Sofia weather in October.
In January, the weather is much colder, with temperatures plunging to a minimum of -25°C (-14°F) and averaging around -2°C (29°F), while the maximum reaches only 12°C (54°F). The month sees about 55 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over 9 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 89%. In contrast, November offers a milder climate, with minimum temperatures around -14°C (6°F), an average of 6°C (42°F), and a maximum of 22°C (73°F). This month experiences less precipitation at 37 mm (1.5 in) over 6 days, with humidity slightly lower at 87%. For more details, you can check out Sofia weather in November.
January generally presents a colder climate compared to December, with average temperatures dropping from 1°C (34°F) in December to -2°C (29°F) in January. While both months experience high humidity levels around 89%, January tends to be drier, receiving about 55 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over approximately 9 days, compared to December's 68 mm (2.7 in) over 12 days. Additionally, January's minimum temperature can plunge to -25°C (-14°F), significantly colder than December's -14°C (7°F). For more detailed insights on December weather, you can visit Sofia weather in December.
January in Sofia presents a stark contrast to the city's more temperate months. With average temperatures dipping well below freezing and maximums reaching only mild warmth, this month is characterized by its cold snap. While the chill lingers, January also brings a notable 89% humidity, making the air feel even chillier. Rainfall occurs over about a third of the month, evidenced by 55 mm of precipitation across 9 days. This combination of cold and damp makes January one of the most unforgiving months, setting it apart markedly from the warmer offerings of spring and summer. For a deeper dive into Sofia's climatic patterns, visit Sofia Climate.