Climate and Geography

Climate

Bulgaria is situated in the moderate climatic zone. The country can be conditionally divided into two climatic zones. The Stara Planina Mountain is considered the watershed between them. Winters are colder in Northern Bulgaria and much milder in the Southern part of the country. Winter temperatures vary between 0° and 7°C below zero. Very rarely temperatures may drop below 20°C below zero. Typical continental and changeable is the climate in spring. It is exceptionally favourable for the growth of fruit-bearing trees, for whose fruit Bulgaria has been renowned in Europe for centuries. Summer is hot and sweltering in Northern Bulgaria, especially along the Danube River.

The climate in Southern Bulgaria is determined by the air-currents from the Mediterranean. Summer temperatures do not reach the extremes as in Dobroudzha and along the Danube and are usually moderate: about 28°-30°C. The highest readings are usually taken in the towns of Rousse and Silistra, sometimes reaching above 35°C. Autumns are mild and pleasant in Bulgaria. The multi-coloured for-ests in autumn add to the picturesque landscape. Autumn showers in principle are more frequent than in spring. May, October and November are the rainiest months.

The table below displays average monthly climate indicators in Bulgaria:

Geography

The Republic of Bulgaria covers a territory of 110 993 square kilometres. The average altitude of the country is 470 meters above sea level. The Stara Planina Mountain occupies central position and serves as a natural dividing line from the west to the east. It is a 750 km long mountain range and is a part of the Alpine-Himalayan mountain range. It reaches the Black Sea to the east and turns to the north along the Bulgarian-Yugoslavian border.

A natural boundary with Romania is the Danube River, which is navigable all along for cargo and passenger vessels. The Black Sea is the natural eastern border of Bulgaria with 378 km long coastline. There are clearly cut bays, the biggest two being those of Varna and Bourgas. About 25% of the coastline are covered with sand and host Bulgarian seaside resorts. The southern part of Bulgaria is mainly mountainous. The highest mountain is Rila with Mt. Moussala being the highest peak on the Balkan Peninsula (2925 m).

Many European travellers claim that Bulgaria is Eden on Earth because although quite a small country Bulgaria has everything: a sea, rivers and lakes, high mountains, virgin forests, plateaus and plains, hot and cold mineral springs…