Weather Comparison
Sofia vs Bucharest
Side-by-side weather comparison for December
December Weather: Sofia vs Bucharest
| Metric | Sofia | Bucharest | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 5°C (41°F)▲ | 4°C (39°F) | Sofia |
| Average LowHigher is milder | -2°C (28°F)▲ | -3°C (27°F) | Sofia |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 9 days | 7 days▲ | Bucharest |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 46 mm | 46 mm | Tie |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 6h/day▲ | 5h/day | Sofia |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 65% | 65% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 1 | 1 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 10 km/h▲ | 15 km/h | Sofia |
Which City is Better in December?
Sofia and Bucharest are closely matched in December. Neither city has a clear advantage across all metrics. Your decision should come down to personal preference, cultural interests, and travel logistics rather than weather alone.
Sofia is on the cooler side at 5°C, requiring warmer clothing. Bucharest is cooler at 4°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Bucharest is the stronger choice in December. Sofia receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Temperature Comparison in December
Sofia reaches an average high of 5°C (41°F) and drops to -2°C (28°F) at night during December. The daily temperature range is 7°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.
Bucharest 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 December.
Rainfall Comparison in December
Sofia receives approximately 46 mm of rainfall across 9 rain days during December. You can expect rain roughly every other day.
Bucharest sees 46 mm over 7 rain days. That makes Bucharest the drier option by 2 rain days and 0 mm of total precipitation.
Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.
What to Pack: Sofia vs Bucharest
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
Packing for Bucharest in December
Highs of 4°C, lows of -3°C, 7 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 December.
Year-Round Comparison: Sofia vs Bucharest
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.
| Month | Sofia | Bucharest | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | 4°C | 8d | 3°C | 7d |
| Feb | 6°C | 8d | 6°C | 6d |
| Mar | 10°C | 10d | 11°C | 8d |
| Apr | 15°C | 12d | 17°C | 9d |
| May | 20°C | 13d | 23°C | 11d |
| Jun | 24°C | 12d | 26°C | 12d |
| Jul | 26°C | 9d | 29°C | 10d |
| Aug | 27°C | 7d | 29°C | 7d |
| Sep | 22°C | 6d | 23°C | 7d |
| Oct | 17°C | 7d | 17°C | 7d |
| Nov | 11°C | 7d | 10°C | 7d |
| Dec | 5°C | 9d | 4°C | 7d |
Sofia Weather in December
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Bucharest Weather in December
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities