Weather in Bucharest by month: what to expect in Romania’s capital

Bucharest sits in the southern plains of Romania, where the weather shifts clearly between four seasons. Winters in Bucharest are chilly, with January bringing the coldest days, while summers feel warm and long, peaking in July and August. Spring and autumn act as gentle transitions, offering mild temperatures before the extremes of winter or summer set in.

The city’s climate is continental, so expect noticeable swings between seasons. Bucharest rarely sees extreme weather, but the contrast between a frosty December morning and a sunny June afternoon can be striking. Rainfall spreads fairly evenly, though late spring and early summer tend to be wetter than the rest of the year.

Winters in Bucharest are cold, with average temperatures hovering around 0.6 °C in January. Nighttime lows can drop to -4.4 °C, while daytime highs rarely climb above 5.2 °C. By March, the cold eases, and temperatures rise to 6.9 °C, though evenings remain crisp.

Summer arrives in full force by June, when Bucharest warms up to 22.4 °C on average. July and August are the hottest months, with daytime highs reaching 31.6 °C and 32.4 °C respectively. Evenings stay warm, making it comfortable for outdoor activities. By September, the heat fades, and Bucharest cools to a pleasant 19.2 °C.

Rainfall in Bucharest is moderate but varies by season. The driest months are August, with just 29.8 mm of rain, and September, when precipitation remains low. May and June are the wettest, with 81.7 mm and 91.3 mm respectively, often bringing short but heavy showers.

Snow is rare in Bucharest, though light flurries can occur in December and January. The city’s annual rainfall totals around 642 mm, spread across the year. Even in wetter months, rain usually doesn’t last long, so it’s easy to plan around.

For winter visits to Bucharest, pack warm layers, a coat, and sturdy shoes to handle chilly January mornings. A scarf and gloves are useful for colder days, though heavy snowfall is uncommon. In spring, lighter layers work well, as temperatures rise from 6.9 °C in March to 16.9 °C by May.

Summer in Bucharest calls for breathable clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen, especially in July and August when temperatures peak. Evenings can still feel warm, so a light jacket or shawl is handy. For autumn, bring a mix of light and medium layers—September stays mild, but by November, temperatures drop to 6.9 °C, and a coat becomes necessary.