Bulgaria has a temperate-continental climate, which is typical for Central Europe, and the climate is generally considered pleasantly mild. The country has four distinct seasons and a climate which varies somewhat between the coastal areas and the mountainous ones.Winters are naturally more cold in the mountains, with heavy snowfall and average January temperatures of 23°F (-5°C) in the valleys and ski resorts, and up to -4°F (-20°C) on the high peaks. Snow cover usually lasts for five or six months (December to April) on the north slopes of higher mountains, and is over five feet (1.5m) thick.Summer temperatures vary from 57°F to 66°F (14°C - 19°C) and during this season the mountains are popular with hikers and campers. Spring is particularly beautiful in the mountains because all the flowers are in their first bloom. Spring and autumn are fairly mild seasons which attract off-peak tourists for relaxing mountain breaks.
