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Weather Comparison

Tirana vs Sofia

Side-by-side weather comparison for December

Tirana: 12°CSofia: 5°C327 km apart

December Weather: Tirana vs Sofia

MetricTiranaSofiaBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer12°C (54°F)5°C (41°F)Tirana
Average LowHigher is milder4°C (39°F)-2°C (28°F)Tirana
Rain DaysFewer is drier12 days9 daysSofia
PrecipitationLess is drier137 mm46 mmSofia
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier6h/day6h/dayTie
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer11Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better13 km/h10 km/hSofia

Which City is Better in December?

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Sofia edges ahead as the better destination in December. Sofia offers 6 hours of daily sunshine with only 9 rain days, while Tirana sees 6 sunshine hours and 12 rain days.

Tirana is on the cooler side at 12°C, requiring warmer clothing. Sofia is cooler at 5°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Sofia is the stronger choice in December.

Temperature Comparison in December

Tirana reaches an average high of 12°C (54°F) and drops to 4°C (39°F) at night during December. The daily temperature range is 8°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.

Sofia averages 5°C (41°F) for the high and -2°C (28°F) for the low, with a daily range of 7°C. There is a notable 7°C gap between the two cities, so expect a very different feel.

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

Rainfall Comparison in December

Tirana receives approximately 137 mm of rainfall across 12 rain days during December. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

Sofia sees 46 mm over 9 rain days. That makes Sofia the drier option by 3 rain days and 91 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.

What to Pack: Tirana vs Sofia

Packing for Tirana in December

Highs of 12°C, lows of 4°C, 12 rain days

  • warm layers
  • a mid-weight jacket
  • long trousers
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes
  • a warm scarf

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

Pack for both: a warm scarf. These items are useful in either destination during December.

Year-Round Comparison: Tirana vs Sofia

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.

MonthTiranaSofia
HighRainHighRain
Jan11°C10d4°C8d
Feb12°C11d6°C8d
Mar15°C11d10°C10d
Apr18°C13d15°C12d
May23°C11d20°C13d
Jun27°C7d24°C12d
Jul30°C5d26°C9d
Aug30°C5d27°C7d
Sep26°C9d22°C6d
Oct21°C9d17°C7d
Nov16°C11d11°C7d
Dec12°C12d5°C9d
12°

Tirana Weather in December

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

5°

Sofia Weather in December

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tirana warmer than Sofia in December?
Yes. In December, Tirana is warmer with an average high of 12°C (54°F) compared to Sofia at 5°C (41°F), a difference of 7°C.
Which city gets more rain in December, Tirana or Sofia?
Tirana gets more rain in December with 12 rain days and 137 mm of precipitation. Sofia is the drier option with 9 rain days.
Is it better to visit Tirana or Sofia in December?
It depends on your preferences. Tirana averages 12°C and 6 hours of daily sunshine with 12 rain days. Sofia averages 5°C with 6 sunshine hours and 9 rain days. If you prefer warmer weather, choose Tirana. For fewer rain days, Sofia is the better pick.
How far apart are Tirana and Sofia?
Tirana and Sofia are approximately 327 km (203 miles) apart. Tirana is located in Albania (Europe) while Sofia is in Bulgaria (Europe).
What is the best month to visit Tirana and Sofia?
For Tirana, July tends to be the best month with 13 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 30°C. For Sofia, July is typically ideal with 13 sunshine hours and 26°C highs.

Compare Tirana and Sofia 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.

Tirana coordinates: 41.33°N, 19.82°E | Sofia coordinates: 42.70°N, 23.32°E