Sofia sits in a high basin at 550 metres, ringed by Vitosha and the Balkan mountains. Winters are cold and grey, summers warm and dry. Snow falls reliably from December through February — Sofia is the only European capital where you can ski from the city centre, taking the gondola up Vitosha.
Spring (April–June) is the best season. Mild temperatures, blossoming chestnuts on Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard, and the surrounding countryside green and pink with fruit trees. Rainfall peaks in May but rarely lasts.
Summer (July–August) is hot, often above 30°C, and the city empties as Sofians head to the Black Sea coast. Restaurants put tables out on every pavement, the rakia gardens fill, and the upper slopes of Vitosha stay pleasantly cool.
Autumn (September–October) is the second-best season — long sunny days, golden plane trees, and the wine harvest. By November the fog and damp set in.
Winter (December–February) brings dependable snow on Vitosha and good skiing within sight of the centre. Bring layers; the city has decent heating but the wind across the Largo cuts.