Sofia, Bulgaria: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

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Ready to pack for Sofia, Bulgaria? If you're planning to go to Sofia, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Sofia, Bulgaria

Based on the climate and weather in Sofia, Bulgaria, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Sofia, Bulgaria

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Sofia, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Sofia, Bulgaria by month

January

January in Sofia is frosty. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C). But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 70% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sofia. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you get the necessary kind. The majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you plan to check out the majestic Banya Bashi Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; it is best to check with the Sofia tourism authority.

Synagogues may have similar dress requirements. At Sofia Synagogue you will want to choose conservative clothes, aside from the head coverings.

If you go to Park National Palace of Culture, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

February

If you go to Sofia in February, you will notice that it is pretty cool. Expect it to rain or snow 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the high 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sofia. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to pick the necessary type. The majority of adapters available are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you plan to check out the majestic Banya Bashi Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; it is best to check with the Sofia tourism authority.

Synagogues may have similar dress requirements. At Sofia Synagogue you will want to choose conservative clothes, aside from the head coverings.

If you go to Park National Palace of Culture, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

March

In March, Sofia is cold. Temperatures routinely are in the high 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Sofia, with several of the days of the month having rain. In March, humidity reaches as high as 60%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sofia. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to get the correct type. Many adapters available online are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you plan to check out the majestic Banya Bashi Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; it is best to check with the Sofia tourism authority.

Synagogues may have similar dress requirements. At Sofia Synagogue you will want to choose conservative clothes, aside from the head coverings.

If you go to Park National Palace of Culture, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

April

Traveling to Sofia in April, you will notice that it is chilly. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sofia. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you choose the right type. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you plan to check out the majestic Banya Bashi Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; it is best to check with the Sofia tourism authority.

Synagogues may have similar dress requirements. At Sofia Synagogue you will want to choose conservative clothes, aside from the head coverings.

If you go to Park National Palace of Culture, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

May

If you go to Sofia in May, you will notice that it can be chilly. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sofia. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to choose the correct kind. Most adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you plan to check out the majestic Banya Bashi Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; it is best to check with the Sofia tourism authority.

Synagogues may have similar dress requirements. At Sofia Synagogue you will want to choose conservative clothes, aside from the head coverings.

If you go to Park National Palace of Culture, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

June

In June, Sofia is mild. Temperatures routinely are in the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Sofia, with several of the days of the month having rain. In June, humidity reaches as high as 60%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sofia. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to pick the correct type. Many adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you plan to check out the majestic Banya Bashi Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; it is best to check with the Sofia tourism authority.

Synagogues may have similar dress requirements. At Sofia Synagogue you will want to choose conservative clothes, aside from the head coverings.

If you go to Park National Palace of Culture, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

July

Traveling to Sofia in July, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sofia. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to pick the necessary type. Most adapters available are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you plan to check out the majestic Banya Bashi Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; it is best to check with the Sofia tourism authority.

Synagogues may have similar dress requirements. At Sofia Synagogue you will want to choose conservative clothes, aside from the head coverings.

If you go to Park National Palace of Culture, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

August

If you go to Sofia in August, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sofia. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to find the correct type. Many adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you plan to check out the majestic Banya Bashi Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; it is best to check with the Sofia tourism authority.

Synagogues may have similar dress requirements. At Sofia Synagogue you will want to choose conservative clothes, aside from the head coverings.

If you go to Park National Palace of Culture, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

September

In September, Sofia is balmy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Sofia, with several of the days of the month having rain. In September, humidity reaches as high as 50%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sofia. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you get the correct kind. Most adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you plan to check out the majestic Banya Bashi Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; it is best to check with the Sofia tourism authority.

Synagogues may have similar dress requirements. At Sofia Synagogue you will want to choose conservative clothes, aside from the head coverings.

If you go to Park National Palace of Culture, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

October

If you are traveling to Sofia in October, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sofia. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you choose the correct type. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you plan to check out the majestic Banya Bashi Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; it is best to check with the Sofia tourism authority.

Synagogues may have similar dress requirements. At Sofia Synagogue you will want to choose conservative clothes, aside from the head coverings.

If you go to Park National Palace of Culture, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

November

November in Sofia is brisk. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) to 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sofia. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you find the right kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you plan to check out the majestic Banya Bashi Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; it is best to check with the Sofia tourism authority.

Synagogues may have similar dress requirements. At Sofia Synagogue you will want to choose conservative clothes, aside from the head coverings.

If you go to Park National Palace of Culture, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

December

December for Sofia is cold. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sofia. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you find the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you plan to check out the majestic Banya Bashi Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; it is best to check with the Sofia tourism authority.

Synagogues may have similar dress requirements. At Sofia Synagogue you will want to choose conservative clothes, aside from the head coverings.

If you go to Park National Palace of Culture, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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