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Weather Comparison

Sofia vs Bucharest

Side-by-side weather comparison for December

Sofia: 5°CBucharest: 4°C295 km apart

December Weather: Sofia vs Bucharest

MetricSofiaBucharestBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer5°C (41°F)4°C (39°F)Sofia
Average LowHigher is milder-2°C (28°F)-3°C (27°F)Sofia
Rain DaysFewer is drier9 days7 daysBucharest
PrecipitationLess is drier46 mm46 mmTie
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier6h/day5h/daySofia
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer11Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better10 km/h15 km/hSofia

Which City is Better in December?

Sofia and Bucharest are closely matched in December. Neither city has a clear advantage across all metrics. Your decision should come down to personal preference, cultural interests, and travel logistics rather than weather alone.

Sofia is on the cooler side at 5°C, requiring warmer clothing. Bucharest is cooler at 4°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Bucharest is the stronger choice in December. Sofia receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Temperature Comparison in December

Sofia reaches an average high of 5°C (41°F) and drops to -2°C (28°F) at night during December. The daily temperature range is 7°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Bucharest averages 4°C (39°F) for the high and -3°C (27°F) for the low, with a daily range of 7°C. The two cities feel quite similar in terms of temperature.

Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in December.

Rainfall Comparison in December

Sofia receives approximately 46 mm of rainfall across 9 rain days during December. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

Bucharest sees 46 mm over 7 rain days. That makes Bucharest the drier option by 2 rain days and 0 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.

What to Pack: Sofia vs Bucharest

Packing for Sofia in December

Highs of 5°C, lows of -2°C, 9 rain days

  • heavy winter coat
  • thermal base layers
  • warm gloves and hat
  • insulated boots
  • a packable rain jacket
  • an umbrella
  • a warm scarf

Packing for Bucharest in December

Highs of 4°C, lows of -3°C, 7 rain days

  • heavy winter coat
  • thermal base layers
  • warm gloves and hat
  • insulated boots
  • a packable rain jacket
  • an umbrella
  • a warm scarf

Pack for both: heavy winter coat, thermal base layers, warm gloves and hat, insulated boots, a packable rain jacket, an umbrella, a warm scarf. These items are useful in either destination during December.

Year-Round Comparison: Sofia vs Bucharest

The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.December is highlighted for quick reference.

MonthSofiaBucharest
HighRainHighRain
Jan4°C8d3°C7d
Feb6°C8d6°C6d
Mar10°C10d11°C8d
Apr15°C12d17°C9d
May20°C13d23°C11d
Jun24°C12d26°C12d
Jul26°C9d29°C10d
Aug27°C7d29°C7d
Sep22°C6d23°C7d
Oct17°C7d17°C7d
Nov11°C7d10°C7d
Dec5°C9d4°C7d
5°

Sofia Weather in December

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

4°

Bucharest Weather in December

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sofia warmer than Bucharest in December?
Yes. In December, Sofia is warmer with an average high of 5°C (41°F) compared to Bucharest at 4°C (39°F), a difference of 1°C.
Which city gets more rain in December, Sofia or Bucharest?
Sofia gets more rain in December with 9 rain days and 46 mm of precipitation. Bucharest is the drier option with 7 rain days.
Is it better to visit Sofia or Bucharest in December?
It depends on your preferences. Sofia averages 5°C and 6 hours of daily sunshine with 9 rain days. Bucharest averages 4°C with 5 sunshine hours and 7 rain days. If you prefer warmer weather, choose Sofia. For fewer rain days, Bucharest is the better pick.
How far apart are Sofia and Bucharest?
Sofia and Bucharest are approximately 295 km (183 miles) apart. Sofia is located in Bulgaria (Europe) while Bucharest is in Romania (Europe).
What is the best month to visit Sofia and Bucharest?
For Sofia, July tends to be the best month with 13 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 26°C. For Bucharest, July is typically ideal with 13 sunshine hours and 29°C highs.

Compare Sofia and Bucharest in Other Months

Climate data sourced from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, using ERA5 reanalysis data covering 30-year normals from 1991 to 2020. All temperatures shown in Celsius with Fahrenheit equivalents. Rain days count days with 1 mm or more of precipitation. Sunshine hours represent average daily values. This comparison is generated from long-term climate averages and individual trips may vary.

Sofia coordinates: 42.70°N, 23.32°E | Bucharest coordinates: 44.43°N, 26.10°E