Weather Comparison
Sofia vs Bucharest
Side-by-side weather comparison for May
May Weather: Sofia vs Bucharest
| Metric | Sofia | Bucharest | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 20°C (68°F) | 23°C (73°F)▲ | Bucharest |
| Average LowHigher is milder | 10°C (50°F) | 12°C (54°F)▲ | Bucharest |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 13 days | 11 days▲ | Bucharest |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 71 mm | 71 mm | Tie |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 11h/day | 11h/day | Tie |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 65% | 65% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 9 | 9 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 12 km/h▲ | 15 km/h | Sofia |
Which City is Better in May?
Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Bucharest edges ahead as the better destination in May. Bucharest offers 11 hours of daily sunshine with only 11 rain days, while Sofia sees 11 sunshine hours and 13 rain days.
Sofia sits in the comfortable travel range at 20°C. Bucharest is also comfortable at 23°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Bucharest is the stronger choice in May.
Temperature Comparison in May
Sofia reaches an average high of 20°C (68°F) and drops to 10°C (50°F) at night during May. The daily temperature range is 10°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.
Bucharest averages 23°C (73°F) for the high and 12°C (54°F) for the low, with a daily range of 11°C. The 3°C difference is noticeable but not dramatic.
Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in May.
Rainfall Comparison in May
Sofia receives approximately 71 mm of rainfall across 13 rain days during May. You can expect rain roughly every other day.
Bucharest sees 71 mm over 11 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 May
Highs of 20°C, lows of 10°C, 13 rain days
- ✓light layers
- ✓a light jacket for evenings
- ✓sunscreen
- ✓waterproof jacket
- ✓compact umbrella
- ✓waterproof shoes
Packing for Bucharest in May
Highs of 23°C, lows of 12°C, 11 rain days
- ✓light layers
- ✓a light jacket for evenings
- ✓sunscreen
- ✓waterproof jacket
- ✓compact umbrella
- ✓waterproof shoes
Pack for both: light layers, a light jacket for evenings, sunscreen, waterproof jacket, compact umbrella, waterproof shoes. These items are useful in either destination during May.
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.May is highlighted for quick reference.
| Month | Sofia | Bucharest | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | 4°C | 8d | 3°C | 7d |
| Feb | 6°C | 8d | 6°C | 6d |
| Mar | 10°C | 10d | 11°C | 8d |
| Apr | 15°C | 12d | 17°C | 9d |
| May | 20°C | 13d | 23°C | 11d |
| Jun | 24°C | 12d | 26°C | 12d |
| Jul | 26°C | 9d | 29°C | 10d |
| Aug | 27°C | 7d | 29°C | 7d |
| Sep | 22°C | 6d | 23°C | 7d |
| Oct | 17°C | 7d | 17°C | 7d |
| Nov | 11°C | 7d | 10°C | 7d |
| Dec | 5°C | 9d | 4°C | 7d |
Sofia Weather in May
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Bucharest Weather in May
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities