Skip to content

Weather Comparison

Sofia vs Bucharest

Side-by-side weather comparison for May

Sofia: 20°CBucharest: 23°C295 km apart

May Weather: Sofia vs Bucharest

MetricSofiaBucharestBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer20°C (68°F)23°C (73°F)Bucharest
Average LowHigher is milder10°C (50°F)12°C (54°F)Bucharest
Rain DaysFewer is drier13 days11 daysBucharest
PrecipitationLess is drier71 mm71 mmTie
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier11h/day11h/dayTie
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer99Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better12 km/h15 km/hSofia

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.

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
20°

Sofia Weather in May

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

23°

Bucharest Weather in May

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sofia warmer than Bucharest in May?
No. In May, Bucharest is warmer with an average high of 23°C (73°F) compared to Sofia at 20°C (68°F), a difference of 3°C.
Which city gets more rain in May, Sofia or Bucharest?
Sofia gets more rain in May with 13 rain days and 71 mm of precipitation. Bucharest is the drier option with 11 rain days.
Is it better to visit Sofia or Bucharest in May?
It depends on your preferences. Sofia averages 20°C and 11 hours of daily sunshine with 13 rain days. Bucharest averages 23°C with 11 sunshine hours and 11 rain days. If you prefer cooler conditions, choose Bucharest. 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