Sea temperature in Bulgaria
Live water temperatures and swimming conditions across 44 beaches on the Bulgaria coast.
Best time to swim in Bulgaria
The sea in Bulgaria peaks in August, when the water averages around 26°C.
The main swimming season runs from June – September, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.
On average, 4 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Shoulder months like May and October are noticeably cooler but often quieter, with fewer crowds and steadier weather.
Outside peak season the water drops toward 13°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable.
The coldest month is typically February at around 8°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Bulgaria sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Bulgaria shows an annual mean sea temperature of 16°C, ranging from 8°C in winter to 26°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 18°C between the coldest and warmest month — a useful yardstick when comparing years or checking whether the current sea is running above or below average.
Recent decades have trended slightly warmer at Bulgaria, in line with regional sea-surface temperature records for the wider basin.
Monthly averages below are drawn from multi-decadal climatology and are updated as new observations arrive.
Values are area averages; individual beaches vary by exposure and depth.
Bulgaria sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Bulgaria?
August is the warmest month in Bulgaria, when the sea averages about 26°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Bulgaria?
The coldest month in Bulgaria is typically February, when the water averages around 8°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Bulgaria without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Bulgaria runs from June – September — about 4 months a year when the sea sits above 20°C, the level most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Do I need a wetsuit in Bulgaria?
Outside peak summer the water in Bulgaria drops toward 13°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable. In peak months most swimmers go without.
What is the average sea temperature in Bulgaria?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Bulgaria is about 16°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Bulgaria?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Bulgaria, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
Coastal regions of Bulgaria
Region hubs with live sea temperatures, swim conditions and a beach directory.