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Weather Comparison

Belgrade vs Sofia

Side-by-side weather comparison for January

Belgrade: 4°CSofia: 4°C327 km apart

January Weather: Belgrade vs Sofia

MetricBelgradeSofiaBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer4°C (39°F)4°C (39°F)Tie
Average LowHigher is milder-3°C (27°F)-4°C (25°F)Belgrade
Rain DaysFewer is drier9 days8 daysSofia
PrecipitationLess is drier45 mm40 mmSofia
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier5h/day7h/daySofia
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer11Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better15 km/h11 km/hSofia

Which City is Better in January?

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Sofia edges ahead as the better destination in January. Sofia offers 7 hours of daily sunshine with only 8 rain days, while Belgrade sees 5 sunshine hours and 9 rain days.

Belgrade is on the cooler side at 4°C, requiring warmer clothing. Sofia is cooler at 4°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Sofia is the stronger choice in January. Sofia receives 2 more hours of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Temperature Comparison in January

Belgrade reaches an average high of 4°C (39°F) and drops to -3°C (27°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 7°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Sofia averages 4°C (39°F) for the high and -4°C (25°F) for the low, with a daily range of 8°C. The two cities feel quite similar in terms of temperature.

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

Rainfall Comparison in January

Belgrade receives approximately 45 mm of rainfall across 9 rain days during January. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

Sofia sees 40 mm over 8 rain days. That makes Sofia the drier option by 1 rain day and 5 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.

What to Pack: Belgrade vs Sofia

Packing for Belgrade in January

Highs of 4°C, lows of -3°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

Packing for Sofia in January

Highs of 4°C, lows of -4°C, 8 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: heavy winter coat, thermal base layers, warm gloves and hat, insulated boots, a packable rain jacket, an umbrella, a warm scarf. These items are useful in either destination during January.

Year-Round Comparison: Belgrade 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.January is highlighted for quick reference.

MonthBelgradeSofia
HighRainHighRain
Jan4°C9d4°C8d
Feb7°C9d6°C8d
Mar12°C10d10°C10d
Apr17°C11d15°C12d
May22°C12d20°C13d
Jun26°C11d24°C12d
Jul28°C10d26°C9d
Aug28°C8d27°C7d
Sep23°C8d22°C6d
Oct18°C8d17°C7d
Nov11°C8d11°C7d
Dec5°C10d5°C9d
4°

Belgrade Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

4°

Sofia Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Belgrade warmer than Sofia in January?
Belgrade and Sofia have the same average high temperature of 4°C (39°F) in January. The average lows are -3°C and -4°C respectively.
Which city gets more rain in January, Belgrade or Sofia?
Belgrade gets more rain in January with 9 rain days and 45 mm of precipitation. Sofia is the drier option with 8 rain days.
Is it better to visit Belgrade or Sofia in January?
It depends on your preferences. Belgrade averages 4°C and 5 hours of daily sunshine with 9 rain days. Sofia averages 4°C with 7 sunshine hours and 8 rain days. If you prefer cooler conditions, choose Sofia. For fewer rain days, Sofia is the better pick.
How far apart are Belgrade and Sofia?
Belgrade and Sofia are approximately 327 km (203 miles) apart. Belgrade is located in Serbia (Europe) while Sofia is in Bulgaria (Europe).
What is the best month to visit Belgrade and Sofia?
For Belgrade, August tends to be the best month with 12 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 28°C. For Sofia, July is typically ideal with 13 sunshine hours and 26°C highs.

Compare Belgrade 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.

Belgrade coordinates: 44.79°N, 20.45°E | Sofia coordinates: 42.70°N, 23.32°E