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Weather Comparison

Sofia vs Belgrade

Side-by-side weather comparison for January

Sofia: 4°CBelgrade: 4°C327 km apart

January Weather: Sofia vs Belgrade

MetricSofiaBelgradeBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer4°C (39°F)4°C (39°F)Tie
Average LowHigher is milder-4°C (25°F)-3°C (27°F)Belgrade
Rain DaysFewer is drier8 days9 daysSofia
PrecipitationLess is drier40 mm45 mmSofia
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier7h/day5h/daySofia
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer11Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better11 km/h15 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.

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

Sofia reaches an average high of 4°C (39°F) and drops to -4°C (25°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 8°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.

Belgrade averages 4°C (39°F) for the high and -3°C (27°F) for the low, with a daily range of 7°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

Sofia receives approximately 40 mm of rainfall across 8 rain days during January. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

Belgrade sees 45 mm over 9 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: Sofia vs Belgrade

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

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

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: Sofia vs Belgrade

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.

MonthSofiaBelgrade
HighRainHighRain
Jan4°C8d4°C9d
Feb6°C8d7°C9d
Mar10°C10d12°C10d
Apr15°C12d17°C11d
May20°C13d22°C12d
Jun24°C12d26°C11d
Jul26°C9d28°C10d
Aug27°C7d28°C8d
Sep22°C6d23°C8d
Oct17°C7d18°C8d
Nov11°C7d11°C8d
Dec5°C9d5°C10d
4°

Sofia Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

4°

Belgrade Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Compare Sofia and Belgrade 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 | Belgrade coordinates: 44.79°N, 20.45°E