The climate of Bucharest
Bucharest, the captivating capital of
Romania, is nestled in a climatic sweet spot termed as 'Cfa' under the Köppen climate classification - a category exemplified by a humid subtropical climate with no dry season. Geographically positioned in the southeast of the country, Bucharest's climate manifests a vivid symphony of meteorological variations throughout the year.
Tackling annual climate variables, a comprehensive scrutiny reveals that year-round temperatures oscillate from a chilly -5.5°C (22.1°F) in frigid
February up to the zenith at 28.8°C (83.8°F) during the sultry summer months of
July. Likewise, an intriguing pattern is observed in the area of relative humidity, with higher percentages recorded during the winter months, peaking at 90% in
December, and then gradually falling to 73% in
August.
Rainfall in Bucharest presents a dynamic spectacle, with precipitation fluctuating between a moderate 32mm (1.26") in
October to a relatively lush 77mm (3.03") in
June. The city experiences an average of six days of rainfall per month, a trend inescapably tied to its humid subtropical classification. Snowfall enters the scene from October, reaching significant heights of 137mm (5.39") in
January and alternately disappearing entirely come
May.
Sunshine hours reach their zenith during the summer months, with June enjoying the maximum at 15.5 hours, swiftly followed by July and August. Conversely, the daylight hours fall from their apex by December, rounding off at 8.9 hours. The UV Index peaks at 8 during the summer months from June to July, demanding a hearty respect for the sun.
The best time to visit Bucharest
Picking an optimal point in the Romanian calendar to venture to
Bucharest largely hinges on personal preferences. However, regarding temperature, humidity, and daylight,
May to
July offers a pleasing climate for most tourists. These months act as a showcase for Bucharest’s warmth, hovering around a delightful 26.8°C (80.2°F) to 28.8°C (83.8°F) range. Concurrently, humidity, while high relative to the rest of the year, is balanced with higher hours of daylight (14.8 to 15.5 hours) and sunshine. Indeed, sun-worshippers are in for a treat as sunshine hours peak at 8.9 to 9.3 hours, an luminary spectacle seldom matched.
The worst time to visit Bucharest
The moniker of the 'worst' time to visit
Bucharest is a judgment perhaps best left to individual taste. Nonetheless, due to the cold, short days and potentially heavy snow,
January and
February may prove challenging for some. With temperatures plummeting to -5.5°C (22.1°F) and daylight restricted to just over 9 hours, these months can test the resolve of even the steadiest travelers.
Spring weather in Bucharest
Spring in
Bucharest unrolls a canvas of mild temperatures, escalating from a humble 1.5°C (34.7°F) in
March to a comfortable 18°C (64.4°F) in
May. With rainfall moderate to plentiful, from 38mm (1.5") to 70mm (2.76"), the city dons a fresh look. Simultaneously, the daylight stretches from 11.9 hours in March to 14.8 hours in May, stirring Bucharest into vibrant life.
Summer weather in Bucharest
Summer in
Bucharest is both warm and welcoming. Between
June to
August, temperatures range from 23.3°C (73.9°F) to 28.5°C (83.3°F), offering plenty of opportunities to explore the city’s coveted hotspots. Rainfall is relatively generous during the summer period, peaking at 77mm (3.03") in June. Sunshine hours stand robust, reaching round the clock brilliance at 15.5 hours in June.
Autumn weather in Bucharest
Autumn in
Bucharest witnesses a steady fall in temperature, declining from 24.6°C (76.3°F) in
September to a more sedate 10°C (50°F) in
November. Concurrently, rainfall lands at moderate levels, ranging from 42mm (1.65") in September to 49mm (1.93") in November, bereft of any dramatic altercation. The daylight, while bountiful, steadily decreases from 12.5 hours to 9.6 hours during this period.
Winter weather in Bucharest
Winter sweeps into
Bucharest with a drop in temperature, descending from 3.8°C (38.8°F) in
December to -5.5°C (22.1°F) in the chilly grips of
February. Rainfall is relatively sparse, fluttering between 40mm (1.57") to 43mm (1.69"). A stark decline in daylight hours is recorded at this time, cascading from 9.6 hours in December down to a scant 8.9 hours in February, reflective of the seasonal shift. Despite these frigid conditions, the winter season paints a brisk, beautiful tableau of Bucharest under a cerulean winter sky.
Weather in January
Winter takes full effect in
Bucharest,
Romania during
January. With an average high temperature of 1.5°C (34.7°F) and a low dipping to -5.5°C (22.1°F), it is the coldest month of the year. Residents can also expect a substantial amount of snowfall, which blankets the city in a captivating white layer.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February brings a subtle respite to the biting cold of
January in
Bucharest, with temperatures rising slightly. The snowfall decreases from 137mm (5.39") to 110mm (4.33") and the days start to lengthen, allowing more sunlight hours per day.
Weather in February » Weather in March
The advent of
March in
Bucharest heralds the arrival of spring. It brings a notable difference in the weather pattern characterized by increasing temperatures, up to 10.5°C (50.9°F) highs, and the further reduction in snowfall to 15mm (0.59") only.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April experiences a significant transition in
Bucharest's weather. The average temperatures make a pleasant climb, hinting at the approaching summer. Conversely, rainfall begins to pick up, with an increase to 46mm (1.81") compared to
March’s 38mm (1.5").
Weather in April » Weather in May
May witnesses a full swing into spring with a massive leap in temperature averages. The atmosphere starts to get muggy with a notable rise in relative humidity, making evenings warmer. Rainfall is at its peak for the first half of the year with a significant 70mm (2.76") precipitation.
Weather in May » Weather in June
The weather in
Bucharest transitions into summer with
June. The city sees the longest days of the year, indicative of the coming summer solstice. The highest temperature soar has been recorded yet, with June highs reaching 26.8°C (80.2°F).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, with highs soaring up to an average of 28.8°C (83.8°F), is the warmest month in
Bucharest. Simultaneously, it gives relief from the constant showers with a decrease in rainfall to 64mm (2.52") from
June’s 77mm (3.03"). The sweltering heat peak and the high UV index characterize this month.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August maintains the summer mood in
Bucharest, as the temperatures slightly dip from
July's peak to a still balmy average high of 28.5°C (83.3°F). This month sees a further decline in rainfall, down to 58mm (2.28"), marking a descending trend.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September signals the arrival of autumn in
Bucharest, though the weather stays relatively warm. Locals witness a notable drop in temperature, but it's a comfortable transition with average highs still around 24.6°C (76.3°F).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings the true essence of fall to
Bucharest, with temperatures falling further. The decline in temperature is noticeable, especially during evenings when a chill starts to set in. Rainfall decreases modestly, making way for a colder and drier climate towards the end of the month.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November represents the doorstep of winter in
Bucharest, with a strong change in weather dynamics. A stark drop in temperature, down to average highs of 10°C (50°F), and the reemergence of snowfall with 88mm (3.46") hint at the looming winter.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December fully embraces winter in
Bucharest, as temperatures keep sliding towards the year's lowest points. The city slips under a snowy spell, with snowfall increasing from
November's 88mm (3.46") to a solid 105mm (4.13"). Days become the shortest of the year, with an average daylight span of 8.9 hours only.
Weather in December »